Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
The Morrison City Council convened on the last day of February 2022, with an Agenda that was small, but conclusionary, on two projects that have been on the Agenda for weeks.
Recent meetings have exposed the desire of Baseball365 to lease Morrison Sports Complex, with a written proposal that generates economic development and relieves the maintenance of the Complex from the City of Morrison budget. It also allows the local Baseball programs to exist as scheduled. The main deterrent to the Council’s acceptance lies with the [need for] moving of the Softball facilities to diamonds within the City, but away from the Complex. An estimated economic development incentive to the area, of approximately $3 million per year, was projected by Baseball365, but local arguments overshadowed the proposal. The quality of Softball instruction was never in question, as the opposing parents convinced the voting Council members to reject the Baseball365 proposal. [This] allows Girls Softball participation to remain at the Sports Complex.
The second issue before the Council also generated emotional responses among members and presenters. “On The Move” is a committee of local volunteers working to enhance Morrison attractions. It received the abandoned American Legion Baseball diamond on Norrish Street as a location to build a dog park. The understanding between the City and “On The Move” was that the land would be provided, but the financing for the project would be generated from the community as donations, in the estimated amount of $50,000. Through various fundraising projects, the $50,000 was contributed by community members, who saw the positive attraction of the dog park. Construction began, and some materials were purchased prior to the unfortunate arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. All progress halted. The economic challenges that followed the months of waiting resulted in a need of an additional $25,000. [This is] due to the increased cost of the fencing. It is the key element to the safety factor and attractiveness of the facility. Feeling a need to accelerate the construction, “On The Move” requested a donation from the City of Morrison for $17,500, having already received a $7500 contribution from Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC.) Non-pet owners on the Council voiced heavy opposition to any financial contribution, even though they were reminded that they voted to allow the project to go forward on City property and that initiated this community enhancement project. After much elevated rhetoric, the Council agreed to a $12,500 contribution, in anticipation that MADC would remain loyal to their offering. Councilman Kruse owned the only negative vote, as the Dog Park donation was approved.
In other Action, Aldermen approved the purchase of a Vacuum Truck for $464,231.50.
The evening closed with [sculptor Charles Yost] presenting a proposed Sculpture Show, that involves large art displays along Main Street. The sculptures would be offered for sale following the display period. The Sculpture Show will be on a future Agenda, if action is forthcoming.