Lynnette Forth submitted the following report.
Morrison City Council members met in the Whiteside County Board Room on Monday, November 25, 2013. Aldermen Leo Sullivan and Scott Connelly were absent.
Resident Mark Zinnen addressed the Council during Public Comment, in regard to the issue of not having enough No Parking signs in the 100- and 200-blocks of Wall Street. Zinnen made reference to Saturday, September 21, during the Paint the Town event, in which five parking violations were issued. “We need to get this issue resolved before the Christmas Walk. I want to make sure the Council is aware of the situation. There is a risk of additional citations being issued, because the signage is not adequate. I have lived in that block for 34+ years. There have been numerous times that people have parked on that block without getting a ticket. I suggest that the Council make restitution to those individuals that had to pay a fine during Paint the Town,” Zinnen stated.
Mayor Everett Pannier informed Zinnen that he believed that Alderman Curt Bender had implied that signs will be put in place by the end of the week, and that there has been some discussion about whether or not a $50 fine is too severe for the first offense. “We will probably be looking at the fee and fine schedule,” Pannier added.
Bender replied, “I think the addition of a couple of signs and the replacement of another would be suitable.”
Next, John Kuehl thanked Mayor Pannier for allowing him to pursue the possibility of allowing recreational vehicles on local streets. “I know seat belts are a concern with safety. Safety begins with the operator. If this were to come into effect, there are some grants that we could look at. I thank everyone for their thoughts and time on this issue,” Kuehl said.
Mayor Pannier’s report indicated that the DCEO grant that the City had applied for, to be used for the sewer lining, was not approved. “We will be reapplying after the first of the year.” Pannier also stated that he felt that a good job had been done on the work of the trail, with some finishing up left to do. Mayor Pannier commented on the fact that he had recently visited the Port Byron, IL, waste water plant, and that it was pretty impressive. “The plant is very clean. It is in its 3rd year of operation. If the Council would like to see it, I would suggest you do so. It was a good visit and very informative,” Pannier stated.
The Consent Agenda was approved, including:
1. November 12, 2013, regular session Council Meeting Minutes
2. Bills Payable ($309,678.59) Alderman Michael Blean questioned check number 47996 in the amount of $5782. He was advised by Clerk Melanie Schroeder that the amount is for unemployment fees for previous City Administrator Jim Wise and that the payments could continue for up to 18 months.
3. Approve first and final payment–Market Street parking lot–Civil Constructors ($54,917.80)
4. Cancel December 23, 2013, Council Meeting
Items for Consideration and Possible Action included:
1. Ordinance #13-47-Recreational Vehicles on Local Streets (Mayor Pannier commented that the Council has several options on the issue. Alderman Dale Eizenga stated, “I am not in a hurry to vote it up or down. Maybe tabling it would be better. We need to put something in the Ordinance about seat belts. We need more feedback from residents.” Bender replied, “I agree. We need to hear from more residents.” Alderman Blean stated, “I concur.” David Helms said, “I agree. The Ordinance doesn’t address the safety issue. We need to look at it closer, and get more feedback.” Marti Wood offered her opinion stating, “I have had no feedback from residents so far. I think it is a good idea to table it.” Harvey Zuidema informed the Council that he had spoken to approximately 15 residents in his ward, and most of them were against the Ordinance. Council members agreed unanimously to table the issue to allow for further feedback from City residents. Mayor Pannier concluded by thanking Mr. Kuehl and other residents that were involved in obtaining information. “Continue your study. Notify me when you are ready to look at it again.”
Council members then moved on with the agenda, approving Risk Management Insurance with AJ Gallagher. City Administrator Barry Dykhuzen informed Council members that the annual policy expires on Tuesday, December 31. The price for the insurance has increased $5000 from last year. Dykhuzen complimented City staff members on their low number of injuries.
Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information included th following.
Mayor Pannier informed Aldermen that he has been in contact with Dr. David C. Jennings, and they have come to an agreement that the City may use the parking area near his building during the Christmas Walk. The Mayor commented on a recent Letter to the Editor. Pannier began, “I believe in the First Amendment right to comment, but I am disturbed at the accusations made that are not true. I have the utmost confidence in our public works crew and its Director. No one is happy with the water levels; especially the public works. The problems were unforeseen. We will do an autopsy to go back…and analyze the problem. It’s a pain for those that have to deal with it. If you are impacted, it makes an issue for you. We will continue to work on the problems.”
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be on Monday, December 9. Public members are encouraged to attend.