During the City Council meeting on Monday, May 23, 2022, five Aldermen voted “No” on a motion to permit a downtown Sculpture Exhibit. Members had received a new map indicating where ten pieces could be placed–at pocket parks, grassy areas, and sidewalks–with visibility from U. S. Highway 30 and IL Route 78, from August 6, 2022, through August 2023. Four extra sites were listed in case of any objections, but there were none. City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen noted Police Chief Brian Melton would assess if there were any safety concerns.
Only two Aldermen commented; both are E. Main Street business owners. Josh West stated, “It [the map] is livening up some of the dead areas in the City.” Sidonna Mahaffey noted the sculptures would draw people from Route 30 to Main Street.
Those astute Council members realized the primary goals of a Morrison Sculpture Exhibit. It was first proposed to Mayor Scott Vandermyde in 2019, by professional Sculptor Charles Yost. Planning was delayed due to COVID-19, but in December 2021, the Mayor suggested a June 2022 show. Along the way, every objection from Council members was satisfied. No new reasons were given on May 23 to deny the event.
This venue was designed to lure locals, nearbys, and passersby to stop in the “Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment District,” which the City approved in about 2017. Although there is no way to capture an income for viewing ten artworks, as with a ticketed event, revenue would have accrued to local businesses over the year.
People who strolled the seven blocks likely would have stopped for a beverage or meal, shopped in retail stores, filled the gas tank, or gotten an impromptu haircut, for example. The novelty of the pieces would have encouraged a plethora of “selfies,” to mark a visit to Morrison. Folks would have returned to share with family/friends the artistic installation: “Wait until I show you the Climbing Pigs!”
West moved to allow the Morrison Sculpture Exhibit; Alderman Kevin Bruckner, Jr. supported it with a second.
Five Aldermen turned their backs on similar opportunities to support local businesses. None gave a reason to deny the Sculpture Exhibit: Arlyn Deets, Gregory Kruse, Vernon Tervelt, Mick Welding, and Harvey Zuidema.
A thoughtful citizen must wonder, “Why?”
“How does your negative vote serve the residents in your Ward and the City in general?”
Citizens are urged to contact their Ward representative and ask.
WARD 1
Gregory Kruse, 779-245-3287 gkruse@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2023.)
Sidonna Mahaffey, 815-768-7996 smahaffey@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2023.)
WARD 2
Mick Welding, 815-772-8024 mwelding@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2023.)
Harvey Zuidema, 815-772-3084 hzuidema@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2025.)
WARD 3
Vernon Tervelt, 815-772-3090 vtervelt@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2023.)
Josh West, 815-499-4556 jwest@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2025.)
WARD 4
Arlyn Deets, 815-772-4972 adeets@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2023.)
Kevin Bruckner, Jr., 815-718-5570 kbruckner@morrisonil.org (Term expires April 2025.)