Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The April 22nd, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Clerk Kasey Mitchell, and Attorney John Blachinsky. Councilmember Colomer was absent.

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 April 8th

B. Payroll for the pay period ending April 6th in the amount of $219,181.84.

C. Staff Reports

A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0.

Bills for the Council Meeting of April 22nd were presented in the amount of $609,649.42. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion Passed 4-0.

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Consideration of Bill 24-28 Ordinance granting a request for variance to Frank Mannon of 610 W Fourth St. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Faber stated that he thought it was a nice-looking fence. The Mayor stated that he would not want it in his neighborhood. He spoke with the neighbors, and they have mixed emotions about it. Adam Cernovich asked if the Council had considered changing the code since they were allowing this variance and that it would be conveyed with the land. The Mayor replied that they are not considering a change and that if this issue came up in his neighborhood, he would be against it. Motion approved 3-1 with Mayor Moore voting Nay.

B. Consideration of Bill 24-29 Ordinance granting a request for variance to Eduardo Benitez of 114 E Ninth St. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Mayor Moore stated that he understands the need for extra space and that the property is well kept. He spoke with the neighbors and they like what this property owner does and how he maintains things. Motion approved 4-0.

C. Consideration of Bill 24-30 Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a TIF redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Kewanee and 104 W First, LLC. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Faber stated that he is for keeping these buildings up and running. Mayor Moore stated that he has confidence in the owners to keep the building maintained as they have already put money into it.

Motion approved 4-0.

D. Consideration of Bill 24-31 Resolution to award demolition work at 331 W Oak St to Ratliff Bros. & Co. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion approved 4-0.

E. Consideration of Bill 24-32 Resolution to award demolition work at 704 Wilbur St to Martin Bros Co. Inc. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None. Motion approved 4-0.

F. Consideration of Bill 24-33 Resolution to award demolition work at 345 ½ Rice St to Martin Bros Co. Inc. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion approved 4-0.

G. Consideration of Bill 24-34 Resolution to affirm the Mayor’s recommendation for appointments to various commissions and boards. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion approved 4-0.

H. Consideration of Bill 24-35 Ordinance to amend Sections 116.05 Definitions, 116.06 Licenses Fees, 116.11 Exclusion by Residents, and establishing 116.12 Enforcement and Penalty of the Kewanee City Code of Ordinances. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: City Clerk Kasey Mitchell stated that this is changing up some of the language. When this was originally written, people went door-to-door selling vacuums and encyclopedias. Now, the offer rebates and incentives. If someone is going door-to-door, they should have a City permit. The Mayor reminded residents that they are encouraged to ask to see the license and/or call City Hall to verify that the person has been approved. Motion approved 4-0.

I. Discussion Only: Parking Lot at 309 N Main St John Cernovich, owner of CoCo’s, gave the Council a brief history of this parking lot and why he thought he owned it. When he learned that he did not, he was given three reasons as to why the City did not list that parcel as part of the sale and why they do not want to sell it. He was told that public parking areas are needed in the downtown area, that the City did not want to incur the cost of listing the lot for sale, and finally that there is a property directly north of the lot that has a door that would exit onto this property. John addressed each of these. He stated that he has looked at public parking and feels that there are plenty of spaces still available and that he does not intend to remove any spaces that are currently in the lot. In the past, he has offered to cover the cost of the transaction, within reason, so that the City would not be out any money. At this point, he has made improvements such as sealcoating the lot and filling potholes. If he is not going to own the property, then he will need to discuss the cost of the work that has been done as well as the cost of things going forward. The last issue, with the building to the north, has been rectified as he has a verbal agreement with the current owner to purchase the building, renovate it, and rent it out. He knows that options have been given to him such as an easement. However, he has to take care of upkeep including plowing snow before the first customer comes through. He asked that the City reconsider selling the property and reiterated that he would not change the parking spots. The Mayor said that the Council would take this into consideration and make a decision soon.

Council Communications:

Faber: He has seen stones at the cemetery that have been moved and/or knocked over. Operations Manager Kevin Newton stated that this is the first he has heard of it and will talk with the Cemetery staff and follow up.

Baker: He asked Community Development Director Keith Edwards for an update on the drainage issue on West Church St. Mr. Edwards stated that he had already replied via email. Komnick: Wanted to remind residents again that with warmer weather, there are more people out and to watch for kids, pedestrians, and bikes. Also, when mowing, please keep the grass off the street and sidewalks.

Mayor’s Communications: He had nothing to add.

Announcements: Saturday hours begin at the Transfer Station this week. They will be open the second and fourth Saturdays from now through September from 9am to noon.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion approved and the meeting was adjourned at 7:24pm.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%204-22-2024.pdf