This report was submitted by City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen on Friday, July 6, 2018.>
As we pass the Fourth of July, we are reminded how fast time takes us through the cycle of a year: youth baseball and softball starts to near the finish line; signs appear for the Whiteside County Fair; we know in a few weeks parents will be thinking about starting another school year. It’s also a good time to reflect on what is happening with the Morrison City Council and the projects they are thinking about for the community.
The Morrison Sports Complex continues to serve as a community gathering spot and is expanding its outreach, with the increased interest in traveling teams seeking places to hold tournaments. This year over 120 kids aged 4-6 signed up to play T-ball. This is the largest number in many years! The last Saturday in July is the 3rd Annual Summer Extravaganza, featuring activities throughout the day and Fireworks in the evening. In addition to myriad baseball teams, the facility also hosts Jr. Tackle Football, Morrison’s own NFL Flag Football Program, and Soccer, and it provides a space for walkers.
This summer, contractors are working to put the finishing touches on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated facilities. Moving forward, the City is looking at a partnership with Augustana College students, to evaluate Park and Rec facilities and assist with a needs assessment and long-range planning. Paving this summer included Ridgewood, Greenland (thanks for the help to area Townships), as well as High Streets. Sales Tax dollars are funding street improvements. The City is working on developing the next street priorities for the next 2-to-3 years. One of those priorities is the bridge over Rock Creek near the high school. This bridge, historically called, but not known so much today as “Corker Bridge,” is showing signs of structural deficiency. Now is the time to start the planning process.
Another priority is to evaluate the scope of work required to repair Main Street as well as the sidewalk infrastructure, through the downtown Business District. In conjunction with this project is consideration of replacing the existing 4″ water main, which is likely well over 100 years old. Such a project is obviously expensive and disruptive, but there is critical infrastructure here, that poses either tripping and fall hazards, or any of the uncertainties that may begin to accompany 100+ year old water lines.
We continue to work with IDOT as they evaluate long-range solutions for Route 78 and Route 30. The DOT appreciates the [poor] condition of these roads and invested dollars into both this summer. Motorists will need to plan for a little extra drive time, as work commences on Route 30 in the coming days.
The City functions best when it partners with businesses, area non-profits, other units of Government, and volunteers who are passionate about serving the community. If we don’t create a space that welcomes, encourages, and facilitates volunteerism, then we are not doing our job. It is rewarding to see an event, festival, or other program come together, because we know the hours that went into the planning process. Coming soon is the Evening Farmers Market, Movies in the Park, Harvest Hammer and the Paint the Town. We hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer!
If you need to contact Mayor Everett Pannier or your Alderman, that information is found http://www.morrisonil.org/contact-us/.