Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met March 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The March 25th, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:46pm. Councilmembers Colomer, Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Justin Raver, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell.

A motion to go into Closed Session to discuss Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(6) and Discussion of Closed Meeting Minutes Section 2(c)(21) was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 5-0.

A motion to adjourn to regular session was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 5-0. Closed Session was adjourned at 7:01pm.

The March 25th, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Colomer, Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Justin Raver, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for our troops.

The Consent Agenda was presented with the following items:

A. Minutes from the Council Meeting on March 11th

B. Approval of Closed Session Minutes from March 11th

C. Payroll for the pay period ending March 2nd in the amount of $206,138.58. D. Staff Reports

E. Step Lader Tag Days Request

F. Kiwanis Pancake Day Street Closure Request

A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 5-0.

Bills for the March 25th Council Meeting were presented in the amount of $164,910.26. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Audit Presentation James Webb, Finance Director, read parts of the Independent Auditor’s Report sent by Hopkins & Associates regarding the City of Kewanee’s audit for Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2023. Councilmember Colomer asked Mr. Webb where things stand with the reconciliation process that had been lagging due to changes in staff over the years. Mr. Webb stated that we are in a much better position that we have been and are close to being able to have current monthly reports available for Council review. With the current staff and processes in place, we are much more equipped to get completely caught up and remain current in our reporting.

B. Consideration of Bill 24-22 Resolution to award Demolition & Clean-Up work at 829 West Sixth St to Boers Excavating, LLC. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.

C. Discussion: Emergency Alert Siren options Josh Schmirler of Sheboygan Warning Systems spoke to the Council regarding the current state of the Outdoor Warning Sirens in the City. He also presented plan options for repairing, replacing, and upgrading the sirens currently installed. Mr. Schmirler laid out four options with “worst case scenario” costs and timelines. Right now, there is not a place in the budget for this project, at any level. However, the Council will begin budget sessions soon and will determine which route they would like to take, and how to fund it.

D. Junior Achievement Proclamation The Mayor read a Proclamation explaining the importance of Junior Achievement and declared April 4, 2024, and every first Thursday of April thereafter, as Junior Achievement Day in the City of Kewanee.

Council Communications:

Faber: He asked when Golf Cart permits need to be renewed. They expire April 30, 2024. Baker: He was contacted by a resident concerning a curb on Nelson Ave. Vehicles tend to cut the corner and it is causing erosion. The resident wondered who was responsible for fixing it. They Mayor stated that there is a similar issue on the SE corner of Oak and Tremont Streets. City Manager Bradley stated that staff would look at both areas and formulate a plan. Komnick: He walks around town a lot and noticed that there are many residents who cross North East St and E Third St. He wondered if there used to be a crosswalk there, or if we could investigate placing one there. City Manager Bradley stated that staff would look into what that entails.

Colomer: He reminded residents that it is Spring Break and with the weather getting nicer, more people will be out walking, and kids will be riding bikes. He asked that motorists stay alert when driving, especially when backing out of driveways.

Mayor’s Communications:

He gave his opinion on the upcoming lead service line replacement. The requirement is that the City replace 160 lines per year. He would like to see the City be as aggressive as funding and manpower allows. We should make every effort to stary ahead of the minimum requirement in case we run into issues down the road.

He then congratulated the KHS Group Interpretation team who placed first in their sectional on March 16th which won them a spot at the State competition. Even though they did not advance to the final round, four members received All Cast honors. Tessa Mitchell, Cooper Bates, Bethany VanWassenhove, and Laryn Conley received at least 4 of the 5 judges’ nomination to earn this award. The students, along with their coach Heather Olalde, put their heart and soul into their performances. As far as he is concerned, they are all champions.

Announcements:

• Please remember that burning will not be allowed until April 3rd. Burn days are Wednesdays and Saturdays as determined by the Kewanee Fire Department. To find out if it is a burn day, please call City Hall at 309-852-2611 and press 6, or go to our website at cityofkewanee.com and scroll down to “News” or check out the Kewanee Firefighters Local 513 Facebook page after 8am.

• City Hall and the Transfer Station will be Closed this Friday the 29th. There are no changes to the Trash Schedule. However, Friday’s recycling pick up will take place on Thursday.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 5-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:58pm.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%203-25-24.pdf