City of Kewanee City Council met Sept. 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The September 25th, 2023, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. Councilmembers Colomer, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Justin Raver, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmember Faber was absent.
A motion to go into closed session to discuss Litigation Section 2(c)(11) and Discussion of Closed Meeting Minutes Section 2(c)(21) was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Motion passed 4-0. The Council then went into Closed Session.
A motion to approve the Closed Session minutes from July 24th was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 4-0.
A motion to approve the Closed Session minutes from August 14th was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0.
A motion to adjourn to regular session was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0 and Closed Session was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
The September 25th, 2023, Council Meeting was called to order in the Council Chambers at 7:02 p.m. Councilmembers Colomer, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Justin Raver, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmember Faber was absent.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for our troops.
Next, Dianne Packee and Deirdre Scott were called upon to announce the winners of the gas card raffle benefiting Councilmember Faber. The winners included Denny Scott, John Miskinis, and Kathy Albert.
The Consent Agenda included the following items:
A. Minutes from the Council Meeting on September 11th
B. Payroll for the pay period ending September 9th in the amount of $238,966.55.
C. Staff Reports
D. Good Fellow’s Tag Days
E. Bock Report
A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
Bills for the Council Meeting of September 25th were presented in the amount of $227,605.64. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
Public Comments:
Jessica Fornander, a member of the Commission on Human Relations, came forward to thank the Council and community for their support of the recent Hispanic Heritage Celebration. It was well attended, and the feedback has been very positive.
Anthony Holdgrafer spoke about animal problems in the area. He believes that the City needs an Animal Control Officer. He stated that the current codes are vague and need to be rewritten. He stated that he has proof of criminal activity and wants to see something done about it.
Tim O’Connor asked the Council to look at replacing the “Dead End” sign near his residence in the 700blk of Lexington. He said that it is faded and positioned too high for people to see. There have been issues with people trying to turn around or back out of the street because they are not aware of the sign. Public Works Director Kevin Newton stated that the sign would be looked at and replaced if needed.
New Business:
A. The Appropriations Hearing was opened to the public. No one came forward with questions, so it was then closed.
B. Buddy Walk Street Closure Request Kali Stoops, organizer of the event spoke to the Council regarding the event, its purpose, and their request to close part of South Beach St for the safety of those attending the event. The walk is to raise funds to implement summer programs for local special needs children. There are many community partners involved with the event and she hopes to make this National program and reoccurring local event. A motion to approve the street closure was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Mayor and the Council are happy to hear about this event and look forward to it. Motion passed 4-0.
C. Consideration of Bill 23-50 Ordinance amending appropriations for the fiscal year beginning May1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0.
D. Consideration of Bill 23-51 Ordinance granting a request for variance to Dan Stollenwerk of 801 Elmwood Ave, Kewanee, IL. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: The recommendation from the Zoning Board was to deny the request. Motion did not pass 0-4.
E. Consideration of Bill 23-52: Ordinance granting a request for variance to James Wiggin of 311 Fifth Ave, Kewanee, IL (setback). A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: The recommendation from the Zoning Board was to approve the request. Motion passed 4-0.
F. Consideration of Bill 23-53: Ordinance granting a request for variance to James Wiggin of 311 Fifth Ave, Kewanee, IL (building height). A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion:
There had been a question from someone on the Zoning Board regarding water runoff. Director of Community Development Keith Edwards explained that the height and setback would not cause an excess of water runoff. If an issue was presented to him in the future, he would see that it was taken care of. Motion passed 4-0.
G. Consideration of Bill 23-54: Resolution authorizing the execution of lease agreements with the State of Illinois to occupy space in the City Depot building at 210 W Third St. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Council member Komnick. Discussion: The Mayor is happy to see that they are interested in having a local office. Councilmember Komnick clarified that this is to be a resource for the community and not a campaign stop. City Manager Bradley mentioned that it is state law as well as specified in the lease that no campaign or partisan events can take place at this location. Motion passed 4-0.
Council Communications:
Councilmember Colomer: He stated that there are no signs that direct people to where the hospital is. That would be helpful for those that do not know the area since it is not near Main/Tenney. He asked that staff consider adding those.
Councilmember Baker: He did not have anything to discuss.
Councilmember Komnick: He attended the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. He was blown away by the number of people that were in attendance. He congratulated those that helped put it on and he looks forward to next year.
He has received a lot of messages lately for the Council via Facebook. There tends to be a lot of people discussing City business or issues that are looking for answers from the City. It is best to personally reach out to a Councilmember, Mayor, or City Staff for answers as they may receive incorrect information via Facebook.
Mayor’s Communications: He offered condolences to the family and friends of Jerry Moon who recently passed following a motorcycle accident. Jerry retired as a Lieutenant Colonel is in the US Army and one of the most genuine people he knew.
Saturday, he attended the first Hispanic Heritage Celebration put on by the Commission on Human Relations. He gave the opening remarks which was a huge honor. The event was the first of its kind and well attended. The group is already talking about how to make it bigger and better for next year.
He is happy to see both high school football teams doing well, and he is not surprised by their success.
There has been an issue with residents leaving up their yard/garage sale signs. They are often left in places which causes them to blow around the streets. He asked that people pick up their signs after the sale.
Saturday September 16, he, his wife, and the Henry County Board and Sheriff’s Department held a charity softball tournament at Northeast Park. The proceeds were donated to Police Chief Nick Welgat and his family to help offset the high cost of medical expenses. It was a huge success, and everyone seemed to have a great time.
Announcements:
City Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed Monday October 9th. There will be no landscape pick up that week and there are no changes to the trash or recycling schedules. Because of the holiday, the next Council Meeting will be Tuesday October 10th.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
http://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewanee/Minutes%209-25-2023.pdf
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