Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The September 9th, 2024, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Colomer, 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 August 26th

B. Payroll for the pay period ending August 24th in the amount of $220,224.04. C. Staff Reports

D. Hype Inc Alley Closure Ratification

E. Kiwanis Peanut Days

F. Bakersville

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

Bills for September 9th Council Meeting were presented in the amount of $292,366.17. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Proclamation: Hispanic Heritage Month

A declaration to honor Kewanee residents with Hispanic Heritage.

The Mayor read the proclamation and then presented it to representatives of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration planning committee and took pictures with them.

B. Consideration of Bill 24-89: Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a TIF Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of Kewanee and the Player’s Edge. Player’s Edge is not a new gaming facility. They are requesting funds through Tax Increment Financing to assist the development of their business.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer asked if we had approved a TIF previously for the same company. City Manager Bradley stated that they had. That one was for a “pay as you go” TIF and the owner decided he would rather do the “forgivable loan” type. If this one passes, the Council will be given an Ordinance to repeal the first TIF at a later meeting. Motion passed 5-0.

C. Consideration of Bill 24-90: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bruner, Cooper & Zuck for preliminary design and surveying services related to the development of industrial property owned by the City of Kewanee. The city owns land near the intersection of Cole St. and U.S. Route 34 and continuing east. We have several inquiries from businesses wishing to build on the property. It is necessary to survey the property to subdivide it and establish right-of-way boundaries.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer asked if we took bids on this work. Bradley replied that we do not take bids for professional services. This company has already performed work for others in this same area and time is of the essence. Motion passed 5-0.

D. Consideration of Bill 24-91: Resolution approving the adoption of the City of Kewanee’s Source Water Protection Plan.

The State of Illinois and IEPA require the City of Kewanee to develop and maintain a source water protection plan. This plan will help keep the City compliant and will help to ensure that protecting the sources of our drinking water remains at the forefront of our thoughts.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: Councilmember Baker asked if the listed sites were contaminated. Bradley told him that some of the sites are old and could become contaminated and that this was a plan on how to deal with it if the situation arose. Motion passed 5-0.

E. Consideration of Bill 24-92: Resolution declaring certain equipment excess and no longer required in the operations of the City of Kewanee and ratifying the disposal of the same. From time to time the city updates or buys newer equipment, making older equipment obsolete. In this instance, the excess items are scrap metal, typically removed during repairs, including pipe, fittings, meter housings, and similar items.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.

F. Consideration of Bill 24-93: Ordinance amending Sectio 151.02(A); Adoption of Electrical Cide by Reference established in the City of Kewanee Code of Ordinances. As a city, we do not deal with all city codes daily. At times one comes up and it is obviously outdated. When that happens, we make every effort to rectify them. This change will align city codes with state and federal regulations.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 5-0.

G. Consideration of Bill 24-94: Ordinance amending Section 155.066 B-1 Business District Limited Retail District established in the City of Kewanee Code of Ordinances. When this ordinance was first established it required a special use permit to install an electric charging station on commercial property. This change would eliminate that requirement except for the installation of charging stations within public right-of-way.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Baker wanted clarification on the change. It was stated that a special use permit will now only be needed if it is on a City right-of-way. Motion passed 5-0.

Council Communications:

Colomer: He wanted to know why there seems to be a permanent yard sale on East Prospect when we have an ordinance against that. Community Development Director Keith Edwards stated that he has sent multiple notices on that, and he has done multiple clean ups. The house was recently foreclosed on but remains occupied. He is going to start sending the notices to the financial institution on record in hopes of better compliance.

Faber: He wanted to know if there were any updates on the Safe Routes To School Lake Street sidewalks project. Bradley stated that he hasn’t heard anything recently but thought the work should be started soon. He will get an update. Councilmember Faber then asked about an update on the trailer parks. Mr. Edwards told the Council that the property was taken back by the bank who had hired an outside firm to manage the property temporarily. He had been sending violation notices but paused because the outside firm said they would be taking care of things. That has since stopped. Mr. Edwards said he would follow up with the firm and begin sending notices to the financial institution if needed.

Baker: He was looking for an update on the Midland Plaza project. He stated that the Council had approved a TIF for the Arby’s location and that the plaza owner was going to use those funds to jump start the next project. However, it appears that no progress has been made. Bradley has not heard anything recently but will follow up on this as well.

Komnick: He wanted to thank everyone who came out to Hog Days and the countless people that donated their time in some way throughout the weekend. This is a community event that is put on by the community. This year was another great success, and the committee is always looking for more people to help. He then congratulated the Kewanee High School Marching Band on their first-place victory at the 2024 Washington Marching Panther Invitational as well as the Drumline for winning the Best Percussion award.

Mayor’s Communications:

He thanked Councilmember Komnick for all his hard work on Hog Days. The entertainment this year was outstanding. He heard great comments from many people. He also congratulated KHS for their first-place wins.

Announcements:

There are only two Saturdays remaining at the Transfer Station. LRS has officially taken over. If you set your garbage/recycling/landscape was set out late or missed, you can call LRS at 844- 633-3577 or City Hall at 309-852-2611 and press 4.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 5-0.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%209-9-2024.pdf