NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met April 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on April 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room, 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois. The meeting was called to order 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, Vernon Tervelt, Matt Tichler, Josh West, and Harvey Zuidema. Absent: none. Other city officials were City Administrator Brian Melton, and Police Chief Kevin Soenksen.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PRESENTATION

National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court and Studio (https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com) was video presented to Council. This scalable health and wellness program includes a mobile app which includes a library of free workouts. Grants are available through Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen submitted a written report in the council packet. He also noted that the grant of $16,000.00 was received from ILEAS for new tasers.

Recreational Services Director Jacobs submitted a written report in the council packet.

CA Melton discussed that the sewer lining project would start on April 21 and would be completed by the end of June. Residents would be notified by either city or contractor workers in advance. Despite $1.3 million in available funding, the bid was for $617,940.00. There may be a few change orders but any remaining funds would be applied for in the next grant funding round.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Schlegel moved to approve City Council, Meeting Minutes, March 31, 2025; Bills Payable - $136,135.06; Historic Preservation Commission, Meeting Minutes 04-01-25; and Proclamation – Arbor Day 2025; seconded by Ald Tichler. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Resolution 25-01 Establishing an Economic Development Fund; seconded by Ald Tichler. Council discussed. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, and West. Nays: None. Abstain: Zuidema. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Tichler moved to approve FY2025 Transfer - General Fund to Economic Development Fund, $40,000; seconded by Ald Bruckner. Ayes: Bruckner, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and West. Nays: Tervelt and Zuidema. Abstain: Kruse. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Ordinance 25-03 Agreement between City of Morrison and Odell Public Library; seconded by Ald Mahaffey. Council discussed. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Draft Ordinance 25-04 FY2026 Budget Plan for Public Posting; seconded by Ald Tichler. Ordinance would be published for public comment and would be on the agenda for action on April 28th. Mayor Vandermyde noted several changes and additions in the balanced budget. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve Purchase Tanks, Pumps & Sensors for Well 4 & 5, Hawkins, Inc., $23,621; seconded by Ald Schlegel. CA Melton said upgrades followed EPA recommendations. Council discussed. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Pay Request No. 2, Daxon Construction Co. for $26,842.05 (PW Building Renovation); seconded by Ald Tichler. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton discussed Cemetery Building – Design-Build Contract; Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act (65 ILCS 5/11-39.2-15 & 20)

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ald Zuidema moved to enter Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) Appointment, employment, compensation of specific employees; seconded by Ald Schlegel. All ayes by voice without objection, Executive Session began at approximately 7:21 pm. The session was audio recorded.

Ald Schlegel moved to exit Executive Session, seconded by Ald Zuidema. All ayes by voice without objection, Ald Kruse was absent. Motion passed and Regular Session resumed at 7:47 p.m.

ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ald Kruse moved to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Chief Kevin Soenksen, effective May 4, 2025; seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to appoint Michael Moon as Interim Chief of Police, effective May 5, 2025; seconded by Ald Tichler. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to approve FY26 Wage Increase of 4% for non-union staff, effective May 1, 2025; seconded by Ald Tichler. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey (contract employees should have their contracts updated to May 1), Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Zuidema moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Tervelt. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 pm with no objection.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/5574110/12_-_Apr_28_2025p.pdf