Morrison City Council: Hwy. 30 Leaks Repaired in ‘Record Time’

By LYNNETTE FORTH | For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – The Morrison City Council meeting normally held on Mondays was held on Tuesday, October 9 in the Whiteside County Board Room, due to the Columbus Day holiday.

Resident Phil Bramm addressed the council in regards to the proposed new sight for the Water Waste Treatment plant. Bramm is in favor of a new plant, but is opposed to the chosen location. Bramm feels that the sight is too close to parks, and the old ball diamond, and that property values could go down as a result.

Nancy Anderson commented on the Community Garden, stating that the trees that are planted there do not allow for the garden to grow, blocking out too much sunlight. She would like the City to consider moving the trees to another location.

Council members received reports from the Citizens Advisory Group meeting held on September 6, and also the Historic Preservation Society meeting from October 2. During the report of city officers, City Attorney Tim Zollinger advised the council that the deed for properties at 101/103 has been recorded, and that the City is no longer the owner.

City Administrator Wise noted some problems with the new City website, and is asking for patience while the issues are resolved. Wise also commended City Hall staff members on all of the hard work they have done, and also to the members of the Street Department on an outstanding job of repairing the Highway 30 leaks. “They got them done in record time,” Wise added.

Department head reports included Gary Tresenritter reporting on upgrades being done on the stoplights at intersections taking place, and that leaks on Highway 30 have been repaired. A report from the City Engineer explained that about 50% of survey responses have been received, but 75% is required. Engineers will be going door to door, asking for community members’ cooperation in finishing the surveys.

Consent Agenda items approved included the request for parade permit from the Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade set for Saturday, Oct. 27 at 12:30.

An item removed from Consent Agenda was the September 24th regular session minutes (changes to be made).

Item for Consideration and Possible Action was Ordinance #12-34-IEPA Public Water Supply Loan Program Agreement. The ordinance will increase the amount of funds previously authorized to be borrowed from the public water supply loan program, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This amendment was made necessary by the increase of expenditures experienced with the drilling of Well #5. (approved)

Other Items for Consideration, Discussion, and Information were plans for an October 16 combined council meeting with Morrison, Sterling, and Fulton. Also, on October 22, Council will review the current and revised personnel policy. On November 12, Fiscal Year 2013 budget amendments will be considered.

Executive Session: Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2 © (11) No action was taken as a result of the executive session.

The next meeting of the City Council is scheduled for October 16, and the public is encouraged to attend.