Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The August 12th, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:01pm. Councilmember Faber and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Zac Lessard, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmembers Colomer and Baker were absent.

A motion to go into Closed Session to discuss Personnel Section 2(c)(1), Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(6), and Discussion of Closed Session Minutes section 2(c)(21) was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 3-0.

A motion to adjourn to regular session was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 3-0. Closed Session adjourned at 6:46pm.

The August 12th, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at &:01pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Faber, Baker, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Zac Lessard, 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 July 22nd

B. Minutes from the Closed Session from July 22nd

C. Payroll for the pay period ending July 27th in the amount of $234,567.53.

D. Staff Reports

E. Bock Report

F. Hispanic Heritage Celebration Road Closure Request

G. Sunshine Community Services Fall Tag Days

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

Bills for the August 12th Council Meeting were presented in the amount of $533,806.94. 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:

Representatives from the St Jude Kewanee to Peoria Run: Three of the people that participated in the run came to thank City officials for allowing City vehicles to accompany the team of runners. They are very thankful to have had them as lead and chase vehicles. The runners felt very safe knowing the two vehicles and staff were taking care of traffic.

Dr. Lindbom: Behind his property, there is a small portion of land that he maintains, that is owned by the City. He would like to purchase it so that he can reconfigure his backyard. The portion of land is connected to the berm that the City maintains. The council said they would look at it and get back to him with an answer.

New Business:

A. Presentation: Chamber of Commerce

We receive regular updates from the director of Kewanee’s Chamber of Commerce, Mark Mikenas.

Mr. Mikenas told the Council that the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 saw an increase in sales in Kewanee. He also gave updates on businesses in town as well as things the Chamber has done since his last update. The Chamber is also gearing up for Hog Days and continuing with the Preservation Society.

B. Consideration of Bill 24-72: Resolution to award demolition work at 210 S Walnut St to Boers Excavating.

The city has received grants to remove dilapidated houses and buildings. Most often the buildings we tear down are beyond any reasonable expectation they can be rehabilitated. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

C. Consideration of Bill 24-73: Resolution to award demolition work at 701 W Fifth St to Boers Excavating.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

D. Consideration of Bill 24-74: Resolution to award demolition work at 717 Florence St to Boers Excavating.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

E. Consideration of Bill 24-75: Ordinance granting a rezoning request for land located at 1140 W Church St.

There has been a request to rezone Lots 18-22 from the current R-1 Residential to M-1 Manufacturing.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

F. Consideration of Bill 24-76: Ordinance granting a rezoning request for land located at 1102 W Church St.

This is a request to rezone lots 12-17 from the current R-3 Residential to M-1 Manufacturing.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

G. Consideration of Bill 24-77: Ordinance amending Section 150.016 (D)(1), established in the City of Kewanee Code of Ordinances.

We perform self-audits to ensure fees we charge for various services cover our expenses. Some of the permit fees we currently charge do not cover expenses, making it necessary to raise fees.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

H. Consideration of Bill 24-78: Resolution authorizing the City Manager, Police Chief, and City Clerk to purchase a 2024 Ford Escape from Gustafson Ford of Kewanee. At times we purchase equipment for our departments so they can better serve the public interest. This vehicle will be utilized by the police department.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Councilmember Faber asked why we were going with the most expensive vehicle, when we typically choose the least expensive. Police Chief Kijanowski explained that the Escape has the best gas mileage, more space than the Compass, matches the current fleet, and is from a local vendor. This even comes in under the budgeted amount for a new vehicle. Even with these, there was still unrest about going for the most expensive vehicle. The Mayor stated that these were not enough to it ok to go with the higher priced car. Motion passed 3-1 with Mayor Moore being the single “Nay” vote.

I. Consideration of Bill 24-79: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an addendum to the Intergovernmental agreement between the City of Kewanee and the Housing Authority of Henry County.

There are areas within the City that are under the authority of other agencies, like the Housing Authority of Henry County. To better serve residents it is necessary to have agreements in place with them. The current agreement went into effect in 1990 and needs to be updated.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: The Mayor asked if this IGA would include pay raises for the part-time police officers. Police Chief Kijanowski said that it would, which will create more interest for those positions. It is a heavy crime area and the HAHC needs more police presence in the area. Motion passed 4-0.

J. Consideration of Bill 24-80: Resolution in support of an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant Application for Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements. This grant would provide funding to continue the extension of sidewalks on Lake Street, building off the Safe Routes to School Grant that is in implementation now. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Councilmember Faber mentioned that this will prevent people from walking in the streets in that area, which can be very dangerous. Motion passed 4-0.

K. Consideration of Bill 24-81: Resolution authorizing the execution of an option and lease agreement with Soltage IL Devco, LLC for the development of renewable energy facilities. Soltage has expressed a desire to lease land owned by the city located at the northwest corner of the intersection of E. Division St. and Fisher Ave. The ground has traditionally been leased at a low rate for farming purposes. This agreement would generate additional funds for the city.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: None Motion passed 4-0.

