Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met Dec. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The December 27th, 2022, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:45pm with Councilmembers Baker and Komnick present as well as Mayor Moore. Councilmembers Colomer and Faber were absent.

A motion to go into closed session to discuss the Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2 (C) (6) was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 3-0.

A motion to adjourn to regular session was made by Councilmember Baker and Seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 3-0. The closed session was adjourned at 6:59am.

The December 27th, 2022, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm with Councilmembers Baker and Komnick present as well as Mayor Moore. Councilmembers Colomer and Faber were absent.

The consent agenda included the following items.

A. Minutes from the Council Meeting on December 12th.

B. Payroll for the pay period ending December 22nd in the amount of $204,493.74 C. Staff Reports.

A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

Bills for Council Meeting of December 27th, 2022 were presented in the amount of $257,848.95. A motion to approve the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Consideration of Resolution #5380 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with ENTEC services for the project development and implementation of the Kewanee City Hall mechanical systems upgrade. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Council wanted to know this all covered. It was explained that this is for ENTEC to come to City Hall and inspect all of the current equipment and determine what HVAC & mechanical items need maintained or replaced. Everyone was in agreement that the sooner this takes place, the easier, and potentially less expensive, things may be. Motion passed 3-0.

B. Consideration of Resolution #5381 authorizing the purchase of three trench protective systems, trench boxes, to be used in the Public Works Department from Ferguson Waterworks.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Mayor Moore asked the reasoning behind going with this company rather than the other bid from a company we do regular business with. City Manager Bradley along with Kevin Newton explained that this was a simple “apples to apples” comparison as both bids were for the exact same equipment and pieces. The Ferguson Waterworks bid came in significantly less and it was not justifiable to accept the higher bid. Mr. Newton did mention that he spoke with the other bidder and they were understanding and look forward to doing other business with us. Motion passed 3-0.

C. Consideration of Resolution #5382 authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Michlig Energy for furnishing vehicle & equipment fuel to the City of Kewanee. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: This was the only bid that came in and it was around what was expected. This locks in what we will pay for the entire year. Motion passed 3-0.

D. Consideration of Ordinance #4120 establishing the Annual Tax Levy for 2022 payable in 2023. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: City Manager Bradley indicated that the estimates for pension costs were in total about $5,000 different than numbers subsequently provided by the actuaries. That difference was deducted from the corporate levy to balance things out. Motion passed 3-0.

Council Communications:

Councilmember Baker: Wanted to thank the Kewanee Police and Fire Departments for their services when his mother passed. The family was appreciative of how things were handled. Councilmember Komnick: Hoped everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend however they celebrated. He then brought up some issues with snow removal from the last snow event. There were some areas/intersections that did not get addressed in a timely manner. Kevin Newton explained the process and stated that for this event, he may have waited longer than he should have to get the plows out. However, city workers would be back out taking care of side streets and areas like that during the week. City Manager Bradley suggested that the City needed to do a better job with certain aspects of snow removal, but also public relations, communication, and management of expectations regarding snow removal.

Mayor’s Communications: Councilmember Faber usually asks about warming centers and if/where those are posted. The City Clerk stated that she is working on the list and unfortunately did not get that done in time for the previous cold weather. She will make it a priority to have it available for the citizens. The Mayor congratulated Jill Milroy on her retirement from the YMCA. Councilmember Faber is currently in the hospital; please keep him in your prayers. He hopes everyone had a great Christmas with their loved ones and family, and for those who may struggle during the holidays missing those who could not be near, or are no longer with us, he hopes you find peace and happiness in the New Year. If for any reason you are struggling, his phone number is public, call anytime.

Announcements: City Hall and the Transfer Station will be CLOSED Monday January 2nd. There are no changes to the trash schedule.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36pm.

http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%2012-27-22.pdf