One of the largest crowds to attend a Morrison City Council meeting in recent months gathered in the City of Morrison Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street (Odell Public Library), Morrison, IL, on Monday, May 24, 2021. Interests varied, but the majority of attendees were concerned about the outcome of Ordinance 21-10, which was amending a Morrison Code restricting non-highway vehicles on the streets of Morrison.
Opening Public Comments heard Butch Vanderschaff, a local representative of the Morrison Grand Squares square dancers, offer comments of disappointment related to the action taken on Monday, May 10. Aldermen reduced the ability of the Grand Squares to use the Community Room, due to the size reduction needed to house the Morrison Preschool for one-year. Alderman Josh West offered empathy, with emphasis on the sacrifices many organizations were making, to allow our young an opportunity to learn at a heavy community commitment.
Mayor Scott Vandermyde, at right, filled the vacated Council seats by swearing in Gregory Kruse and Sidonna Mahaffey as appointed Aldermen. They will fulfill the respective terms of exiting members, due to retirement
and resignation.
A unanimous vote on Ordinance 21-09 acted on an Ordinance approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It changed certain fence regulations and property line setbacks and building heights.
Ordinance 21-10, which allowed non-highway vehicles the right to be operated within Morrison City limits, was approved after minor adjustments:
- annual registration fee was increased from $50 per year to $100 per year
- the addition of seat belts would be included in the list of equipment necessary for a vehicle to receive a registration sticker allowing it to be driven on City streets.
In closing conversations, City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen informed the Council of the decision to alter the street light pole heights. This would add two feet to the approved light pole, allowing more clearance for the hanging of event banners. The additional cost would be $8049. The change was approved with one abstained vote and one no vote.