L. Consideration of Bill 24-82: Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a TIF Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of Kewanee and Ken Westefer. TIF is an incentive program to assist developers with the redevelopment of areas within a specified TIF District.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Baker asked if Mr. Westefer was building something new. Mr. Westefer told the Council that he needed to divide the parcel which had two buildings on it so that they could each receive separate power lines. He also needed to connect to the City sewer instead of the small septic tanks. The Mayor said that he has faith that what Mr. Westefer says he plans to do, he will do and do it well. Motion passed 4-0.

M. Discussion Only: Water Penalties and Relief

City Staff has been auditing processes and procedures to see if there are ways to streamline them and possibly cut costs. After checking with our comparable cities, it was determined that Kewanee has an “extra step” in our water billing process. All the other cities have a bill, a penalty, and then residents are shut off if they do not pay. Kewanee has the additional “red tag” process. This is a time-consuming process that prevents staff completing other needed tasks. It also does not “make” money for the City as the income from the red tags cover the soft and hard costs for the process. The Council agreed that staff should cease the red tag process as soon as possible, but make sure the residents are aware of the change. There is also some language that needs updated for water relief to help clarify the process.

Council Communications:

Baker: He wanted to know if there was a sidewalk plan for the rest of the City. The City Manager stated that we are working on a grant that includes a sidewalk master plan that covers the whole City.

Komnick: He has received a lot of feedback about the recent Speed Enforcement campaign. It seems like everyone feels that they believe they live on the busiest street and want enforcement done in their areas. He then spoke about attending a Drum and Bugle Corp competition in Indianapolis where a local group received a gold rating. This group includes many Kewanee students, so he congratulated them.

Faber: He wanted to now if the City had more Speed Signs that could be put out. Chief Kijanowski said that there are the two that we currently use, but no others. He could investigate the possibility of getting additional ones. Faber also congratulated the Police Department for their recent National Night Out event. It was well attended and made an impact on the community.

Mayor’s Communications:

There is going to be a change in representation at the City Attorney’s position. Current City Attorney, Justin Raver, has accepted a position as an Assistant United States Attorney of the Central District of Illinois. Justin’s firm, Barash & Everett, will continue to represent the City but we will now be working with Zach Lessard. Zach is very capable and has filled in for Justin on several occasions. We are excited to work with Zach. The Mayor personally wished Justin the very best in his new endeavor. He has enjoyed working with Justin on a professional and personal basis. Justin will continue to reside in Kewanee and will remain a strong asset for our community. Good luck Justin and welcome aboard Zach.

The Sunshine Community Services Center will be holding their Fall Tag Days Fundraiser for the Step Ladder Tutoring Program. Tag Days is scheduled for Friday, August 30 & Saturday, August 31 from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. at Walmart and Save-a-Lot stores in Kewanee. Etta LaFlora and her team do an outstanding job with Kewanee’s youth, so if you are visiting Walmart or Save-A Lot on August 30th or 31st, please be as generous as your situation allows.

Public works is extremely busy right now. He had not planned to say anything at this time, but he did receive a complaint concerning the tall weeds around Mill Creek. He wants to make sure it gets added to their work list.

Schools will be resuming classes this week and next. There will be students walking and riding bikes to and from school. Please be extra cautious in your travels and watch out for the kids. We all know at times when kids are excited at seeing their friends again, they are not always the most cautious, drivers need to be extra vigilant.

The Henry Stark County’s Relay For Life will be held this coming Saturday, August 17th from 6 to 10pm. As most everyone knows, Relay For Life raises funds for cancer research. There aren’t many families that have not been touched by cancer in some way. His family has received that dreaded diagnosis far too many times, but he is beyond excited to announce, this past Friday while his wife received news that she is now in remission. There is no way to explain how you feel when you hear that news.

Announcements:

The City of Kewanee announces that Monday, August 26th, 2024, will be the final day for landscape waste pickup managed by the city. Due to the holiday schedule, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) will commence landscape waste collection services on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. Following this initial collection, landscape waste will be collected regularly on Fridays as part of the new curbside sanitation program

Residents should have already received informational flyers from LRS detailing the new services, including schedules, service guidelines, and contact information for any questions. These flyers provide comprehensive information to help residents understand the transition.

As part of this transition, residents will need to use LRS stickers for landscape waste collection starting September 6th. These stickers are priced at $1.50 each. Please note that the previous Kewanee stickers, which were $1.00, will no longer be accepted after August 26th. If you have any unused Kewanee stickers, you can exchange them for credit towards the purchase of LRS stickers at City Hall after Labor Day.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 4-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:08pm.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%208-12-2024.pdf