City of Kewanee City Council met Nov. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Councilmembers Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present with Councilmember Colomer and Mayor Moore being absent.
The consent agenda included the following items:
A. Payroll for the pay period ending October 22nd in the amount of $223,209.81
B. Payroll for the pay period ending November 11th in the amount of $211,695.47
C. Minutes from the Council Meeting on October 24th
D. Staff Reports.
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 3-0.
Bills for the Council Meeting of November 14th, 2022 were presented in the amount of $703,991.58. A motion to approve the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Komnick asked about the two payments for sanitation software. Operations Manager Kevin Newton stated that it is for the Vision software that is used for tracking. We are currently month-to-month with them. Councilmember Faber asked about the aerator cost and if it was from the bids accepted previously. City Manager Gary Bradley stated that it was and it was the amount on the bid that was being paid out. Motion Passed 3-0.
There were no public comments.
New Business:
A. Consideration of Ordinance #4112 granting a request for variance to Moises and Jessi Martinez of 234 S Chestnut St, Kewanee, IL. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 3-0.
B. Consideration of Resolution #5372 to set the dates for Council Meetings for the 2023 calendar year. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 3-0.
C. Consideration of Resolution #5373 authorizing the City Manager to execute documents for the renewal of a self-funded insurance plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and other carriers for the plan year 2023. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Faber questioned what “other carriers” meant. City Manager Bradley stated that the City uses Sisco for dental and vision as well as other employee optional items like AD&D. Motion Passed 3-0.
D. Consideration of Resolution #5374 authorizing the City Manager and Fire Chief to execute an amended agreement with the Kewanee Community Fire Protection District to supply EMS coverage to the residents of their district and charge fees to said services that more adequately account for the costs of service delivery. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Komnick asked to confirm his understanding, that the agreement in place was adopted in 1988 and that we were charging the same rates as when it was adopted. City Manager Bradley confirmed that it was. Councilmember Komnick agreed that it was time for a new one and to make sure it is updated sooner than the previous one due to rising costs. Motion Passed 3-0.
E. Consideration of Resolution #5375 authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to an agreement with Hutchison Engineering for professional services related to the implementation of a safe routes to school grant. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Faber commended City Manager Bradley for negotiating with the engineering firm to lower the cost from what was originally requested, saving the taxpayers money. Motion Passed 3-0.
F. Consideration of Ordinance #4113 directing the sale of excess Real Estate located at 1st & Chestnut. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Faber asked if there was interest in the lot and if the City had looked into the costs of fixing a property that might be offered as a swap. City Manager Bradley stated that it hasn’t been offered for sale or swap yet, and that if a proposal comes in that offers land as a par of a swap, the City will look into that as part of the review process. Motion Passed 3-0.
Council Communications:
Councilmember Baker: He attended the Veteran’s Day service and that it was very moving. He asked for an update on Nelson Ave. City Manager Bradley stated that the traffic analysis results were in the packet and that further discussion had been pushed to a later Council meeting so that more councilmembers could be present.
Councilmember Baker also asked if there were any options on directing where new businesses like vape shops and gambling parlors were allowed to open. City Manager Bradley explained that zoning laws are already in place which allow a business to operate if they fall into the correct zoning categories and that changing what businesses can go where or establishing limitations through the zoning process is where the City Council has the ability to influence such decisions. Lastly, he wanted to know the procedure for notifying residents about boil orders. Mr. Newton stated that each case is different but that at minimum, our website and Facebook account are updated, and we notify the media. It isn’t always feasible to call each resident or knock on each door. Baker wondered if we could work towards a more proficient push notification system.
Councilmember Komnick: He also attended the Veteran’s Day service and remarked on how well it was organized and presented. With the upcoming winter weather, he reminded drivers to take extra care while driving and parking. November is Native American History Month. There is a lot of information out there and he suggested that people do some research to learn more about the history and topics like cultural appropriation.
Councilmember Faber: He wanted to follow up on a previous conversation about violators of building ordinances that build and then apply for permits or variances, i.e. “Do it first and ask forgiveness later.” City Manager Bradley reminded him that if someone starts worth without a permit, that the Ordinance allows the City to charge them double for the permit.
Mayor’s Communications: n/a
Announcements: City Hall and the transfer station will be CLOSED on Thursday November 24th and Friday November 25th for the holiday. Thursday trash and recycling pick up will be moved to Friday November 25th, all other days will remain the same.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:23pm.
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%2011-14-22.pdf
Alerts Sign-up