Morrison City Council Conducts Work Sessions

Ron Kallemeyn For The Prairie Advocate News

With the possibility once again of the Thomson prison opening and bringing new jobs and people to the area, the Morrison City Council used the majority of the work session on January 25, 2010 to prepare itself in the event of a major land development in Morrison. They educated themselves by having two presentations from experts in the process of land development and the relationship between the developer and the city.

The first presentation was co-presented by Ralph Tompkins and Jim Sparber of Baxter and Woodman, Inc. Consulting Engineers. Their presentation entitled “So a developer walks into City Hall . . .” discussed the basic process of a medium to large scale land development project from beginning to end. It focused on the city’s part in the process and some common issues that spring up.

The second presentation was given by attorney Kurt Froehlich, of Evans, Froehlich & Beth in Champaign, Illinois. This presentation entitled “Practical Considerations In Negotiating and Drafting Development and Redevelopment Agreements” focused on negotiating agreements that were beneficial to the city and common pitfalls to avoid.

The presentations lasted about one and a half hours at which time the work session began. First on the agenda was the Morrison Sports Complex Field Reservation/ Allocation & Use Policy. Jim DuBois, Morrison Sports Complex Director, submitted a draft of a use policy for the sports complex. He also reported that they have one tournament already booked and he is working on others. The draft was moved forward to the regular city council meeting for action.

A discussion was also held on the request for proposals for Sports Complex concessions. DuBois and the ad hoc committee submitted a draft of the request for proposals and a draft of the proposal requirements and regulations. A concern was brought up about ensuring any contractor for the concessions would be required to certify that their employees have had a background check and that they do not have criminal backgrounds. The proposals were moved forward to the regular meeting.

Also on the agenda concerning the Morrison Sports Complex was the recommendations for mower and Gator purchase. DuBois gave a report of the options and his reasons for his recommendations. He recommended the purchase of a 4WD John Deere Gator/ w plow & cab, a 2WD John Deere mower, and a bagger for the mower. The total cost for all of them would not exceed $25,000. The recommendation was moved forward to the regular meeting.

DuBois also reported on the results of the field names for the Morrison Sports Complex. The council as a whole was disappointed with the names that were offered up to this point. They agreed to table the issue to some future time, perhaps looking at it after a year of operation. They also discussed possible highway and directional signs for the park.

Next on the agenda was Police Chief Brian Melton. He presented a draft of a General Order concerning records management of the Morrison Police Department. It is designed to be a basic expectation to officers when writing and submitting reports. The issue was moved forward to the regular meeting.

City administrator Tim Long reported on the Ad-Hoc Committee for Review of RFP’s for Banking & Audit Services. He is looking to create an Ad-Hoc Committee to help set up requests for proposals for banking and accounting services. Mr. Long will present the full recommendations on the next city council meeting.

Finally, on the agenda City Administrator, Long, presented a request to pay the bills differently in the future. The bills would be separated into bills that are normal regular bills that do not need actual city council approval prior to being paid and then bills that the city council has to approve. The issue was moved forward to the regular meeting.

The public work session adjourned around 9:30 p.m. The next Morrison City Council meeting is on February 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m..

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