On Monday, April 13, 2015, the City of Morrison Council convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Whiteside County Board Room, 400 N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL, and adjourned at 7:38.
In attendance were Mayor Everett Pannier, City Clerk Melanie Schroeder, City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen; Aldermen Michael Blean, Scott Connelly, Dale Eizenga, Dave Helms, Marti Wood and Harvey Zuidema; Treasurer Evan Haag; Director of Public Works Gary Tresenriter; Police Chief Brian Melton; Sports Complex Director Jim DuBois.
Report of City Officers—Mayor Pannier reported he and CA Dykhuizen met with Senator Neil Anderson in Moline, IL, on Friday, April 3. They discussed State funding, Route 78 resurfacing, and the future Waste Water Treatment Plant. On Tuesday, April 14, the pair will attend a Springfield, IL, meeting with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA.)
Reports of Department Heads—Chief Melton stated, “Squad 1, an old Crown Vic, was taken out of service last week…and another Squad went down Saturday[, April 11].” At the next Council meeting, he will request purchase from the Restricted Police Fund of a used vehicle. Jim DuBois reported on a ten-team[, Ashford University Breast Cancer Awareness Jamboree] softball tournament on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, with players from Chicago, IL, Indiana, and Iowa. This weekend is a four-team Boys Little League tournament. On Friday, May 15, Morrison Youth Baseball and Softball opens its season; on Sunday, May 31, the Lions will formally present their shelter. Alderman Wood asked Dubois to clarify three expenses for bleachers, lumber, and youth baseball caps; all were reimbursed. The last purchase was made through the City to use its tax ID number, saving $400; MYB&S had not received its tax-exempt status when the purchase was made.
The Consent Agenda was approved.
- March 23, 2015, Regular Session Minutes
- March 30, 2015 Special Session (Budget) Minutes
- Bills Payable of $62,059.66
- March 2015 Treasurers Report
- Parade Permit, American Legion, Memorial Day Parade
Item for Consideration and Possible Action
- Preliminary Fiscal 2015-2016 Budget–CA Dykhuizen stated there have been three Budget Workshops to prepare a total budget of $13,089,743. The Operating Fund is set at $3,046,000; the General Fund is “about $1.7 million.” Proposed budgets must be available to the Public for ten days before a Council vote. At 6:45 p.m., Monday, April 27, there will be a Public Hearing, prior to the Council Meeting. Alderman Blean asked, “How do contractors require payment?” Tresenriter answered, “Probably monthly.” He explained the engineer will examine the charges and recommend Council payment, which takes place the end of the month. Then IEPA examines the bills and reimburses the City. “The money goes back into the fund. Six months after completion [of the Waste Water Treatment Plant], we start making payments.”
- Resolution #15-02, Declaring Intent to Vacate a Portion of Tech Drive–Attorney Tim Zollinger adjusted the easement language between the City and Morrison Institute of Technology, at the western portion of Tech Drive. He will prepare appropriate documents; Fehr-Graham will survey the area to be vacated. At one corner, a water main, sewer line, and hydrant will be installed.
- Everbridge Mass Communication System–Chief Melton found the Everbridge System to offer a “higher standard of communication with people.” The City could forego the siren on the water tower. The purchase will fall within the Fiscal 2016 budget; Chief Melton will move ahead with plans to implement it now. He estimated it could be functional by Friday, May 1. It uses the latest technology and a subscription service online program. All City departments could notify the public from their computers or smartphones–as do Walt Disney World and Rock Island, IL.
Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information
- Reminder: April 27, 2015, Fiscal 2015-2016 Budget Hearing at 6:45 p.m.–Mayor Pannier added that at 7:00 there will be a Preliminary Environmental Impact Determination (PEID) document for the public to review. Compiled by IEPA, it concerns the Waste Water Treatment Plant and sewer improvements .
- Waste Water Treatment Plant Financing–CA Dykhuizen presented borrowing term/interest rate options. The anticipated IEPA 30-year loan at 1% interest is not available; it may be offered in 2016. This would result in postponing the construction a second year, with no guarantee of it being available. IEPA is now offering a 20-year loan at 2.21 %. The “estimated average (4000 gallon) user sewer rate [not water] by 2021 [would be] $86 [per month].” A new, 40-year loan at 2.125% option through USDA would lessen the financial impact on users and might bring grant monies. The “estimated average (4000 gallon) user sewer rate [not water] by 2021 [would be] $62.25 [per month].” CA Dykhuizen will travel to Springfield Tuesday, April 14, to discuss financing options for the City.
- The Mayor reminded people of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency’s workshop on Federal income tax credits, on Tuesday, April 21, for building owners whose structures lie within the boundaries of our Historic District.
- CA Dykhuizen will attend an Open House on Thursday, April 16, along with Chamber Director Kim Ewoldsen, at AUSP Thomson.