On Monday, May 13, 2013, the City of Morrison Council Meeting–Part 1 began as usual, at 7:00 p.m., in the Whiteside County Board Room, 400 N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL.
After 12 years, Mayor Roger Drey called his last meeting to order and requested a roll call that included, also for the last time, four long-serving Aldermen: Gus Hayenga, Dave Rose, Sarah Thorndike, and Pat Zuidema. These five public servants have tendered 87 years of service to Morrison!
Although the room was filled with spectators, none offered Public Comment.
Board and Commission Reports from Morrison Business Advisory Group (MBAG) and Morrison Historic Presevation Commission (MHPC) needed no commentary. However, Mayor Drey reminded the public MHPC will host on Tuesday, May 21, a public informational session regarding National Historic Register status of the Downtown Historic District. The meeting is at 6:00 p.m., at the Odell Public Library Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison. Darius Bryjka will present.
Reports of City Officers was an opportunity for Mayor Drey to “thank the good people” he worked with “over the last 18 years.” He was an Alderman six years before becoming Mayor. “It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve. When things get done, the individual at the forefront gets thanked. [But] it’s a result of a team effort.” City Administrator Jim Wise noted per Ordinance, Aldermen had on their desk the Annual Report. He added newly-elected Aldermen would find copies in their City Hall mailboxes tomorrow. City Attorney Tim Zollinger reminded new Council members they have 90 days to complete their online trainings under the Open Meetings Act, as mandated by the State’s Attorney General’s office.
There were no Reports of Department Heads, but Police Chief Brian Melton called Mayor Drey to come forward and receive a special gift. “It’s been an honor working with you and serving as your Police Chief,” he said as he presented the plaque. Mounted on it was a shiny Morrison Police Department badge and inscription to commemorate “…your service and committment to the citizens of Morrison and your support of the Morrison Police Department.”
The Consent Agenda was approved with minor corrections.
Ward 1 Alderman Gus Hayenga, above left, welcomed his successor, Dale Eizenga. Ward 3 Alderman Pat Zuidema hoped her replacement, Curt Bender, would continue her tradition of dispensing candy before meetings. Ward 4 Alderman Dave Rose, below left, brought David Helms an envelope of pertinent maps and materials to build his knowledge of ongoing issues.
The Honorable Judge William McNeal was present to Swear in the Newly Elected Officials. Mayor Drey got a chuckle when he flubbed and said the Judge would “swear in our newly-afflict-….” He is shown welcoming Mayor-Elect Everett Pannier.
Left-to-right are Aldermen Scott Connelly (elected to complete a two-year term in Ward 4), Bender, Eizenga, and Helms taking the Oath of Office. Ward 2 Alderman Harvey Zuidema was unable to attend.
Mayor Drey’s last official act was to present the gavel to Mayor Pannier. The latter’s first official act was the presentation of commemorative plaques to the out-going Council members. From left-to-right are Ward 2 Alderman Sarah Thorndike, Zuidema, Rose, Hayenga, and former Mayor Drey.
Mayor Pannier convened Council Meeting–Part 2 with the Roll Call of the New Council, who rotated their now-official name signs to face the audience and each other. He introduced new City Treasurer Evan Haag, shown at left. Haag has an Accounting Degree from Western Illinois University plus 40 years of experience.
Items for Consideration and Possible Action included four items; three were resolved.
- The Council voted unanimously to retain Ward, Murray, Pace, and Johnson PC as City Attorney and the current members to various boards, commissions, and/or groups. Mayor Pannier has one appointment to make.
- Ordinance #13-11, involved an amendment to the Open Burning Ordinance for the C-1 Central Business District. Alderman Wood inquired about the boundaries. City Attorney Zollinger did not have a map. Director of Public Services Gary Tresenriter gave a description: “from Orange to Clinton Streets, up to 30 and the Courthouse area, and Market [Street] to 30.” City Attorney Zollinger said, “There is only one residential unit affected by the Ordinance” in the CBD. Alderman Wood asked to table the matter until Monday, May 27, and to obtain a map; it was done.
- Ordinance #13-12, an amendment to the Enterprise Zone, was unanimously approved to allow construction of a gas station/convenience store on Portland Avenue/Route 78, south of Morrison Institute of Technology.
- A third signatory on Wells Fargo accounts was needed to replace an out-going Alderman. Mayor Pannier asked for volunteers or appointments from the Council. Alderman Wood asked about the responsibilities. City Clerk Schroeder explained the person would sign checks, as each requires two signatures, if she or the Mayor were unable; access money. Alderman Michael Blean nominated Alderman Eizenga, who was approved.
Alderman Wood asked two questions from earlier meetings under Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information. She asked what is the procedure if one rents the Community Room and a problem occurs with the lighting while the Library is closed? “Are they told about the circuits?” CA Wise answered they are informed when they apply for rental. He added, “a Dispatch phone is available [ie., to 911] if there is an emergency.” [On Tuesday, May 14, former Mayor Drey opined the Dispatcher would likely call Morrison Police to the Library, and that officer would know who to call, if he could not resolve the circuit problem.] She asked if the recorded Council meetings are on the cable channel. CA Wise stated he has “been uploading Council meetings to YouTube, but it needs work.” Alderman Wood asked why they are not on Channel 18. The answer, verified by Drey, is that there is an issue of incompatibility with the newer system being used now by the City. CA Wise described it thus, “The issue is unresolvable…beyond any resolution.” Mayor Pannier said, “We’ll check on it.”
The Council entered Executive Session “to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Mayor Pannier stated, “an announcement will be made, but no motion.” Upon returning to Open Session, he issued two sentences before adjournment, “I am not going to continue the employment contract with the City Administrator. I have asked Gary Tresenriter to be Acting City Administrator.”