NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met Nov. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room, 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 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, Todd Schlegel, Vernon Tervelt, Matt Tichler, Josh West and Harvey Zuidema. Absent: Sidonna Mahaffey. Other city officials present were Police Chief Kevin Soenksen and Recreation Services Director Nathan Jacobs.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PUBLIC HEARING - None.

PUBLIC COMMENT - None.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen reported that SRO Simmons completed a Bullying Awareness program at the schools.

Recreational Services Director Jacobs informed Council of some upcoming programs: Turkey Trot Run (which would be advertised on local radio) and Thursday Bingo.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Council Meeting Minutes for October 28, 2024; Bills Payable - $33,697.99; Planning & Zoning Commission, Meeting Minutes for October 30, 2024; Approve Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois 2025 Cookie Program, Jan – Mar 2025; seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Police Vehicle Camera Replacement Program, Axon Fleet 3, 5- Year Plan; seconded by Ald Tichler. Chief Soenksen presented the proposal and details during the last Council session. CA Melton explained this cost includes the installation, which will be done directly by Axon. The first year’s cost would be $7,002. Years 2-5 would be $15,754.50, which would then be budgeted each year. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Ordinance 24-13 Variance, Jennifer Black; seconded by Ald Bruckner. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended granting the ordinance. After discussion, approved by voice vote. No objection. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Tichler moved to approve Ordinance 24-14 Variance, Morrison Community Hospital; seconded by Ald Zuidema. CA Melton said this variance allows MCH to construct an addition to their hospital to the south and west property lines. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends granting the ordinance. After reviewing renderings and discussion, approved by voice vote. No objection. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Ordinance 24-15 Property Tax Levy, Draft for Public Posting; seconded by Ald West. CA Melton and Mayor Vandermyde explained that this draft of the annual tax levy is for public posting. The levy proposed to increase property taxes to 4.99%, which is within Illinois’ Property Tax Extension Limitation Law of 5%. At the Nov. 25th meeting, Council will be asked to approve the actual ordinance for the tax levy, pending any public feedback. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Resolution 24-07 Abatement of Certain Taxes GO Bond 2016; seconded by Ald Tichler. CA Melton explained that this is an annual requirement for our Government Obligation Bond 2016; which is for some combined debt including the Sports Complex project. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Tervelt moved to approve Resolution 24-08 Abatement of Certain Taxes GO Bond 2021; seconded by Ald Tichler. CA Melton explained that this is an annual requirement for our Government Obligation Bond 2021; which is the debt for the Main Street project. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton discussed Community Room Rental & Policy Agreement. Council reviewed rates and Ald Tervelt asked for clarification of deposits. CA Melton explained that deposits would be held until the room was inspected by a city official and once approved, a check would be sent through the regular Bills Payable process.

CA Melton continued discussing Ordinance 24-16 Amending Ch. 20 Fees, Penalties & Bonds stating the Community Room Rental fees will be aligned to Council’s previous discussion. Other city fees were reviewed.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ald Schlegel moved to enter Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, seconded by Ald Zuidema. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed and Executive Session entered at 6:55 pm.

Ald Tichler moved to exit Executive Session, seconded by Ald Zuidema. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed and Executive Session ended at 7:13 pm.

ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Kruse moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Zuidema. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:13 pm with no objection, Mahaffey was absent.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/5042947/07_-_Nov_25_2024p.pdf