On Monday, August 10, 2015, the City of Morrison Council met at 7:00 p.m. in the Whiteside County Board Room, 400 N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22.
In attendance were Mayor Everett Pannier, City Clerk Melanie Schroeder, Aldermen Michael Blean, Dale Eizenga, Dave Helms, Vernon Tervelt, Mick Welding, and Harvey Zuidema; Director of Public Works Gary Tresenriter; Chief of Police Brian Melton; City Engineer Shawn Ortgiesen.
Reports of City Officers and Department Heads—Chief Melton clarified how Everbridge Mass Notification System (emergency contact) alerts registered users by their address (phone or computer.) “Using different weather resources” it is area specific; contact addresses in one part of town may–or may not–be alerted. The Whiteside County storm siren is activated by the National Weather Service or local Police and Fire Departments. With Everbridge, everyone is alerted to a “tornado warning,” but other possible alerts are numerous. He listed examples: flash flood, excessive heat or cold, blizzards, severe thunderstorms. Chief Melton explained the “siren might go off, but individual [Everbridge] alerts might not be impacted.” Also, each person in a family should register individually, rather than listing all contacts on one registration. This is because, Everbridge alerts go to the top number; if that person responds–indicating they received the warning–Everbridge skips the other numbers in the list. He reported 1742 contacts, with capacity for 5000, and he will “talk with the media” to encourage more registered users of the Citizen Alert System.
The Consent Agenda items were approved. Alderman Blean asked Director Tresenriter if there were “any included warranty on the rebuilt well pump and motor.” The latter “will find out.”
- Bills Payable of $94,315.41
- June 2015 Treasurer’s Report
- Request for Street Closure, CAPA, Paint the Town (pending receipt of insurance)
- Rebuild Spare Well Pump and Motor
- Scott Connelly Resignation as Ward 4 Alderman
Items for Consideration and Possible Action:
- Resolution #15-11, Awarding Contract for Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvements–There were three bids, which were opened Tuesday, August 4. The low bid was awarded to Leander Construction, Inc., Canton, IL. Baxter & Woodman (civil engineering firm) recommended accepting Leander. Their Vice President of Field Operations and Safety Director, Rick Roberts, attended the Council Meeting. The start date was set for the end of September, but Mayor Pannier stated there is a 16% interest savings if the start date is moved to Thursday, October 1, or after. The interest rate will drop from 2.21% to 1.85%.
- Ordinance #15-14, Disposal of Surplus Equipment–The City Clerk is directed to publish a list of 27 items the City will dispose of or sell. The majority is office equipment and audio-visual items. Five tasers stood out.
Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information
- Mayor Pannier stated City Attorney Tim Zollinger is creating an Ordinance regarding outdoor wood-burners.
- The Mayor asked Aldermen “to let it be known” there is a Ward 4 vacancy, for persons who have resided in the City for at least one year. If interested in the position, they can bring to City Hall a notice or talk with him. He will keep the position open until the end of August, to allow candidates to share their interest.
- Alderman Tervelt reported 27 people have shown interest in the property for sale in the Sunrise Addition. Two pairs of adults have visited the house twice. Purchase bids are due Monday, August 17, 2015, by 10:00 a.m. Regarding long-awaited notice of IDOT approved access to the property, the Mayor quipped, “It almost has a birthday!”