City of Kewanee City Council Met May 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM. Five members of the City Council were present in Chambers.
The Consent Agenda included the following items:
a. Approval of Minutes of the May 10th Meeting.
b. Payroll for the pay period ending May 8th , 2021 in the amount of $189,929.18.
c. Reports from Police, Community Development, and Bock, Incorporated
Motion made by Councilmember Komnick to approve consent agenda. A Seconded was made by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: No discussion. Motion Passed 5-0
Bills were presented in the amount of $735,153.02.
Councilmember Faber moved to approve payment of the bills. Councilmember Baker seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer had a question about the new radios that were purchased by the Fire Department. City Manager explained there were already funds in the acquisition fund and was instructed to add the additional funds to get tall at once. Colomer asked for a detailed email for clarification. The motion was approved 5-0.
Public Comments: Diane DeMay was just checking on her N. Main project. CM Bradley stated that we are doing a full depth patch and it will be done correctly and last for many years. Faber said that was the correct way to fix it. Project should be done Summer of 2022.
New Business:
a) Consideration of a Resolution #5281 authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year agreement with the Henry County Humane Society for the operations of the animal control facility. Councilmember Komnick moved to approve. Councilmember Baker seconded. Discussion: There were numerous members of the audience that had experiences, comments, and stories that they wanted to express. Mayor Moore started with there are many people with vested interest and many very capable people to do this job. After all things considered Mayor Moore’s opinion, he needs to lean towards the money aspect of it and its savings. Colomer stated that he is responsible for the finances and being good stewards of the taxpayer money. Faber feels the opposite and states that we need to hear what the people are saying, and a straw pole of 72 people are more for the Friends of the Animals. Mayor feels its more split in the calls that he has received. Komnick stated that he wished he would have had the additional information from Chief Welgat in the first packet. Diane Packee spoke at the microphone that she received from a local Vet. Another supporter spoke to the fact that she was hopeful in the last meeting that they did not always have to take the highest bid. She feels that we should take care of the animals in Kewanee and in the past The Humane Society has taken in animals from out of state. Kathy stepped out just to say that she loves what she does and hopes she can continue what they do for the animals. A citizen from Lynn Center stepped up to say she had a great experience with friends of the Animals. Cody Kempin stepped up to read a poem about animals. A supporter of the Humane Society Jordan Doubek stepped up to state she loves to volunteer and both groups love the animals. Jennifer Russell stepped up to say she does not appreciate the cheap shots but both organizations love their jobs. Its about the care of the animals. Faber stated that he feels when CM Bradley once said he did not want one entity to run both places. Bradley said he did not remember saying that. But if he did, he still would have a concern only in the aspects of things getting out of control like a few years back. There was more discussion about the past. Motion passed 4-1
b) Consideration of a Resolution #5282 fixing the budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021, and ending April 30, 2022, and declaring that this resolution shall be in force immediately. Councilmember Komnick moved to approve. Councilmember Baker seconded. Discussion: Mayor Moore wanted to give Randi Haley some kudos on the budget and fixing a numerous number of problems. Colomer agrees and very happy with the way the budget season went this year!! Motion passed 5-0
c) Discussion only Golf Cart Ordinance. Discussion: Mayor Moore started with for years he always has been against this ordinance and after reading Chief’s report and information he is for it and open minded by the idea. Welgat stepped up and laid out the plan and asked for suggestions.
Council Communications:
• Councilmember Colomer wanted to thank both groups for expressing their concerns and opinions, and this was a hard meeting for that reason. Please pay attention for kids on bikes this summer season.
• Councilmember Faber had received a few complaints about a house on East and Willow. Chief Welgat spoke and said they are aware of the complaints and investigation. How are they still getting high meter readings? Also wanted to check on the alley between 9th and 10th street. Asked if grindings could be used to fill are we using those? Newton stepped up to answer Faber.
• Councilmember Komnick wanted to check on the fiber for City Hall and residential. If we needed any held. He is all for it. Komnick gets calls every day. Congrats to Officer Moon.
• Councilmember Baker roads are looking good, and he was glad to be part of that decision and experience.
• Mayor’s Communications:
• Mayor Moore stated by giving his Condolences to the family of John Pence. Condolences also to the family of Melissa Westerfer. Please remember when you are mowing that you need to not mow the cuttings into the streets. Also want to thank Captain Moon for his service.
• Announcements: Reminder City Hall will be closed Monday the 31st for Memorial Day. June 12th is the City-Wide Clean-up days.
Councilmember Faber moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Baker seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%20for%2005-24-21.pdf
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