Morrison City Council Honors MHS Championship Softball Team

By Lynnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – Members of the Morrison City Council met on July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Many items were discussed, with the highlight of the evening being the presentation of certificates of recognition to the MHS Girls Softball team. Mayor Drey congratulated each member of the team along with Coach Tammy Deter on their win in the class 2A State Championship game. Deter was also named Illinois Coach of the Year by the Illinois Coaches Association.

Bills payable were presented by Mayor Drey with a total of $89,601.20. Citizen Harvey Zuidema commented that the accounting system currently used by the City is very confusing. Also, Terry Wilkens commented about an extra balance in the general fund.

“Do we have a rationale to the adjustments made?” Wilkens asked the council. Wilkens was told by Ernest Huling (Treasurer) that he would have to get in contact with the auditors to see. Wilkens noted that he would like to see how the expenditures and revenues go along with the budget.

Gene Ryan with Ryan’s Tree Service addressed the council regarding a tree that he was called to evaluate by the Public Works Department. “At the time, it was too early to evaluate it, but I went back later, and in my opinion there was no just cause. The only thing that I want to get straightened out . . . It got brought to my attention (that it said in the newspaper) that that tree cost $1000.00. I’m telling you people that I get paid $330.00 to take a tree down that size. If you want to give me $1000.00, I would be more than happy to take that. Right now I am not under contract. I don’t want new board members to think ‘God, that’s expensive.’ My point is, I am very generous. Whoever the spokesperson was, they had the wrong information. I just want to clear that up.”

City Administrator Jim Wise spoke regarding the Auditors report that was received earlier that day. Copies will be provided to the council after the Mayor gives his approval. Wise expressed concern over the possibility of acquiring a line of credit with Financial Institutions.

“Once our projects start for the water rehab we are going to be getting bills coming in that may total $200,000.00 in one month. We don’t want to deplete the funds in the Water account. It is my recommendation at this time to ask for a line of credit up to $500,000.00.” Mayor Drey asked if other communities use this type of credit system, and Wise assured him they find it easier and quicker.

In the items for Consideration/Possible Action portion of the meeting, the council was asked to approve resolution #11-05 for the antique tractor drive to be held the Monday before the County Fair starts. The resolution is required by IDOT since highways within the city limits will be utilized. This would be the third year for the tractor drive. The tractors will parade through two nursing homes and the state park. Fifty tractors are expected to participate. It was pointed out that all tractors will be required to obey traffic signals. Approval was granted by the council.

The removal of a tree at 305 East North Street was discussed, with Jim Wise stating that the property owners would be willing to pay for the removal of the tree, and also give $25.00 towards the purchase of another tree to be planted at the Sports Complex. The current tree needs to come out because it is a safety hazard and a nuisance issue. The city did approve the demolition request.

Next, council members learned that the Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) and the city of Morrison are partnering together. This partnership initiative will be beneficial to the entire community. NICIL will assist businesses in resolving any questions or situations that may arise that pertain to accessibility for people with disabilities, and the services are free to businesses and individuals. Several businesses were surveyed to determine their accessibility for persons with disabilities. Downtown businesses will be surveyed at a later date. NICIL is also available to give presentations to organizations and businesses.

Any business or property owner can utilize the services of NICIL.

Approval was granted to accept bids for street lighting with Exelon. Council members were asked by Administrator Wise to allow Mayor Drey to enter into agreement with Exelon Corporation. Sarah Thorndike asked, “Can we change companies with this?” Wise assured Thorndike, “Yes, you can select with the help of a broker. You can select any company that provides electricity in this area. The intent is to find the lowest priced provider.”

Police Chief Brian Melton asked for the council to approve a traffic control change at Genesee Avenue and Academic Drive. Melton said, “We are trying to improve traffic flow and safety at the intersection. Every time I drive down Genesee Avenue I have to stop and remember if I have to stop or not. It’s just very confusing and there is a visual obstruction to the south and it just makes better sense to make this an all way stop 24/7-365.”

Melton asked for approval from the council to make the changes in the traffic control. Council members did grant approval. “People don’t do 30 down Genesee Avenue,” Melton added.

Mayor Drey told council members of an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Morrison. Administrator Wise advised the council that he would like them to make a motion to authorize the city to enter into the agreement to accept the grant for $15,000.00. The grant would be used to hire individuals between the ages of 16 and 19 to work in recreational areas of the city.

“We can hire several individuals, and have several in mind but will be accepting applications. A notice will be put on the website, and we have received several apps already. The grant program runs through August 30th and provides ample opportunity to youth in our community to earn a little pocket money before school starts.”

Mayor Drey clarified that this grant would pertain to new hires, not already existing positions. Wise stated that with the grant the city could extend the employment of some current employees whose previous terms of employment were about to expire. Approval was granted by the council to enter into the agreement with the DNR.

Council members learned that there is a 90% chance that McDonalds will be breaking ground later this fall. Also, Administrator Wise brought up during the items for consideration portion that he would like to set aside time to provide an opportunity to new council members to help with the orientation process. Marti Wood read a letter she composed to the council and audience members regarding her concerns with needing information and orientation from the city. Wood noted that she has been on the council for two months, and has asked for an orientation for this job, with no results.

Wood was told that there would be lots of assistance in the transition to alderman. “I cannot believe everyone on the council is up to speed on decision making,” Wood said.

The meeting then went into Executive Session for collective bargaining, personnel issues, appointment or removal of public officers, purchase or lease of real estate, sale or lease of real estate, and litigation. No further action was taken.

The next meeting will be held on July 25th.

 

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