NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met April 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on April 28, 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, Police Chief Kevin Soenksen, Officer Michael Moon, and City Treasurer Margaret Jones.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PUBLIC COMMENT – None.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen submitted a written report in the council packet.

CA Melton informed Council that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has scheduled a Public Hearing for July 16, 2025, between 1-6 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room to discuss the planning and design of Route 30 reconstruction.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Zuidema asked that Pay Request No. 1, Balayti Painting $8,598.00 (Public Works Exterior Painting Project) be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Ald Mahaffey moved to approve City Council, Meeting Minutes, April 14, 2025; Bills Payable - $83,356.41; Treasurer’s Report (FY11, CY03); and Pay Request No. 1, Miller Excavating $199,868.85 (Wall & Larch Streets Watermain Project); seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Pay Request No. 1, Balayti Painting $8,598.00 (Public Works Exterior Painting Project); seconded by Ald Tichler. Ald Tervelt and Zuidema voiced concerns about the craftsmanship on preparation and painting. CA Melton said the project was not finished but agreed with their concerns and assured Council that the job would be completed to the City’s satisfaction according to the approved contract. Ayes: Bruckner, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tichler, and West. Nays: Kruse, Tervelt, and Zuidema. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Ordinance 25-04 FY2026 Budget Plan; seconded by Ald Tervert. Mayor Vandermyde noted there were no additional changes since the approved draft for public posting. CA Melton reported the overall deficit spending was for planned projects supported by fund balances and the General Fund, itself, has a projected surplus for FY26. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Motion passed.

Ald Bruckner moved to approve the purchase of a police vehicle, 2025 Ford Interceptor SUV, through Sutton Ford for $48,957; seconded by Ald Tichler. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Motion passed.

Ald Mahaffey moved to approve the weapon replacement proposal (as presented) $7,760.00 for the Police Department; seconded by Ald Bruckner. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Motion passed.

Ald Mahaffey moved to approve Resolution 25-05 Fitness Court Grant Award; seconded by Ald Tichler. Council discussed. Mayor Vandermyde said this non-binding resolution accepts the grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of $60,000.00. Ald Zuidema asked for cost/budget details. CA Melton said that the overall cost would be approximately $200,000.00: $60,000 from BC/BS, $100,000.00 maximum contribution from the City and at least $40,000.00 from sponsors and donations. Placement is planned adjacent to the path at the Sports Complex. Ayes: Bruckner, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West. Abstain: Kruse. Nays: Zuidema. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton commented that there was no update regarding the Cemetery Building – Design Build Contract; Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act (65 ILCS 5/11-39.2-15 & 20).

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Vandermyde recognized outgoing Aldermen Kruse, West, and Zuidema. An ovation was given to these men for their contributions and commitments to the City of Morrison. These Aldermen were invited back to the May 12th meeting of the City Council for formal recognition.

Ald Zuidema moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald West. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:52 pm without objection.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/5626856/01_-_May_12_2025p.pdf