Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met Jan. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The January 27th, 2025, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:20pm. Councilmembers Faber and Baker were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Zac Lessard, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmembers Colomer and Komnick were not present.

A request from Councilmember Colomer was made to join electronically due to conflicts with his work schedule. A motion to approve the electronic attendance was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 3-0 and Councilmember Colomer joined the meeting via phone.

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 Litigation Section 2(c)(11) was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 4-0.

A motion to adjourn to Regular Session was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Motion passed 4-0. Closed session adjourned at 6:42pm.

The January 27th, 2025, Council Meeting to order in the Council Chambers at 7:00pm. Councilmembers Faber and Baker were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, City Attorney Zac Lessard, and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell. Councilmembers Colomer and Komnick were 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 January 13, 2025.

B. Payroll for the pay period ending January 11th in the amount of $235,797.45.

C. Staff Reports

D. Bock Report

A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Motion passed 3-0.

Bills for January 27th Council Meeting were presented in the amount of $748,179.01. A motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Councilmember Baker asked about the

Public Comments: None

New Business:

A. Presentation: Water System Project Planning Rate Study from CMT/Raftelis For many years and many administrations, as far as water lines, infrastructure and wastewater treatment, the can has been kicked down the road repeatedly. The can has gone as far as it can go, and we are in position where repairs and changes must be made for current and future stability. The cost for decades of deferred maintenance is proving to be quite high as we will hear in a presentation presented by CMT and Raftelis. Representatives from the two companies gave a presentation on the needs and recommendations for upgrades regarding our water infrastructure which includes new wells, main upgrades, and upgrades to the water and wastewater treatment plant. Then Council was given suggestions on how to pay for these improvements which include an increase in the water rates.

B. Consideration of Bill 25-02: Ordinance granting a request for variance to Troy Currie of 830 Cole St, Kewanee, IL.

A request for a variance made by Troy Currie. Currie is requesting a building 4’4” higher than allowed by city ordinances.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

C. Consideration of Bill 25-03: Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Freedom House Inc. for property located at 716 Elliot St. in the City of Kewanee.

A special use permit has been requested by Freedom House for property they recently obtained on Elliott St. They would like to remodel the building and use it for a shelter facility for domestic and sexual abuse victims.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

D. Consideration of Bill 25-04: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with Festive Fright Lights for installation, take down, and storage of City-owned holiday lights.

Over the last two years we have purchased new holiday decorations for the downtown area of Kewanee. This is a resolution to have those decorations put up, taken down, maintained and stored each year.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: Audience member Adam Cernovich asked why a three-year contract was chosen over the five-year option. City Clerk Mitchell stated that she felt is was the best length of time to work with a new company and not potentially be stuck in a longer contract if things didn’t work out. Motion passed 3-0.

E. Consideration of Bill 25-05: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Public Service Agreement with the Friends of Woodland Palace at Francis Park for fundraising and historic preservation services and activities.

Friends of Woodland Palace at Francis Park are seeking to partner with the city for the preservation of Fred Francis’ home at Francis Park. The home and surrounding property were left to the city by Francis. The city has every desire to maintain the home for future generations to share, learn and enjoy.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

F. Consideration of Bill 25-06: Ordinance amending Chapter 78: Schedule I Parking Restrictions in Specified Places, of the Kewanee City Code of Ordinances. This was a discussion item during our last council meeting.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

G. Consideration of Bill 25-07: Ordinance to repeal Chapter 91.25: License Required: Dogs and Cats, of the Kewanee City Code of Ordinances.

If passed, the ordinance will repeal ordinance 91.25 requiring pets to be licensed with the city. We had hopes funds generated by these fees would assist with animal control. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

H. Consideration of Bill 25-08: Ordinance to amend Chapter 91: Animals, Chapter 99: Drug Paraphernalia, Chapter 134: Offenses Against Public Morals, and Chapter 137: Weapons of the Kewanee City Code of Ordinances.

This also was a discussion item at our last council.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

I. Consideration of Bill 25-09: Ordinance amending Chapter 151: Electrical Regulations, established in the City of Kewanee Code of Ordinances.

This is the third discussion item from our last council meeting.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

J. Consideration of Bill 25-10: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a side letter of agreement to the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 513.

The city has a collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 513. At times, it becomes necessary, with agreement of both parties, to make changes or additions that are covered with a side letter of agreement. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Faber and seconded by Councilmember Baker. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

K. Consideration of Bill 25-11: Resolution authorizing the execution of an Agreed Order regarding the transfer station.

The State of Illinois alleged violations at our transfer station. After meeting with the state and discussing the state’s concerns, an Agreed Order was established to address those concerns and prevent others from arising.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0.

L. Discussion Only: Ordinance Chapter 153 Review

This is a discussion item of Chapter 153 of the City Ordinances, dealing with signs. Director of Community Development Keith Edwards stated that this edit cleans up the chapter significantly and puts everything in one place while deleting anything redundant. Council agreed to the changes and asked that it be brought for a vote at the next meeting.

M. Discussion Only: MHP Water/Sewer

The previous receiver, Shapiro, has been removed and new one, L&B All Star Management, has been put into place. They have already been on site and started the clean-up. The City will continue to work with them on what needs to be taken care of.

Council Communications:

Faber: Reminder to watch for kids outside when the weather is nicer. There is an issue with a sidewalk near Beach and Rockwell. He wanted to know who was going to take care of it. City Manager Gary Bradley said he would look at the issue this week.

Baker: Tonight, they approved an agreement with Festive Fright Lights. He has personally worked with this company and has nothing but good things to say about them.

Mayor’s Communications: He congratulated the KHS Theater Department on another great performance. Last weekend they performed the musical Mean Girls.

Announcements: None

A motion to adjourn to adjourn was made by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Faber. Discussion: None. Motion passed 3-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/kewaneeillinois/Minutes%201-27-25.pdf