It doesn’t seem like it’s been eight months since I took office, so it’s past time that I provide some updates as to what your City has been up to.
Your Council and Administration have accomplished much over the past several months, but, unfortunately, all the water line breaks draw attention away from the many positive things that have occurred.
In addressing the water line breaks, we have been trying everything that we can think of to get them stopped. Part of the problem is that, with the entire system being underground, we cannot determine if small leaks are–or have been–occurring, until they finally grow larger and come to the surface.
We have switched back and forth from one well to the other and placed very sensitive pressure recorders online that will sense even the slightest change in pressure. We’ve also monitored for surges in air in the lines.
One obvious fact is that all of the leaks that have occurred have been on the very old lines, some of which are 80-plus years old. They are rusted through and are very fragile. None of the lines that have been put in operation in the last 20 years have sprung any leaks.
We suspect that there are likely several lines that still have small leaks which have not yet surfaced. Those will be repaired as they appear.
The extremely cold weather has also hampered repair. The Public Works crew has been going above and beyond to stay on top of fixing leaks, as well as keeping up with all the snow plowing. I cannot say enough about the fantastic job that they have been doing. When you see any of them, it would be great if you could thank them for their efforts.
On a more positive note, I would like to summarize some of the happenings that have occurred over the past few months:
1) In October 2013, the Council unanimously hired Barry Dykhuizen as Morrison’s new City Administrator. We are confident in his abilities to lead Morrison on a path of fiscal responsibility and economic growth. We welcome Barry, his wife Tara, and their three children to our community.
2) The parking lot at the corner of W. Market and Orange Streets was completely resurfaced and landscaped, thanks in large part to MADC’s donation to purchase the land, and to a grant to allow the resurfacing.
3) Congratulations to the “Friends of the Parks” and the City, for finally completing the section of the Morrison-Rockwood Trail from the covered bridge to Damon Road. This path was constructed with IDNR grant monies and funds raised by the “Friends of the Parks.” Watch for the formal dedication in June 2014.
4) The City assisted Resthave Home in being able to obtain special bond financing, so they can complete their $13 million dollar expansion that will greatly enhance their facility and add approximately 30 new jobs.
5) The City worked closely with “Windsor Manor” to provide some of the infrastructure required to enable them to build a new 42-unit assisted living complex, just off Scenic Drive. Once completed this spring, they will create approximately 25 full-time jobs.
6) The City worked with “Co-Z Corners” to assist in getting infrastructure improvements for the new convenience store/gas station on Route 78, on the south edge of town.
7) The City purchased approximately 30 acres of ground south of town, with the intent of placing the new Waste Water Treatment Plant at that location, thereby eliminating the concerns of residents around Waterworks Park. Engineering work to determine the plant’s exact location and layout will take most of 2014. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2015 with completion in 2016.
8) Most recently, the Council authorized the purchase of the portion of the parking lot at the corner of E. Market Street and Route 78 that had been owned by Dr. Jennings. This adds another 19 places for the public to park and should be especially helpful to those working on Main Street.
9) Internally, the City is working on upgrading our antiquated computer system.
10) The next couple of months will find the Council and Administration spending many hours going over goals and preparing a budget for adoption by Thursday, May 1. The budget is an extremely important issue. We are struggling financially and need to provide for the things we “must” do, while at the same time be aware and watchful for opportunities to move our City ahead, with infrastructure improvements and development growth.
Your Council and Administration are working well together. Stay in touch with them. I encourage you to discuss City issues with them as well as with the City Administrator or myself. It is much better to get information from an informed source, than it is to listen to rumors.
If any group or organization would like to have me provide a periodic update in person, just let me know.
Respectfully,
Everett Pannier, Mayor