City of Kewanee City Council met Sept. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The September 11th, 2023, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Komnick, Colomer, and Baker were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Justin Raver, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmember Faber was absent.
The Mayor then made remarks regarding the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. A moment of silence was held honoring all victims of that day.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for our troops.
The consent agenda included the following items:
A. Minutes from the Council Meeting on August 28th
B. Payroll for the pay period ending August 26th in the amount of $216,832.07.
C. Staff Reports
D. Enchanted Pumpkin Festival Street Closure
A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
The Bills for the Council Meeting of September 11th were presented in the amount of $810,984.92. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
Public Comments: None
New Business:
A. Excess Property Bid Opening
No bids were received for 603 E Third St.
One bid was received for 211 Regina Ct – Mark & Kathleen Slaves for $7,251.00.
One bid was received for 231 Regina Ct – Shane Kazubowski and Jason Burkiewicz for $8,000.00.
B. Consideration of Bill 23-44 Resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney to execute documents that are necessary and proper to sell excess real estate located at 211 and 231 Regina Ct to the highest responsible respective bidder. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
C. Consideration of Bill 23-45 Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Ellie Sabella of Kewanee, Illinois, for property located at 229 S Park St in the City of Kewanee. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Mayor Moore stated that he had taken his dogs to Ms. Sabella at her previous location and never had an issue. He had heard of a complaint of odor but never experienced that. He was aware that one of the Plan Commission members went out and spoke with the neighbors and no one had any concerns. Motion passed 4-0.
D. Consideration of Bill 23-46: Resolution to authorize the use of the public alley between the 800 blocks of West Prospect and Rockwell Streets by Tavern on Beach LLC, D/B/A Doghouse on Beach for a Beer Garden on a specific date for a concert event. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Mayor Moore asked if the Council had approved similar requests from previous owners. City Manager Bradley responded that they had. Owner John Cernovich was present and told the Council that they hope to have an acoustic band from 7-10pm and the alley would be blocked from 6-11pm. They will section the area off and be sure to clean up any messes. Motion passed 4-0.
E. Consideration of Bill 23-47: Resolution to declare certain equipment excess and no longer required in the operations of the City of Kewanee and directing the City Manager to dispose of same. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Fire Chief Welgat stated that these are the performance load cots that came with the new ambulances. We used them for about a month before purchasing new ones. These will come in handy for another Fire Department. Motion passed 4-0.
F. Consideration of Bill 23-48: Resolution authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement and other documents that are necessary in the procurement of new pole mounted decorations for the City of Kewanee. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer questioned the reoccurring cost that was listed. City Clerk Mitchell then informed the Council that this is an optional cost that would include the company installing and removing the decorations for us as well as storing them during the off season. This would save the City from having to find staff or volunteers to do the work as well as finding storage for the items. The items listed are snowflakes and more of a winter decoration. Because they are not “Christmas” decorations, they would be able to be up longer. They would be placed from the Radio Station North to Loomis and then West in the Downtown area. The goal is to be able to purchase more in the future to slowly replace the decorations the Chamber currently installs. Councilmember Baker asked if this is what had been discussed during budgeting. City Manager Bradley stated that these would be purchased with excess funds from the General Fund. Councilmember Komnick asked about the White Glove Service. It is a per item charge and is a year-to-year agreement. Motion passed 4-0.
G. Consideration of Bill 23-49: Resolution amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023, and ending April 30, 2024. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Komnick questioned if this was just truing things up. City Manager Bradley stated that this includes items that were talked about during the budget and appropriations discussions but had been left off of the final budget resolution and appropriations ordinance. Motion passed 4-0.
Komnick: With it being 9/11, it is a day to reflect on things that you might not normally every day. Each generation is getting more removed from the event and those that remember that day should share those thoughts with those that don’t. We just finished Hog Days and he is always amazed that a town our size pulls off a festival of that size. It takes a lot of people, from the planners to the grillers, to those that participate, to those that clean up afterwards. He offered a huge thank you to those that helped, including the City clean up crew. The Marines were also a huge draw this year. Many areas lack community pride but when you look at Kewanee, you see the festivals that are put on and the fundraising that takes place. We need to be thankful for what happens every day in Kewanee.
Colomer: 9/11 is a day of remembrance. His kids were not alive, but he remembers where he was and what he was doing. Hog Days was an amazing event this year with wonderful entertainment.
Baker: He also remarked on 9/11 and that his son remembers is. He also agreed that the entertainment was great this year. He then asked if schools are allowed to shoot off fireworks at a football game. Fire Chief Welgat stated that he has been in contact with Dr. Brooks, and they are working on getting some information and a plan to know how to move forward.
Mayor’s Communications:
The Commission on Human Relations will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday September 23rd from 6-11 at End Zone Sports Bar on East Third St. He encourages everyone to attend.
He then said he had talked with Councilmember Faber shortly before the meeting and that he sounded very good. There was a benefit held this last weekend for him that was well attended. The only thing that could have made it better is if Councilmember Faber had been able to be there in person.
This is National Assisted Living Week. He read a proclamation at one of the local facilities earlier that day. He encouraged everyone with loved ones in assisted living and nursing homes to reach out.
September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We remember the bright lives cut short and recommit to ending cancer as we know it. He signed a proclamation designated September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for the City of Kewanee. He also signed a proclamation designating Diaper Need Awareness week encouraging others to donate diapers to accepting organizations whenever possible.
Announcements:
• The City Hall front office will be closed this Wednesday September 13th from 8am-1pm for Staff Development. No other offices or departments will be affected.
• There is one Saturday left for the Transfer Station this year which is next Saturday September 23rd. They will be open from 9-noon.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 4-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:31pm.
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%209-11-2023.pdf
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