Written by Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey.
The Morrison City Council convened on Monday, November 13, 2023, without Aldermen Josh West and Kevin Bruckner in attendance. Bills payable ($81,532.13) were approved before the discussion and approval of various Consent Items.
- Property located at 14601 Norrish Road was approved to be annexed into the City limits. It has been used for storage of the City’s equipment. The Council felt the equipment should be stored within the City limits, because the property was serviceable to the need.
- A Strategic Plan-Proposal garnered through NIU Central for Governmental Studies invoiced at $22,400 needed Mayor Scott Vandermyde’s vote to break the three-to-three tie for approval to process.
- Purchase of a glassware Washer for the Waste Water Treatment Lab.
- Abatement of Real Estate Tax (Dyke)
- Abatement of Taxes GO Bond (2016-20)
- Abatement of Taxes GO Bond (2021-08)
- Publish Ordinance 23-14 showing Annual Tax Levy
- Pay a Street Project change order ($10,918.00.)
In closing discussions, City Administrator Brian Melton informed the Council that major restructuring of City rights-of-way will be reduced in 2024. This is to build a fund that will allow the resurfacing of the East end and West end of Main Street in 2025. That project is estimated to cost $2.5 million.
Melton also informed the Council that improvement plans are being drawn for the Genesee Street and Lincolnway intersection. The plans will include improved drain basins and sidewalks, without removing the signal lighting–as was proposed in previous Council meetings.
Final comments from Melton related to the results of a meeting between Mayor Vandermyde, Melton, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), relating to the resurfacing of U. S. Highway 30 through Morrison, IL. New relationships have been formed resulting in the design stage of the reconstruction being initiated. A calendarized reconstruction plan will be available in February of 2024, with anticipated reconstruction to be performed in 2028-2029.