Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
Thirteen years ago, the City of Morrison was excited to open a Sports Complex, that was the talk of the Northwest area, for small-town, athletic venues. The same complex is now the topic of constant discord among the community and the Morrison City Council. No one questions the value that the facility can bring to the area, but the plan to accomplish the challenge remains a topic that few agree upon. In the interim, taxpayers are paying $147,000 per year until the mortgage is paid in 2035.
The Council meeting opened on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the City of Morrison Community Room, with an Action item. It called to replace the HVAC system that cools the two-story structure that anchors the Sports Complex. Immediately, the challenges began. Alderman Gregory Kruse asserted that the HVAC was “the wrong place to start” and reminded all that the condition of the fields were in question and should be the main focus. Alderman Sidonna Mahaffey continued her quest of demanding a “Plan” before any more money was thrown at the complex. Alderman Vernon Tervelt urged hiring someone with a Food License to sell [cooked] food to increase Concession revenues, beyond “Skittles….Lots of Concession stands make money; we only break even.” City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen replied, “Most Concessions are run by volunteers. We are asking the School District to take some care of the fields. We reduced a full-time position out there,” saving $100,000. The following minutes were filled with challenges and doubts of direction. Time finally ended in a motion that only committed to the restoration of the HVAC unit in the lower level of the building to be updated, per the quote from Workman [Heating & Cooling, Inc.] and Nelson [Electric] that totaled approximately $15,500. Conversation ended without a consensus of direction and an unspoken promise that the topic will be on the Council table again soon.
In other Action, the Council approved two contracts for the upgrading of the City’s water systems: 1) Customer Water Meter replacements ($754,328) and 2) Wall Street and Route 30 water main loop ($322,444.40.)
A request to assist the Whiteside County Healthier Community Partnerships, to initiate the Partnership’s Childhood Trauma Project with a donation of $15,000, failed due to lack of a second to the motion to donate. Mayor Scott Vandermyde had stated he “would like to reserve ARCO funds for future water main construction under IL Route 78.”
The Council also failed to approve the funding to assist the roof replacement of Odell Public Library. Funds had been requested for the hiring of PG Design Consulting Services.
City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen outlined the proposed budget for 2023 and noted that the Preliminary Budget would be available for citizen review at City Hall. It would be returned to the Council for a final vote on Monday, April 25.
The evening closed with Alderman Tervelt introducing the concept of hiring a Park and Rec Director to manage the Sports Complex activities. Visitors Missy Mouw and Jackie Damhoff were invited to speak to the Council to offer their support of hiring a Director. Unfortunately, some of their opening remarks were met with opposition from Parks and Recreation Coordinator Katie Selburg. The women’s further challenges to the Council were eventually met with Mayor Scott Vandermyde withdrawing their invitation to speak and closing the meeting.
The Council adjourned to Executive Session, to discuss an employment issue. Editor’s note of Tuesday, April 12: CA Dykhizen reported Action was taken to hire Jaeden Workman as Recreational Site Coordinator. She has worked for the City for several summers, but this is an expanded role, to provide recreational services in the field.
All citizens are welcome to attend the next scheduled Morrison City Council meeting on Monday, April 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.