Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
The Monday, February 8, 2021, meeting of the Morrison City Council was opened with a citizen challenge, about the current waste containers and an inquiry about possible change in the future. It was remarked that lids of garbage containers often are blown into neighbor’s yards following the emptying by Moring Disposal, Inc. Assuming the obvious solution is to offer containers with attached lids, Mayor Everett Pannier explained that the current Moring contract, which does expire for another year, does not require such a container. Previous inquiries revealed that a container with an attached lid offered by Moring Disposal, Inc. would cost each customer $90 per container, each year. Mayor Pannier promised that alternatives would be discussed with Moring Disposal, Inc. prior to the next contract signing.
A renewal contract with Everbridge is due for renewal at a 5% increase. This software supplies the alert system to residents during crisis and major incidents. Aldermen challenged Police Chief Brian Melton if the system is being used to it best options. Melton noted that many additional options are available from Everbridge. He felt that too many non-emergency messages would dilute the service and serious critical emergencies might be ignored. The action to renew the contract was tabled until alternative system’s costs could be gathered and compared. Alderman Mick Welding offered to request costs from the provider of a similar service, currently contracted by Morrison Community Hospital.
The only action item approved on the Agenda recorded a unanimous vote to approve Resolution No. 21-03 (“Resolution restating and affirming a policy regarding Fair Housing Practices in the City of Morrison.”) This resolution requires the Mayor and City Council members to report notices or complaints of any fair housing violations happening within the City boundaries, to Federal or State authorities for necessary action. Such reporting would protect citizens from being discriminated against in the availability of decent and sanitary housing, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, National origin, or such other classifications.
Comments from several Aldermen were offered related to the storm water management of Waterworks Park. It was determined that options would be considered for action in the spring of 2021.
The next meeting of the Morrison City Council will be held in the Odell Public Library Community Room307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, beginning at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, February, 22. All citizens are welcome to attend and contribute.