Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this report. Editor’s note: Changes and additions have been added to this article.
The Morrison City Council gathered for a Special Session on Monday, December 21, 2020, to finalize details of the proposed Main Street renovation. The Special Session was a reaction to increased costs incurred by the one-year delay and a necessity for establishing alternatives to maintain a financially viable option.
After extensive discussion of alternatives, the Council voted (6-2) to move forward on the Main Street Project.
The approved project includes new lights; new water main to replace the current one (100+ years old); high-speed fiber to each building; new streets; sidewalks, curbs, and gutters on the four blocks ranging from Orange Street to Madison Street.
Three side streets from IL Route 30 to Market Street also will include those upgrades: Orange, Base, and Genesee.
Due to financial reasons, several modifications of the original plan were made to E. Main Street, from Madison to Clinton Street. The new water main will continue east. The street will be resurfaced with an overlay, at the end of the project.
City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen noted following the meeting, The Council’s action is a major vote of confidence in the future viability of the downtown, the heart and soul of our community. This is something to celebrate as we close out a difficult 2020.”