Rock Island Today

City of Kewanee City Council met July 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The July 28th, 2025, Council Meeting was called to order at 6:02pm. Councilmembers Colomer, Cernovich, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, and City Attorney Zac Lessard. Councilmember Baker and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell were absent.

A motion to go into Closed Session to discuss Personnel Section 2(c)(1), Collective Bargaining2(c)(2), Purchase or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(5), Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(6), and Litigation Section 2(c)(11) was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0.

A motion to adjourn to Regular Session was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Motion passed 4-0 and Closed Session was adjourned.

The July 28th, 2025, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:01pm in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Colomer, Cernovich, and Komnick were present along with Mayor Moore, City Manager Gary Bradley, and City Attorney Zac Lessard. Councilmember Baker and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell 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 Closed Session and Council Meeting on July 14th, 2025.

B. Payroll for the pay period ending July 14th in the amount of $254,509.11.

C. Staff Reports

D. Bock Inc.

E. Hog Days Street Closures

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

Bills for the Council Meeting of July 28th were presented in the amount of $2,152,903.24. A a motion to approve payment of the bills was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Cernovich. Discussion: Councilmember Cernovich asked about Blackwood Tree Service and if we are soliciting bids or just going with one service. City Manager Gary Bradley said that he would have the Public Works Foreman come in and discuss the process at the next meeting. Motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments: None

Swearing in of New Personnel: Brendon Stevens was sworn in as a new fireman. New Business:

A. Bill 25-68 Ordinance granting a request for variance to the maximum allowed height for an accessory structure to Brian Rowlison of 911 Simpson Ave.

The ordinance would allow Brian Rowlinson to build a structure higher than currently allowed by ordinance. Mr. Rowlinson made the request for the variance to house a motor home and other items. He needs the extra height to accommodate to larger door to pull the motor home in and out.

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

B. Bill 25-69 Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Tracy Glasgo for property located at 605 North East Street.

Tracy Glasgo requested a special use permit for a beer garden and outside ding area at Misty’s Bar, 605 N. East St.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Komnick and seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion: Mayor Moore said he did not see discussion of music or noise. Director of Community Development Keith Edwards said that he had talked with Ms. Glasgo, and she does not have plans to have music or entertainment outside in the area. Then there are the noise ordinances on the books that would cover things in the future. Motion passed 4-0.

C. Bill 25-70 Resolution fixing the budget for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2026

Each we are required by law to set a budget for upcoming fiscal year. We have put in a lot of additional time trying to develop a workable budget. This is no easy task, but I believe we have something that is very doable.

A motion to table was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Cernovich. Discussion: Councilmembers were just given updates to the budget this evening. They would like more time to review and discuss. Motion to table passed 4-0.

D. Bill 25-71 Resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code. Each Year, the City must adopt a resolution prior to the commencement of general maintenance activities using Motor Fuel Taxes. This will enable us to begin work on projects slated for this fall on roads that have, or will have, all subsurface improvements already completed. The engineers will then complete an evaluation of all of our streets to help prioritize improvements for future improvements.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Cernovich asked for the difference between this Resolution and the next. City Manager Bradley stated that this one is paid for by Motor Fuel Tax while the next one is partially paid for by Federal monies. Councilmembers would like to see the information on status of streets and the long-term plan of maintenance. Representatives from Hutchison Engineering spoke to the Council X Motion passed 4-0.

E. Bill 25-72 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hutchison Engineering for professional services related to transportation improvements for South Street.

West South St. has been in need of a complete resurfacing for quite some time. Hutchison Engineering is preparing the plans and specifications for the project, which will be completed using the City’s allotment of federal funding.

A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Councilmember Colomer asked about the timeline regarding this project. Planning will start in November and end in February with the hope of work starting sometime next year. Plans have to be approved Federally and will take time. Councilmember Cernovich asked about sidewalks for this stretch of road. There is an issue of obtaining rights of way and then the cost of that long of a sidewalk. Previously, we were denied a grant for putting in a sidewalk on South St. Representatives from Hutchison said they will go back through the previous proposals and grant applications to see if it might be possibility. However, a project like that could be upwards of $3 Million. Motion passed 4-0.

F. Bill 25-73 Ordinance to Amend §73.10 low-speed electric scooter, repeal Section C of §97.004 riding bicycles on sidewalks; skateboards and declaring that this ordinance shall be in full force immediately.

We had a discussion on our sidewalk and scooter ordinance last week. Chief Kijanowski found several parts of the current ordinance to be redundant, contradictory, or simply outdated. What we have presented tonight is the changes the council requested and agreed to.

A motion to table was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Komnick. Discussion: Staff would like more time to draft the Ordinance. Motion to table passed 4-0.

G. Discussion Only: Sidewalk Reimbursement

The city currently has a program in place that will reimburse residence some of the cost of sidewalks that are available for public use. This discussion item will deal with that program. What the City currently reimburses, barely covers the cost of cement. Director of Community Development Keith Edwards shared some options of increased reimbursements. For sidewalks to be eligible for reimbursement, there must be three inspections and must qualify meaning it needs repair/replacement. We do have residents that take advantage of this program and increasing the numbers would be more attractive. Councilmember Cernovich asked if it might be beneficial to have a different reimbursement if done privately or by contractor. Mr. Edwards will bring back more proposals for the next meeting.

H. Discussion Only: Outside Eating Area

A few businesses serving food in the downtown area have expressed a desire for outside dining at their businesses. This is a discussion item on that issue.

The Council is not against the idea. However, the concern is that all residents should be able to stay on the sidewalk yet move around the tables and chairs. They would like Staff to do research on how other communities offer outside dining. There is also the question if alcohol could be served outside. The City is working on the Downtown renovation, and this could be added to it. It is also important that we do not take away too many parking spaces as that can also be an issue.

Council Communications:

Colomer: He was approached by someone that works in the gas division of Ameren and he would like to work with the City and help retire and remove old gas lines and get things updated. Cernovich: Thank you to the park district. The splash pad has been a big hit. Also thank you to the PCAF group for another great event.

Komnick: Nothing

Mayor’s Communications: At the last meeting, there was a presentation from Solar on Earth. He talked with some people that are knowledgeable about solar and they said the offer is a good one. However, there are some other things to consider.

The Miss World Festival Pageant is this weekend and will be held at the Armory. Miss Illinois will be there as well. He encourages all to go.

Announcements: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Colomer and seconded by Councilmember Cernovich. Motion passed 4-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:37pm.

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