Morrison City Council Action Includes ‘Safe Passage’

By Lynnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – A regular meeting of the Morrison City Council was held on June 11, 2012 in the Whiteside County Board room. Alderman Ron Kallemeyn was absent, as well as City Clerk Melanie Schroeder. Administrator Jim Wise stood in for Schroeder.

Public comment included resident Harvey Zuidema addressing the possibility of refinancing the 2008 series bonds. Zuidema felt that a refinance of 15 years is all that is needed.

Resident Kenny Kophamer spoke to the council about the bidding process on the properties located at 101-103 West Main.

Historic Preservation Commission minutes were reviewed. A presentation was given by 4 engineers from Baxter and Woodman regarding the wastewater treatment plant. The City of Morrison is considering upgrading the current treatment plant, rather than remodeling. Baxter and Woodman gave pro’s and con’s of each possibilities, and answered questions.

Mayor Drey opened the lone bid for the property at 101-103 W. Main Street. The bid was for $2.00 from Trust for Revitilization Incorportated. The Company would like to see the buildings completely restored and leased, renting out shops and apartments. It was noted that the bid is so low because $12,000.00 has already been used to make roofing replacements within that block. Council members agreed to allow an ordinance to be drawn up, and proceed with the sale.

Beth Rice and Kenny Kophamer provided a detailed report on the history of the Trust for Revitilization group.

The consent agenda included: May 29th Public Hearing Minutes (approved)

May 29th Regular Session Minutes (approved), Bills Payable in the amount of $365,583.81, and a request for payment from Miller Trucking (approved). Items removed from the consent agenda included: Change order #3 for Well #5, and a request for payment from Layne Christensen. Both items were approved after council members had the opportunity to ask questions on both issues.

Items for Consideration and Possible Action included:

Resolution #12-10- authorizing the mayor to sign certified local Government agreement. (approved)

Ordinance #12-22- prevailing wage rate of wages (approved)

Ordinance #12-15- Sunday liquor sales (not approved 4 no, 3 yes)

Establish Class C1 Liquor License (not approved)

Refinancing of series 2008 general obligation bonds (failed due to lack of motion after three tries)

Award electrical aggregation bid(put off until next meeting)

Authorize Mayor to enter into electrical services agreement (put off until next meeting).

Paint the Town Sponsorship Donation was approved, with Mayor Drey stating, “The City has done this for many years.”

Other Items for Consideration:

Operation Safe Passage: the program was created by Administrator Wise with the intent to conduct a program during the summer months that will improve and enhance the safety of students and parents as they travel from home to school and back. Operation Safe Passage will begin on June 11, 2012.

The Morrison Police Department, in conjunction with the Public Works Department, will combine forces to improve and enhance pedestrian safety in the community. The objective is to improve the crosswalks at several intersections that are heavily used by pedestrians to travel to and from North Side Elementary and the South Side school campus. City staff and employees will be working to complete this program in time for the start of the new school year, August 20th, 2012.

Operation Safe Passage Actions include designating intersections for improvements, enforcing city codes, clearing Right of Way obstructions, improving crosswalks, utilizing traffic control devices and sinage, establishing a 25 mile per hour speed limit in residential neighborhoods and applying for grants to obtain funds for sidewalk construction. This program was met by much approval by council members.

(See this week’s Letter to the Editor from Alderman Marti Wood for her perspective)

The next meeting of the Morrison City Council is scheduled for June 25th.