Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
On Monday, August 23, 2021, the Morrison City Council approved, by a vote of 6-2, to amend the Ordinance relating to the time for Sunday sales of alcohol. The amendment allows any establishment holding a Class A, B-2, C, D, F, F-1, G1, and G2 Liquor License to sell at retail any alcoholic liquor between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. The previous Ordinance restricted alcoholic sales prior to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Sunday.
Prior to the action agenda, Todd Schlegel, representative of Green and Clean, requested an invitation to bid the waste collection of Morrison, IL. He was assured by Mayor Scott Vandermyde that Green and Clean may apply upon notice of the next contract renewal.
Fehr-Graham was approved to initiate plans to request a grant for the City and make plans for a rehabilitation of various sanitary sewer mains and manholes, utilizing cure-in-place lining technology.
Acknowledging a USDA grant of $49,800 for roof repair on Odell Public Library, the City approved the expenditure of 30% of the remaining expenses to repair the Library and Community Room roof. The Council approved going out for bids on roof replacement.
Main Street renovation continues on schedule. The Council approved a Block Party on Saturday, September 18, 2021, to celebrate the progress. Outdoor liquor sales by the Brick Block Pub were approved.
Due to the reduced renovation plans for the blocks east of Route 78, businesses and organizations have made special construction requests, to coordinate with the planned resurfacing of the street in front of their facilities.
- A special sidewalk variance was granted to the American Legion, to construct a handicapped ramp to the Main Street entrance of their facility at 306 E. Main.
- John E. Martin, Cabinetmaker, located at 308 E. Main, was approved for construction of new curbing and sidewalk repairs, estimated at approximately $4700.
Discussion of the newly proposed Public Service Building made its way to the Council discussion table again, with the addition of drawings to explain the varying options. Following a stressful dialogue challenging the details of construction and related cost, the Mayor broke a tie vote in favor of Option A. This included higher doors, extended drive-throughs, increased building height, and a larger mezzanine.