Council Minutes

February 25, 2008
STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
CITY OF MORRISON
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

The Morrison City Council met in regular session on February 25, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 West Main Street.  Mayor Roger Drey called the meeting to order.  City Clerk Melanie T. Schroeder recorded the minutes.

Aldermen present on roll call were Scott Connelly, Ann Slavin, James Blakemore, Barbara Bees, and Bob Snodgrass. Alderman Gus Hayenga, Alderman Patricia Zuidema, and Alderman Dave Rose were absent on roll call.

Other City Officials present included City Administrator Tim Long, City Attorney Lester Weinstine, Chief Ernie Huling, and Superintendent of Public Services Gary Tresenriter.

Mayor Drey led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alderman Slavin moved to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on February 11, 2008, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  A correction was needed in both paragraphs regarding the passage of the November 2007 and December 2007 Treasurer’s Reports – 5 Aldermen were present, not 6.  On a voice vote, the motion carried with corrections.

Alderman Bees moved to approve the January 2008 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Slavin, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

Alderman Snodgrass moved to authorize payment of the bills payable as published in the amount of $149,520.64, seconded by Alderman Slavin. On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Slavin) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

Mayor Drey opened the meeting to public comment.  There was none.

Chief Huling presented his report:

1)      Chief Huling stated that he will be meeting with a representative from the Dixon, IL Police Department to review their community policing program.

Superintendent of Public Services Tresenriter presented his report:

1)      Superintendent Tresenriter answered questions about expenses in the water and sewer departments.

The February 12, 2008 Historic Preservation Commission minutes were included in the packet.

The February 13, 2008 Planning/Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Report was included in the packet.

Mayor Drey presented his report:

1)      Mayor Drey stated that the recent allegations of wrong-doing by an employee have been investigated by Doug Fargher of the Sterling Police Department.  The allegations have been determined to be unfounded.

Agenda Action Items:

1)      Per the recommendations of Superintendent of Public Services Tresenriter, Ordinance #08-04 was presented for the purpose of amending Title 13, Water and Sewers; To Regulate that all Water Meters shall be Owned and Maintained by the City and Amending Regulations Regarding the Connections of Water Service Lines to the City’s Water Mains. The effective date of the ordinance will be May 1, 2008.  Alderman Bees moved to approve Ordinance #08-04, seconded by Alderman Connelly.  On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Slavin, Blakemore) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

2)      Alderman Blakemore moved to approve travel expenditures not to exceed $3000 for an upcoming trip to Washington D.C. to discuss the Grade Separation Project, seconded by Alderman Connelly.  On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Snodgrass, Connelly, Slavin, Blakemore, Bees) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  The travel expenses are for Alderman Bees, Alderman Slavin and City Administrator Long.

3)      Alderman Slavin moved to approve City Administrator Long’s attendance at a hearing and interview on February 29, 2008, which will address an assessment appeal filed on property owned by Morrison Elderly, seconded by Alderman Bees.  On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Connelly, Slavin, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

4)      Alderman Snodgrass moved to enter into executive session to discuss property acquisition and litigation, seconded by Alderman Bees.   On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Slavin, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  Executive session began at 7:33 p.m.

5)      Regular session resumed at 9:00 p.m.  There was no action as a result of executive session.

6)      No action was taken with regard to the Client Engagement Agreement as presented by Chen, Nelson, Roberts Ltd.

There being no further business, Alderman Connelly moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

Mayor Drey adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Approved: 

 Roger K. Drey, Mayor

Melanie T. Schroeder, City Clerk