Lynette Forth submitted this report.
The “short meeting” scenario continued at the Monday, October 27, 2014, meeting of the Morrison City Council. City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen reported that the tear down of 703-705 W. Morris is to be completed. He noted that the appraisal is finished, and Aldermen should expect an action item on the next agenda. Public Works Director Gary Tresenriter informed Council members that he had sent out an email last week regarding Jackson Street, and that some signs had already been put into place. Resurfacing will be taking place, so Tresenriter urged Aldermen to be careful when driving through the area. Continuing, Tresenriter advised, “The concrete contractor still has a few jobs to finish but has completed 18 locations. We can only do so much this year. We are trying to get the street sweeper out more often and will continue working to change water meters.”
Chief of Police Brian Melton submitted his September report, including officer training, policy updating, and a summary of police calls, reports, and complaints received. City Engineer Noah Carmichael of Fehr-Graham included his report, containing information on the wastewater treatment plant. The anticipated schedule for this project is to bid, award, and finalize the loan in the summer of 2015 and begin project construction in the fall of 2015. The Genesee Avenue pump station plans and specifications are substantially complete. Bidding and construction of this phase of the project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Work continues with the Public Works Department in addressing numerous water service breaks. The goal is to follow the process of elimination and incorporate these changes, in a systematic approach to identify the root case of the breaks. Construction is finished on the Tech Drive project; final paperwork has been submitted to IDOT for their review and approval. Fehr-Graham and the City have identified potential streets for inclusion in a City-wide street maintenance program. Potential streets include Main, Winfield, Wall, Jackson, Genesee, and Orange. Repairs will include curbs, sidewalk ramps, streetscaping, and hot mix overlays, depending on the condition of the street. A request on the City’s behalf has been submitted to the Illinois Department of Transportation to gain access along IL Route 78 for the wastewater treatment plant.
The Consent Agenda was approved.
1. October 14, 2014, Regular Session Minutes
2. Bills Payable of $85,039.94
3. September 2014 Treasurer’s Report
4. Fund transfer: Balance of series 2010 IEPA bonds to 51-80-9993 (Dykhuizen explained the City created the fund for water tower and water improvements. The final invoice has been paid. He would like to see the money transferred into the water operating fund.)
5. Request for Parade Permit and Street Closure, Morrison Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk, December 6, 2014
Items for Consideration and Possible Action were approved.
1. Ordinance #14-22, Regulating Projecting Signs (Dykhuizen stated, “The Chamber of Commerce directors were reviewing the downtown improvement suggestions, and one was signage. The City Code prohibits perpendicular signs. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to amend the code prohibiting such signage. If the sign is in the Historic District, it will need to be approved by the Morrison Historic Preservation Commission first.” Alderman Harvey Zuidema stated, “I think this should have gone through to all the businesses, but doesn’t sound like it did.” Mayor Everett Pannier asked, ‘[Does] this provide a little more leeway than the old code?” Dykhuizen answered, “This essentially removes a restriction; we are not adding more restrictions to the code.” Alderman Scott Connelly added, “They don’t have to put in a perpendicular sign; it’s their choice.” Zuidema continued, “Businesses with awnings can’t put up a sign with the height requirements.” Alderman David Helms said, “The businesses chose to put up an awning though, right?” Mayor Pannier stated, “Isn’t there room for small signs under the awnings?” Alderman Marti Wood said, “Eight feet above, so no, the awning wouldn’t allow that. No lower than eight feet, but no higher than eleven feet from the bottom of the sign.” Dykhuizen said, “This isn’t written to be just for the downtown. It’s not downtown specific. This isn’t a requirement.” Mayor Pannier added, “You can stay exactly how you are if you want to.”
2. Ordinance #14-23, Water and Sewer Rate Increase (Dykhuizen reported, “The waste water portion is as introduced at the last meeting. A $10 charge will be added as a service portion, that will show on the actual utility bill customers receive as a line item. Water rates in the past four years have gone up 3%. The increase is slightly under 2%. I would like to reevaluate both again in February or March 2015. Maybe that will narrow down the cost estimate. We might know more about borrowing terms and what we could get from the IEPA. The increase would coincide with the start of the fiscal year. We are trying to be sensitive to residents of the cost. We need to look at how it’s broken down by usage. High users will have their cost go down about $1. Lower users will go up about 50 cents.” Alderman Connelly added, “It will provide some relief for businesses using a lot of water.”
Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information
1. Preliminary tax levy information, pass draft Ordinance at Monday, November 10, meeting (Dykhuizen informed the Council that the City is fairly far along in the process, and information will be sent to them, with final approval to take place at the first December meeting.)
In closing, Mayor Pannier reminded those present of the upcoming election, noting, “We do have an item on the ballot, and petitions for Council positions are due. I encourage those of you whose terms are coming up to make your decisions so the public knows.”
Adjournment took place at 7:27 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 10.