Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this report.
The Morrison City Council convened at the City of Morrison Community Room, in Odell Public Library, on Monday, November 25, 2024, with all Aldermen present except Matt Tichler.
Opening Actions included acceptance of the 2025 City of Morrison Meeting Schedule (23 sessions) and the City of Morrison 2025 Holiday Schedule (15 days.)
A request for reimbursement for the Building Improvement Program by Urban Eats ($2750) was approved, but not before considerable discussion related to the program and its procedures for the future were offered. Administrator Brian Melton reminded the Council that the reimbursement was offered in accordance with a 2018 Ordinance, that offered a 50% reimbursement for qualifiers with a designated dollar limit.
By a unanimous vote, a revision of the Community Room Rental and Policy Agreement was approved. The agreement upgraded rental fees and clean-up requirements and defined the payment and reimbursement procedures.
Ordinance 24-15 was approved to levy taxes for the period commencing on May 1, 2025, and ending on April 13, 2026, totaling $699,685.20.
Ordinance 24-16 was approved which amends Chapter 20, Article II Fees and schedules; Article III Penalties; Article IV bond requirements. Noted increases impacted the future fees for: Annual licenses; building permits; Cemetery plots, burials and cremations; Peddlers and solicitors; Signs; Utilities; Zoning; Traffic and vehicles.
Ordinance 24-17 was approved that amended the zoning of 103 N. Orange Street (owned by Arnold Drolema) from R-2 to C-1 Central Business District.
Following the Action agenda, details of employee health benefits offered by Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative were proposed for consideration for the Morrison employees. Further discussion will follow at later meetings.
Administrator Melton introduced costs related to a current vehicle (backhoe) need and offered replacement costs and reasons for purchasing the new equipment in the future. The replacement cost of the 2008 backhoe was presented at $235,504. Possible purchase options would be discussed as future meetings.
The Council adjourned into Executive Session 7:19 p.m.