Morrison City Council: 'Wants' Doesn't Mean 'Needs'

By Lynette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – Members of the Morrison City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11th in the Whiteside County Board Room. Following the approval of minutes from previous meetings, $37,887.67 was approved for Bills Payable. Alderman Leo Sullivan questioned a payment regarding a premium to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Sullivan wondered if the premium was an annual premium or 6 months, and Administrator Wise confirmed it was a monthly payment..

At that point, Mayor Drey opened the meeting to the portion of Public Comment. Resident Nancy Riggen spoke regarding the proposed Route 78 Bridge project. “I think you really seriously have to think about needs and wants. I think that bridge is a want. The needs would be the streets in town are falling apart from potholes, I would think really hard about it. Putting $140,000.00 on that bridge is feasible”.

Following Riggen, was Terry Wilkens who spoke about the bridge as well. “I would note that the budgeted revenues for the Motor Fuel fund this year are $115,000. The last bridge project cost us roughly $300,000. This one would be about $150,000. We are talking about four years worth of Motor Fuel Revenues being devoted to bridge projects, while at the same time in the budget there is $0.00 allocated to street repair. Again, streets crumbling, that is evident. I will note that there is $60,000 worth of sidewalk and street renovation that is within the budget of the General Fund, and then I wondered if that is really the proper place for it, or if we should be using it against Motor Fuel? Even as it is, the motor fuel deficit is projected to be about $102,000 this year. We are whittling away those dollars that I feel strongly should be used for street repair. I would certainly think that any discussion here tonight about proceeding with that bridge be done in the context of the proper use of those monies”.

Also, Wilkens addressed an item on the agenda under Action Items. “#9 has to do with the possibility of hiring another employee. The General Fund was projected to show a $38,000 deficit this year. I would think that before we go forward on any other major expenditures, there would be a mid year review of the budget to see where we are, if we have any way of reigning in that deficit. I think it would be wise to do so”.

Next, a report was heard from Bob Gale of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the possible establishment of an ordinance for an A-1 Agricultural District. Several council members presented Gale with questions regarding this possible change. Leo Sullivan questioned whether or not such an ordinance would be fair to property owners. Sullivan wondered about owners having goats. Gale stated that other livestock would be permitted under special use. Administrator Wise urged council members to support this action. Wise stated “residential, commercial, and industrial are only annexed now”. The council decided to move this issue to the next meeting.

Jim Wise reported to the council that he had received notice that the proposed IEPA loan for the water system project has been approved. The council members will vote on the loan at the meeting on October 24th.

Items for Consideration and Possible Action found the council approving Trick or Treating within the City to be set for October 31st from 4-7p.m. Approval was granted for the request for a parade permit for the Chamber of Commerce. A police escort will be needed for the parade, with the route being Main street @ Community State Bank parking lot and ending @ the Post office. The parade will be held on October 29th at 1:30 p.m.

A request was also approved for the Emmanuel Reformed Church to hold a card show on 6-30-2012. Street closure will be needed for Morris Street and the entire alley behind the church and the 300 block of S. Madison Street. The street will need to be closed from 1-10p.m.

Discussion was held regarding the proposed Route 78/French Creek Bridge project. Alderman Marti Wood addressed the council by stating that she had received many comments from citizens in her ward. Wood made a motion to approve $14,000 which was the original plan to fund the project. The motion was brought up for discussion among members of the council. Mayor Drey noted that the IDOT has requested the city to increase the cost to $140,000. The IDOT wants the city to use the form liners on the new bridge at an increased cost.

Alderman Pat Zuidema stated, “This bridge would last decades. We’ve got to think about were the corridor is going to go. If it goes south, it would be an entryway into the South portion of Morrison. We have to be careful. In our lifetime, we probably won’t need to think about replacing the bridge. We want it to look nice. I know we have a tight budget, but we will always have potholes. Streets are an ongoing problem. We want people coming into to Morrison to know that we care about how our community looks. We need to think of the future. We really need to look at it.”

Wood reported that the residents in Ward 3 want her to vote no. “Citizens feel that the city needs to stop wasteful spending,” Wood said. Alderman Gus Hayenga stated that he felt the city should think about spending the extra money. Sarah Thorndike commented, “I have no faith in the State of Illinois granting motor fuel tax. I thought we owned the liner from the previous bridge, and it wouldn’t cost us that much”. Michael Blean stated “I think we need to focus on needed projects”.

Mayor Drey concluded “Both sides have expressed valid opinions. I think it would be great to have both bridges looking similar, but we have limited funds. Sadly, we have to choose one good option for another. It’s just a sad fact that you have to look at what you have and make a decision”. Council members voted to move forward with Woods motion, approving $14,000.00 for the bridge project. Pat Zuidema was clearly disappointed with the result.

A resolution was approved authorizing fund expenditure. Marti Wood expressed concern brought forth by residents in her Ward. This resolution would involve loaning $5,500 to help demolish the property at 208 E. Lincolnway. Ron Kellemeyn agreed with Wood. “This is setting a bad precedence. It seems to me that building has been an eyesore for about 10 years. Another six months or a year isn’t going to make a difference. We have other projects that need to be done”.

Thorndike rebutted by stating “One of our responsibilities is to make sure things are safe. That building is not safe”. Gus Hayenga stated “Get er done”.

Approval was also given to create a grant revenue line item for the Sports Complex Fund.

Gary Tresenritter addressed the council in regards to the possibility of granting permission to hire another public works employee. Last year, the city had ten employees, and this year they are down to eight. One employee retired without being replaced, and one has resigned due to health problems. “It would be extremely helpful to replace at least one of the two. The money is already budgeted. I understand the financial situation. We are having a hard time keeping up with what needs to be done, let alone get ahead”. It was stated that the position has not been advertised yet, but some applications are on file, with one applicant being strongly considered. Approval was granted to proceed with the process of hiring one new employee for the Public Works Department.

In other items for discussion, Sarah Thorndike brought up the possibility of moving the Council meeting back to just “regular” meetings, instead of one “working” meeting. Thorndike expressed that she thought it would be more efficient. Mayor Drey replied that he would check into it. Thorndike laughingly stated “Otherwise I’ll just keep bringing it up”.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 24th 2011 in the Whiteside County Board Room.

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