NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on May 12, 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, Seth Buckwalter, Sidonna Mahaffey, Todd Schlegel, Vernon Tervelt, and Matt Tichler. Absent: none. Vacancies: two. Other city officials present were City Administrator Brian Melton, Interim Police Chief Michael Moon, City Treasurer Margaret Jones and City Attorney Tim Zollinger.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

OATH OF OFFICE

The Honorable Magen Mertes, Associate Judge, 14th Judicial Circuit provided the Oath of Office to Mayor Vandermyde, City Clerk Hemmer, Alderman Bruckner and Alderman Buckwalter.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Former Alderman Mick Welding commended the three retiring aldermen for their service.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Interim Police Chief Moon informed Council that Officer Flack’s last day would be Sunday, May 18th. Starting next week, he has several interviews scheduled to find a replacement.

City Attorney Zollinger stated that he was in court today to deal with an ongoing property maintenance issue on behalf of the City.

CA Melton reminded 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.

Melton said the Sewer Lining Project is progressing as well and will be completed by the end of June. The South Genesee Street Project has been delayed one week due to catch basin structures availability.

Children’s Art Preservation Association (CAPA) President Barb Bees informed the Mayor Vandermyde that the organization is working with the owners of Urban Eats to redo the mural on Cherry Street.

CA Melton informed Council that Veteran’s Park is starting to show its age. Some maintenance work is being done before Memorial Day and additional work will be ongoing. The park is being cleaned and pressure-washed by Josh’s Pressure Washing. Josh Updike, the owner, is providing his services at half the cost, due to what the park represents.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Schlegel moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of City Council, Meeting Minutes, April 28, 2025; Bills Payable - $331,587.92; Resolution 25-02 Honoring Alderman Zuidema; Resolution 25-03 Honoring Alderman West; Resolution 25-04 Honoring Alderman Kruse; Re-Appointment of Brian Melton, City Administrator; Re-Appointment of Margaret Jones, City Treasurer; Re-Appointment of Timothy Zollinger, City Attorney; Re-Appointment of Library Board of Trustees, 3-year terms ending April 30, 2028: Larry Jackson, Anne Mills & Judy Deter; Re-Appointment of Grove Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees, 2-year terms ending April 30, 2027: Andy Renkes, Hilary Blevins & Charla Olson; Appointment of Historic Preservation Commission members, 3-year terms ending April 30, 2028: Ned Nesti (Re Appointment) & Greg Kruse; Re-Appointment of Planning & Zoning Commission member, 5- year term ending April 30, 2030: Charles Yost; and Pay Request No. 3, Daxon Construction Co. $21,564.00 (Public Works Interior Renovation); seconded by Ald Bruckner. Ayes: Bruckner, Buckwalter, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, and Tichler. Nays: None. Motion passed.

PRESENTATIONS

Retiring Aldermen Kruse, West and Zuidema were recognized for their involvement with Council and contributions to the City of Morrison.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Tichler moved to approve Change Order No. 5, Daxon Construction Co. $885 (Public Works Interior Renovation); seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Buckwalter, Mahaffey, Schlegel, Tervelt, and Tichler. Nays: None. Motion passed.

No update on the Cemetery Building – Design-Build Contract; Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act (65 ILCS 5/11-39.2-15 & 20)

CA Melton discussed allowing Sidewalk Cafes on Main Street. If this is going to be allowed, the City should consider an ordinance to establish guidelines that assist businesses, ensure the use of aesthetically pleasing outdoor furniture and protect the public’s safety. Alderman Schlegel will be working with CA Melton on a draft ordinance for the council to consider soon.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION - None.

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Tervelt moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Schlegel. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:49 pm without objection.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/5682007/01-May_27_2025_PACKET.pdf