City of Kewanee City Council met May 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The May 8th, 2023, Council Meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. Councilmembers Colomer, Faber, and Komnick were present, along with Mayor Moore. Councilmember Baker was absent. A motion to go into Closed Session to discuss Personnel Section 2(c)(1) and Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(6) was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
A motion to adjourn the Closed Session and go into an Open Session was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0. Closed Session was adjourned at 5:54pm.
A Budget Workshop was then held in Council Chambers.
The official May 8th, 2023, Council Meeting was called to order at 7pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Colomer, Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore.
The Consent Agenda included the following items:
A. Minutes from the Council Meeting on April 24th.
B. Payroll for the pay period ending April 22nd in the amount of $223,678.52.
C. Staff Reports.
A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
Bills for the Council Meeting of May 8th were presented in the amount of $268,994.71. A motion to approve the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comments: Bill Anderson of Bill’s Auto Body located at 115 East College Street approached the Council for permission to build an awning over the City’s Right of Way. Keith Edwards, Director of Community Development, does not have the authority to grant it. The Council was presented with an overview of the property and plans for the awning. The ROW there is larger than in most areas and the building currently goes right to the property line. There is history of the City granting permission to use their ROW for projects like this. Council did point out that if there were an issue with utilities, the awning may need to be removed/worked around. Council would like a resolution authorizing an agreement on this matter to be voted on at the next meeting.
New Business:
A. Consideration of Bill 23-01 granting a special use permit to John & Richard Murray, of Kewanee, IL for property located at 113 South Grove St in the City of Kewanee. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: Councilmember Faber said this property has been a duplex before. No one came forward to object during the rezoning meeting. John Murray stated that there is a parking lot across the street for the tenants to use. He has not talked with area residents about his plan. Motion passed 5-0.
B. Consideration of Bill 23-02 resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
C. Consideration of Bill 23-03 resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, and City Clerk to purchase a 2023 Dodge Charger from Crow Auto Group of Kewanee. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: Councilmember Faber asked if the car would be tall enough for the dog. Police Chief Welgat stated that cages are available for this type of vehicle and that the Charger would be better than an SUV. This breed of dog has a history of hip problems and having the lower entrance would be beneficial. Motion Passed 5-0.
D. Consideration of Bill 23-04 resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Moore Tires granting a license for parking on a municipal lot. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
E. Consideration of Bill 23-05 resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a side letter of agreement to the existing collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 513. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.
F. Discussion Only: Transportation Improvement Updates. City Manager Bradley stated that MFT funds were approved by the Council for maintenance of streets. STP Funds are being evaluated to determine what projects would be most suited for these funds. The State is still planning on doing the Lyle St reconstruction this summer. The Safe Routes to School project continues to move forward. We are still working with the State on projects like Route 81 which is on trach to be completed in 2025. Contractors will be in town soon to do the striping on the 78/34. Grove Street is going through elevation checks so that the work being done coincides with water flow. The election in the spring of 2024 will be our first opportunity to put something in front voters to allow the City to raise funds for street improvements.
Council Communications:
Councilmember Komnick: He asked about curbs that need to be fixed, or put in. There are many corners that are being cut by drivers which create deep ruts that allow water to pool. City Manager Bradley stated this is something that is currently being looked at by the Public Works Department.
Councilmember Colomer: He also had calls about the curbs but it was covered. Councilmember Faber: He mentioned that he has seen little kids on bikes that are not looking when crossing the street or driveways. They need to be more careful
Councilmember Baker: He asked if Frontier will be done soon. City Manager Bradley state that the City was informed that Frontier has put a temporary hold on doing anything new at this time. They stated they will complete the work that was started but not go further. That is all the information we currently have.
Mayor’s Communications:
The Mayor stated he has received complaints about water around Northeast Park. He wanted to know when this will be taken care of. City Manager Bradley stated they are working on those plans now. He then offered condolences to the family of Bud Johnson. He was a great community member and will be missed. Also, this past Saturday, he and his wife attended the
Freedom House Gala held at Tanner’s Orchard. It was a great program, and they are very interested in expanding their footprint to better serve their clientele. Finally, he again thanked the citizens for their support, love, and prayers for his wife, Jeanna. She is doing well and remains positive during her continued fight.
Announcements:
• The City Hall front office will be closed this coming Wednesday May 10th from 8am to 1pm for staff development.
• We want to remind residents of the upcoming City Wide Clean Up Day on Saturday May 13 from 7am – noon at the old hospital site. For details on what can and cannot be taken, please visit our website, Facebook page, or get a copy of the paper at City Hall. We are always looking for volunteers to help as well.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion None. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33pm.
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%205-8-2023.pdf
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