Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The January 13, 2025, 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 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 December 9, 2024.

B. Payroll for the pay period ending December 14th in the amount of $225,370.18 and Payroll for the pay period ending December 28th in the amount of $243,114,.36.

C. Staff Reports

D. Bock Report

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

Bills for December 23rd were presented in the amount of $194,194.46.

A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Faber noticed a lot of Amazon purchases and asked why items are not purchased locally. Some items are not available locally and/or there may be a significant price difference in local verses online. Staff try to purchase locally whenever possible. Motion passed 5-0.

Bills for January 13th were presented in the amount of $1,097,899.99.

A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer asked about another Amazon charge that was labeled “uniform allowance.” That was an item for Police Chief Kijanowski that was not available locally. It was again stated that staff tries to purchase locally whenever possible but some specialized items are not available locally. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Presentation: Lakeshore Recycling Systems

Three representatives from LRS spoke to the Council and audience about updates and concerns with garbage and recycling pick up. The company has endured various issues, such as personnel, which have created delays and/or missed pickups. There have been many residents with complaints who wanted an opportunity to hear from and speak with the representatives. Council members and the audience were given time to ask questions and state concerns. Representatives continued to speak with residents after their presentation.

B. Consideration of Bill 25-01: Resolution ratifying Ameren Illinois installation of a streetlight in the alley located behind the Public Library for the purpose of improving public safety.

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

C. Discussion Only: Ordinance Chapter 151 Review

Community Development Director Keith Edwards presented the proposed updates for Chapter 151 in the City Code of Ordinances. Many of the changes are removing redundancies and cleaning up language. The Council did not have issues with the changes, and they will be brought up for a vote at the next Council meeting.

D. Discussion Only: Ordinance Chapter 91 Review

Deputy Police Chief Michael Minx presented the proposed updates for Chapter 91 in the City Code of Ordinances. The main question presented to Council was repealing versus adjusting the Animal Licensing Fee. The fee was originally created to aid in financing an Animal Control Officer. However, with the fee not being heavily enforced, it did not bring in the money necessary. Council agreed that they would like to repeal it and make the other proposed changes. They will be brought up for a vote at the next Council meeting.

Council Communications:

Colomer: N/A

Faber: With the cold weather, please remember to check on elderly neighbors.

Baker: The Police Department has been very busy lately. He commended both the Police and Fire Departments on a job well done.

Komnick: Many residents use the sidewalks, even during the winter. Please remember to shovel them when it snows.

Mayor’s Communications:

Kewanee High School Theater Department will be putting on their annual musical this weekend. They will be performing Mean Girls on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. He encouraged residents to see it. Also, the 9th annual Chamber of Commerce Comedy night is approaching. It is a great fundraiser and a fun way to spend an evening.

Announcements:

City Hall and the transfer station will be closed on Monday January 20th. There are no changes to the trash or recycling schedules for this closure.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 5-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:23pm.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%201-13-25.pdf