City of Kewanee City Council met Oct. 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
• The October 24th work session began at 5:32pm. Future meeting dates were discussed to due to potential schedule conflicts. It was determined that things would remain as planned. The City Manager brought up the Economic Development Incentive Program and how the City could offer small loans to local businesses in need. There was a rate discussion regarding water, sewer, and sanitation. A rate history was presented along with details as to why the Council should consider increasing rates. The work session concluded at 6:15pm.
• The October 24th, 2022 Council Meeting was called to order at 6:17pm with all members of the Council present.
• A motion to go into a Closed Session was made by Councilmember Colomer, seconded by Councilmember Faber.
Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
• A motion to adjourn to an Open Session was made by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Komnick.
Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0. Closed session was adjourned at 7:02pm
• The October 24th, 2022 Council Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm in the Council Chambers with all members of the Council present.
• The Consent agenda included the following items:
A. Payroll for the pay period ending October 8th in the amount of $214,446.30.
B. Minutes from the Council Meeting on October 10th.
C. Staff Reports.
D. Good Fellow’s Tag Days.
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda by Councilmember Colomer, seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 5-0.
• Bills for Council Meeting of October 24th, 2022 were presented in the amount of $1,576,400.79. A motion to approve the bills was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 5-0.
• Public Comments:
o Jeanna Moore came forward on behalf of the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival Planning Committee to ask that the Council consider granting them use of Liberty/West park to build an amphitheater as well as getting parking around the park. The parking would aid in the Hog Days events that take place at the park. She also thanked those that came to the Festival. It was a great turnout, and they hope to make it a yearly event.
• New Business:
A. Consideration of Ordinance #4109 granting a request for variance to Chad and Penny Williams, 550 Whitney Ave., Kewanee, Illinois. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
B. Consideration of Ordinance #4110 granting a request for variance to Chad and Penny Williams, 550 Whitney Ave., Kewanee, Illinois. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
C. Consideration of Resolution #5367 awarding demolition work at 108 W. Church St. to Todd Boers. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer, seconded by Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
D. Consideration of Resolution #5368 awarding demolition work at 125 Lyle St. to Todd Boers. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
E. Consideration of Resolution #5369 awarding demolition work at 905 W. Church St. to Nellinger Excavation. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
F. Consideration of Resolution #5370 declaring certain equipment excess and no longer required in the operations of the City of Kewanee and directing the City Manager to dispose of same. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer asked what will happen with this equipment. The City Manager said the data will be cleared and the items will be disposed. Motion passed 5-0.
G. Consideration of Resolution #5371 amending the Economic and Community Development Incentives with additional program guidelines. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
H. Consideration of Ordinance #4111 amending Section 52.20(A.1) Establishment of Rates and Charges of Chapter 52 Waterworks, Section 51.097(A) Wastewater Service Rates and Charges of Chapter 51 Sewers, and Section 50.09(A) Rates and Rules for Solid Waste Pickup of Chapter 50 Solid Waste Management, of Title V Public Works of the Kewanee City Code. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Councilmember Faber stated that we need to let the public know why this rate increase needs to happen. Public Works Director Kevin Newton came forward and stated that the increase is to help pay for the bond that we will no longer levy for on the property taxes, as discussed at the previous Council meeting. The increases will also allow funds for capital improvement plan, employee costs, and to support the increase in operating costs for the City. Mr. Newton reiterated that we are looking at long term with projects for water/sewer as well as things in the Sanitation Department such as a new Recycling program. Mayor Moore stated that none of the Council likes the idea of raising rates however it becomes necessary because the City’s costs are increasing and we are limited in how we can raise the income. Councilmember Komnick again pointed out that with the raise in the fees, we are also lowering property taxes. The Mayor stated that we are lower compared to our comparable cities and feels the raises are justifiable. Motion passed 5-0.
I. Discussion on Sidewalks: funding, programs, and approach. Councilmember Colomer stated that he would like to find a way to improve the sidewalk program in town. There was a time where not all the funds set aside for the program were used. However, the last couple of years, all the monies budgeted have been used. The City Manager stated that when the City began, it was an Ordinance that homeowners were required to put in sidewalks at their expense and if it was not done, the City could do it and put a special assessment on the property. In Kewanee and most cities, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to put in and maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property. Residents feel that sidewalks are important to the community and that they should be taken care of. The City could allot money into the budget for this project. This is something that potential businesses also look at when considering a town. Councilmember Colomer stated that there had been a plan made for streets and sidewalks by previous Councils. The City Manager said that we could look at that plan and readjust to look at the areas that need to have better sidewalks such as schools, parks, and churches. He also stated that there are grants available for sidewalks and that is an avenue that we should explore. Community Development Director Keith Edwards came forward to let the Council know the amount that can be paid out to residents depending on the depth of the concrete. He stated that
it will cover most of the cost of the concrete but not the labor. The City Manager said that he has enough direction from the Council to pull things together for further discussion.
• Council Communications:
o Councilmember Colomer stated that he attended the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival and that it appeared to be a success. He was happy to see an event like that in town and hopes that it comes back next year.
o Councilmember Faber asked about the house on Five Corners. Keith Edwards stated that he just received the court order allowing him to demolish the house. He will be sending it out for bids in the next week. Faber also asked when we will have another crime meeting with the community and state. Chief of Police Welgat said we just need to determine what it is that would like to be discussed and then they can move forward. There is an issue with juvenile crime and Chief stated that they are working with the school districts on this.
o Councilmember Baker stated that he also attended the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival and that it was great for the community. He also asked the City Manager if we had looked into the possibility of a One-Way on Nelson Ave. The information will be available at a future Council meeting for discussion and possible decision.
o Councilmember Komnick said that his wife participated in the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival’s Trunk or Treat and that it was well attended. As a public service announcement, please do not wear black while walking in the streets at night. Drivers need to be aware.
• Mayor’s Communications:
o He and his wife took their grandchildren to the KHS Fall Play, She Kills Monsters. He stated they put on a spectacular play and he would expect nothing less due to their success over the years.
o The Enchanted Pumpkin Festival did a great job planning and executing the entire event. He thanked the planning team for all of their hard work and hope they continue the event in the future.
o He also helped with Bakersville on October 15th. He said this year was well executed with they way they sold tickets and organized the event. It was well attended and he thanked the planning committee for their hard work
o Want to wish Annawan/Wethersfield Titans good luck at their first round of football playoffs on Saturday.
o Congratulations to the Kewanee High School band on their final band competition at the Western Illinois University Marching Bank Classis. They finished 3rd overall and the Drum Majors finished 1st and had the highest scores of all the drum majors.
• Announcements: Due to the football playoff game on Saturday, it will NOT be a burn day. Also, City hall and the transfer station will be CLOSED on Friday November 11th for Veteran’s Day. If you have Friday recycling pick up, it will be moved to Thursday for that week. There are no changes to the trash schedule.
• A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer, seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting was adjourned at 7:56pm.
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%2010-24-2022.pdf
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