Morrison Council Reports Water Main Extension Completed

By Lynnette Forth | For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – The Whiteside County Board Room was the site of the June 25th Council meeting for the City of Morrison. Following the call to order, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. There was no public comment. No board and commission reports were given.

During the report of Department heads, Chief of Police Brian Melton informed the council that he had submitted his report from last week to all Aldermen.

Director of Public Works, Gary Tresenritter informed the council that the water main extension is complete, with all lines installed, and valves open. Delivery of well house #4 is to be on June 28th to Kelly Park. Tresenritter stated that installation could take about a week to be completed.

Two representatives from Layne Christensen reported on recent improvements to well #5. The void is still open, but casing can be run into the area. A change in size requires notice to the IEPA, and Baxter and Woodman will notify the agency. The goal is 1000 gallons per minute of output.

Jim Dubois previously gave Aldermen his monthly report and financial revenue data.

The Consent Agenda included: June 11th regular session minutes, Bills Payable in the amount of $286,357.62, and May 2012 treasurers report. The June 11th minutes were removed for clarification. Bills payable and the Treasurers report were both approved. City Administrator Wise explained the self insurance deductible, Memorial Park Fund, and vehicle replacement are all one-time transfers. Items removed from the consent agenda included the June 11th minutes to be put off until the next meeting to correct them, and answer council members questions.

Items for consideration and possible action included: Mike Mudge from Rock River Energy Service presented a spreadsheet comparing six electrical suppliers, seventeen of which were notified of the cities intent to switch from ComEd. Mudge discussed specific critical criteria to consider prices per-kilowatt-hour, and expected savings. City electrical accounts will not be included in this savings plan. If the council takes action, 1400 people will realize savings, which would start when ComEd reads their meters on September 1st. A motion was made by Alderman Blean to use First Energy for two years, subject to review and contract approval by the City Attorney. The motion was approved by the council.

Other items for consideration included Administrator Wise stating that he and Gary Tresenritter feel that there is a need for a City Building Inspector. The opportunity to train for the position will be offered to current City employees first. Training costs and an income addition will require an update to the Fy 13 budget.

Mayor Drey stated that the union would need to improve the position. Inspectors from Sterling or Rock Falls are available now at $35 per hour. The inspector could help with building rehabilitations and new construction.

Alderman Sarah Thorndike reminded the council of a public meeting on leaf and landscape disposal on Thursday, July 12th at 6:30 in the Odell Library Community Room.

Emmanual Reformed Church will be holding a car show on June 30th which will require street closures from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. or possibly midnight.

It was reported by Marti Wood that Luke VanDerBleek is discussing tree removal with a landscaping company, but does not want to cut the trees.

The next meeting of the council will be held on July 9th, 2012 in the Whiteside County Board Room. The public is encouraged to attend.