On Monday, November 23, 2015, Mayor Everett Pannier convened the City of Morrison Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., in the Whiteside County Board Room, 400 N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL. In attendance were City Clerk Melanie Schroeder; City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen; Treasurer Evan Haag; Chief of Police Brian Melton; Aldermen Arlyn Deets, Dale Eizenga, Dave Helms, Vernon Tervelt, Mick Welding, and Harvey Zuidema.
Board and Commission Reports (Morrison Historic Preservation Commission) and Reports of City Officers and Department Heads (Chief of Police) were not discussed.
The Consent Agenda was approved without discussion.
1. November 9, 2015, Regular Session Minutes
2. Bills Payable of $314,112.75
3. FY2015 and 2016 FICA/IMRF to Odell Library: $13,597.28
4. 2016 Holiday Schedule
5. 2016 Annual Meeting Schedule
6. Resolution #15-15, Abate Real Estate Taxes, Dyke Property
7. Resolution #15-16, Abate Real Estate Taxes, Berge/Leal Property
8. Approval of Change in Plans, Wall and Jackson Street Project
9. Approval of Final Payment, Wall and Jackson Street Project: CA Dykhuizen noted Fehr-Graham engineers have approved the repairs; payment can now be issued.
Items for Consideration and Possible Action
1. Request for Street Closure and Request for Parade Permit, Christmas Walk (tree lighting and Live Nativity at 5:00 p.m.) and Parade 6:00); Christmas Walk Guinness Book Snowman Record (official count and photograph at 4:30–334 are needed to break the record.)
2. Request for Street Closure, Emmanuel Reformed Church Car Show: Saturday, August 27, 2016
Other Items for Consideration and Discussion and Information
1. Kim Ewoldsen, Director of Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC), presented a 2015 Investor Update. She listed seven helpful Partner Collaborators. Contributions are at the highest level since 2010, caused by a major donor returning this year and a new, large contributor. MADC’s efforts to seek a reconsideration of the floodplain ruling by Illinois Department of Natural Resources will occur. There has been some interest in the Industrial Park. Signage needs to be improved, with a street sign replaced. She cited progress on Main Street tenants. She held a How to Start a Business workshop and the Fast Pitch Entrepreneur Contest. The latter will be held in the spring. “Six to eight” economic development projects “have come across [her] desk.” Morrison has only the PMP property that is viable to meet the needs of an average 100,000 square foot plant, with rail lines and access to interstates. Ewoldsen ended with a discussion of Chamber of Commerce membership and an update of achievements and goals. “The most effective economic development tool is a positive environment,” she concluded. She appreciates the support of City personnel, Councilmen, and the community.
At 7:49, Mayor Pannier called for a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss “the setting of a price for the sale or lease of property owned by the public body 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6). No action was to be taken.