City Council Changes Members May 12

By Jerry Lindsey, Assistant Editor.

The Morrison City Council convened on Monday, May 12, 2025, with a limited Agenda and a changing of the guard, as three Councilmen ended their service, and two Councilmen were sworn in.

The Honorable Magen Mertes performed the swearing in ceremony for Mayor Scott Vandermyde and City Clerk Mike Hemmer, before swearing in the new Alderman Seth Buckwalter and returning Alderman Kevin Bruckner.

Plaques of appreciation for their service were presented to the departing Councilmen Gregg Kruse, Josh West, and Harvey Zuidema.

The Council approved the Consent Agenda and, in so doing, approved the following:
•   Bills Payable – $331,587.92 Re-appointed Brian Melton as City Administrator Re-appointed Margaret Jones as City Treasurer
•   Re-appointed Tim Zollinger as City Attorney Re-appointed Library Board of Trustees Larry Jackson, Anne Mills, and Judy Deter to 3-years terms ending April 30, 2028
•   Re-appointed Grove Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees Andy Renkes, Hillary Blevins, and Charla Olson to 2-year terms ending April 30, 2027
•   Appointed Historic Preservation Commission members Ned Nesti and Gregg Kruse to 3-year terms ending April 30, 2028
•   Re-appointed Planning Zoning member Charles Yost to a 5-year term ending April 30, 2030
•   Pay Daxon Construction Co. $21,564.00 for work performed on the Public Works Interior Renovation Project.

City Administrator Melton informed the Council of conversations that are in progress regarding the possibility of allowing Main Street vendors the option of offering sidewalk cafes. The Ordinance allowing sidewalk cafes will appear at a future City Council meeting for approval.

The City Council of Morrison meets twice monthly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the Community Room, located in the Odell Public Library at 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. The public is invited to attend.