NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met March 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on March 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room, 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:31 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, Josh West, and Harvey Zuidema. Absent: Sidonna Mahaffey and Matt Tichler. Other city officials present were City Administrator Brian Melton, and Recreation Services Director Nathan Jacobs.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Gillian and Wren West asked the City to repaint the bike path throughout Morrison for better visibility. A petition with signatures was submitted to Council. Mayor Vandermyde said he would forward the request to the Streets Department.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen submitted a written report in the council packet.

Recreational Services Director Jacobs reported that the Sports Complex is being prepared for the 2025 season. Events are being scheduled and worked on to include an Adult Wiffleball Tournament and a 14U Softball Tournament. Last week’s bingo night attracted 49 people. The next Bingo night is scheduled for April 3rd. Great job Mr. Bartos and the Key Club!

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Zuidema moved to approve City Council Meeting Minutes, February 24, 2025, Bills Payable - $43,986.41, and Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes, March 4, 2025; seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Road Use Construction Agreement (Revised as presented) - Morrison Community Hospital Expansion Project; seconded by Ald West. Council discussed. By voice vote: all ayes. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Ordinance 2025-02 Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax, also known as the “Grocery Tax”; seconded by Ald Bruckner. During the last Council meeting, this item was discussed with Council and City Attorney Zollinger. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to authorize City Administrator Brian Melton to enter into contracts, to include joint participation agreements, on behalf of the City of Morrison, Illinois within the State of Illinois and any of its agencies or departments and further is authorized to execute any documents which may in his/her judgement be desirable or necessary to affect the purpose of this authorization; seconded by Ald West. Council discussed the State’s joint purchasing procedures and commitments between the State and signing Cities. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD & Upfitting (as presented), Bonnell Industries, Inc., $67,764.75; seconded by Ald Bruckner. Council discussed this FY26 purchase for the Cemetery. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Pay Request No. 1, Daxon Construction Co. (PW Building Renovation), $56,821.05; seconded by Ald Zuidema. Council discussed. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Change Order No. 4, PW Building Renovation, Asbestos Abatement, $8,472.00; seconded by Ald Schlegel. Council discussed. Due to existing tiles already breaking or loose, sealing the existing floor was not possible. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Council Meeting Schedule Change: Cancelling 03-24-25 and Rescheduling for 03-31-25; seconded by Ald West. Due to two bid lettings, the meeting was moved. By voice vote: all ayes. Absent: Mahaffey and Tichler. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton discussed the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Plan – Initial Draft. The budget would be reviewed by Council again on March 31st and April 14th and would be on the agenda for action on April 28th. CA Melton noted several changes and additions in the balanced budget. He welcomes any council members with questions or suggestions to meet with him.

CA Melton provided an update on the reconstruction project for US RT 30. As a short-term maintenance repair, the road surface is being repaved from Garden Plain Road west to Rt 78 North. No other repairs beyond patching on Lincolnway will occur until road reconstruction begins due to ADA compliance issues. The public will be notified in advance of public hearings about the reconstruction project, which are expected soon (within the next few months).

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Kruse moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Tervelt. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:27 pm with no objection.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/5471415/11_-_Mar_31_2025p.pdf