NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on September 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room, 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois. The meeting was delayed due to a technical glitch and was called to order at 6:39 pm by Mayor Scott Vandermyde. City Clerk Michael Hemmer recorded the minutes. Meeting was offered to the public via Zoom and video recording to be available at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofMorrisonIL

ROLL CALL

Alderpersons present on roll call were Kevin Bruckner, Greg Kruse, Sidonna Mahaffey, Todd Schlegel, Matt Tichler, and Harvey Zuidema. Absent: Vernon Tervelt and Josh West. Other city officials present were Police Chief Kevin Soenksen and Recreation Services Director Nathan Jacobs.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PUBLIC HEARING

At 6:40 p.m., a public hearing was opened. Details of the IDOT – Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program – grant application for multi-use path connecting North Jackson Street (Kimmel Drive) to Morrison Sports Complex was discussed. CA Melton is writing the grant proposal and will submit the required application and documentation before the September 30 deadline. The public hearing closed at 6:50 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT - None.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen reported to Council that Officer Flack was in Springfield for state required training. The city’s enhanced surveillance cameras helped the Whiteside County Sherif’s office in an arrest.

Recreational Services Director Jacobs informed Council of upcoming programs: Youth Fall Soccer, Flag Football, Nightmare on High Street – a 3k costume race and a glow-in-the-dark disc golf tournament.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Council Meeting Minutes for August 26, 2024; Bills Payable - $105,443.15; Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes for September 3, 2024; Street Closure Request – Chamber of Commerce, Christmas Walk & Parade, December 7, 2024; Proclamation – Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2024; seconded by Ald Zuidema. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Color Star’s bid for Public Works Buildings Exterior Painting; seconded by Ald Bruckner. Discussion followed, determining that clarification was necessary on two of the bids. Ayes: Schlegel. Nays: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Tichler, and Zuidema. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion failed.

Ald Kruse moved to approve Ordinance 24-07 Disposal of Surplus Personal Property; seconded by Ald. Mahaffey. An amendment was moved by Ald Zuidema to delete ‘removal of lift” item from ordinance. Ayes: Mahaffey and Zuidema. Nays: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, and Tichler. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion failed. Going back to the originally written ordinance, Motion passed: Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, and Tichler. Nays: Zuidema. Absent: Tervelt and West.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Ordinance 24-08 Amending & Adopting International Codes; seconded by Ald Tichler. Approved by voice vote. No objection. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

Mayor Vandermyde removed Ordinance 24-09 Vacant Buildings. Ordinance will be placed on a future Council meeting.

Ald Kruse and Schlegel moved to approve the Water Tank Maintenance Agreement – USG Water Solutions (Utility Service Co., Inc.); seconded by Ald Tichler. CA Melton said that the contract has been reviewed by the city attorney. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to approve the job description of Code Enforcement Officer; seconded by Ald Mahaffey. Approved by voice vote. No objection. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

Ald Tichler moved to approve Sports Complex – Additional Fencing; seconded by Ald Bruckner. After discussion, Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

Ald Mahaffey moved to approve Waive formal bidding process for Academic Drive Sidewalk; seconded by Ald Bruckner. Approved by voice vote. No objection. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

Ald Mahaffey moved to approve Sidewalk on Academic Drive – Portland Ave. to Junior High School; seconded by Ald Tichler. After discussion, Section 1 of the plan was approved: Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Tervelt and West.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Genesee St & Lincolnway Improvement Project; seconded by Ald Schlegel. After discussion, Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, and Tichler. Nays: Zuidema. Absent: Tervelt and West. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton discussed the need for an additional Utility Cart (Public Works – Streets & Parks) – for seasonal workers, volunteers and beautification efforts. A number of models were reviewed and it was agreed that it should be presented to Council for approval in the future.

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Mahaffey moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Zuidema. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:38 pm with no objection, Tervelt and West absent.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/4855292/05_-_Sept_23_2024p.pdf