On Monday, April 22, 2013, the City of Morrison Council Meeting convened at 7:05 p.m.in the Whiteside County Board Room, 400 N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL. Mayor Roger Drey noted all officials were in attendance and led the Pledge of Allegiance. There was no Public Comment.
Under Board and Commission Reports, Mayor Drey stated, “Those [of the Historic Presevation Commission] are self-explanatory.”
Reports of City Officers came first from Mayor Drey, who congratulated “all those who ran for office” and welcomed them unofficially. He recognized Treasurer Ernie Huling, who is retiring, and for his service “through the years in other capacities.” Then City Attorney Tim Zollinger reminded new members to complete online their trainings under the Open Meetings Act, as mandated by the State’s Attorney General’s office.
Reports of Department Heads came from Director of Public Services Gary Trenenriter and Chief of Police Brian Melton. Tresenriter recognized the services of his Department of Public Works employees for their recent sandbagging efforts, assisted by the Fire Department and paramedic volunteers, and the Police Department, later in the day, who got out notices of a water main break. Chief Melton stated he sent his report last week.
The Consent Agenda was approved, after questions were clarified and minor corrections were made.
- March 25, 2013, Regular Session Minutes
- April 8, 2013, Regular Session Minutes
- Bills Payable
- March 2013 Treasurer’s Report
- Approval of Pay Request for Well #5 Well House for $6,080
- Request for Street Closure by First Presbyterian Church
Items for Consideration and Possible Action include two items, both of which were approved.
- Ordinance #13-10, Approval of Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget passed with seven “Yes” votes and an abstension from Alderman Marti Wood, because she “asked a lot of questions and [didn’t get answers from City Administrator Jim Wise].” During discussion she stated, “I think we need a little more information.” Alderman Sarah Thorndike asked, “Are you planning to hold a Special Meeting? You have to redo the whole budget.” Alderman Scott Connelly added, “Nothing says you can’t amend the budget…[but] an Appropriations Ordinance is needed.” Alderman Thorndike concluded, “It is not carved in stone.”
- The Aldermen unanimously approved Resolution #13-03, to permit 306 E. Main Street, owned by the American Legion, to opt-out of the Historic District. Alderman Thorndike stated, “I think it is a bad precident.”
Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information included three comments.
- CA Wise submitted to the Aldermen a “quasi-resume/bio for Mr. [Ken] Crane” [of Crane Project Management.] He added he has comparison figures from another firm for building inspection services. He will discuss this with Tresenriter, Chief Melton, and the new officials over the next weeks.
- Alderman Thorndike said, “In 2009 we [she and Pete Whiting] started this–getting building codes. He wanted a Board to look at codes with [local] building tradesmen. We read all the 2006 code books.” She piled the volumes on the table. These included code books for residences, fuel gas, mechanical, energy conservation, and others. “He left in 2010, and there was a Public Meeting in 2011” to share the information. Alderman Thorndike stated an alternative to hiring Crane Project Management would be to “make the job a shared position [with another town] or train one of our own employees. City’s pass codes without having an inspector. Have the Building Codes in place before we try to hire someone.” She advised using the expertise of those who were on the committee. She further offered to share her PowerPoint presentation with the four new members of the Council.
- Alderman Wood cited a comment from a citizen, stating “a corner building [for sale] on Main Street has an appartment [listed] on the main floor.” She said “code 62-173c1 states residential use is above the ground floor.” Mayor Drey commented “the building may have been grandfathered in,” and it needs to be looked into. Alderman Scott Connelly said, “That isn’t a legislative issue. It is not the Alderman’s job to enforce codes.” CA Wise asked Alderman Wood to “have that person [who brought her the complaint] contact me at City Hall.”
Mayor Drey adjourned the meeting at 7:05.