This report was written by Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey.
The coronavirus pandemic has effects beyond the critical situation it is causing within the health of our community. Morrison City Council gathered on Monday, December 21, 2020, masked within Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, due to items on the agenda that require member interaction and input.
The Council will meet again face-to-face, in the Odell Public Library on Monday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m.
A citizen requested the City remove a tree located in the City’s curb area, because they felt it caused excessive limb cleanup. Alderman Josh West voiced a concern that this action would open the City to many more similar tree removal requests and, thus, damage the positive image of the City that tree-lined streets create. Action was tabled. A gathering of more information from a tree professional was requested, to be brought before the Council in a future meeting.
A unanimous vote to accept Ordinance 20-24 adopted the levy totaling $601,320, to be used for the corporate purposes of the City of Morrison.
The Main Street renovation that was set back one year, due to the health crisis existing in the spring of 2020, was reintroduced by Matt Hansen, Willett Hofmann Associates, Inc., with quotes received by seven contractors. The year’s delay exposed quotes of increased amounts that challenged the Council to consider alterations of choices, to maintain a project that could be completed within the funding established. Alternatives and the respective costs focused on changes to the street surface and sidewalk options of the side streets. Considerations were guided by the necessity to remain within certain guidelines, to qualify for specific grants and Government forgiveness. After lengthy discussions, the action was tabled. Mayor Pannier challenged the Council to consider the options; a Special Council Meeting on December 21 will be scheduled, to finalize going forward on the project in 2021.
A three-year proposal from Rock River Energy Services Company for the energy supply to the City-owned facilities, street lighting, and Morrison Sports Complex showed a saving of $10,200 over the previous energy contract. The proposal was unanimously approved.
Community Funding and Planning Services (CFPS) was authorized by a unanimous vote to be the administrator of grants awarded to Morrison, for the street-light fixtures and other tasks identified in the USDA Letter of Conditions relating to the Main Street Project.
The construction of new public service buildings has appeared on numerous City Council agendas without resolution. Rob Wirth, Wirth Professional Services, Inc., presented a design proposal that would commence on April 2, 2021, and be completed by August 30, 2021. Wirth, currently contracted by Morrison Community Hospital, would oversee the details of construction of the project, that he estimated at approximately $4 million; it included the estimate for his services. Alderman Harvey Zuidema responded to the Wirth proposal with great opposition, supported by his efforts of acquiring estimates from several, individual contractors for the same projects. Zuidema’s proposal was challenged, due the absence of a central authority that would organize construction, direct contractors, and accept liability of poor performance factors. The Zuidema proposal reflected considerable cost savings, but organizational concerns caused the discussion to be tabled and returned to the agenda on the December 21, meeting.
The evening ended with a unanimous vote to place on the April 6, 2021, ballot a proposition. It will impose a tax of 0.025% on all taxable properties, for the purpose of restoration of neglected cemeteries, which are owned, managed, and controlled by the City of Morrison.