Council Minutes

May 10, 2010

STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
CITY OF MORRISON
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS 

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on May 10, 2010 at 7:02 p.m. in the Community Room, 307 South Madison 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, Pat Zuidema, Gus Hayenga, Dave Rose, Sarah Thorndike, Jim Blakemore, Barb Bees and Bob Snodgrass. 

Other City Officials present included City Administrator Tim Long, City Attorney

Lester Weinstine, Chief of Police Brian Melton, Superintendent of Public Services Gary Tresenriter and Code Inspector Pete Whiting. 

                        Mayor Drey led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

                        Alderman Blakemore moved to approve the minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting held on February 17, 2010, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

Alderman Snodgrass moved to approve the minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting held on March 4, 2010, seconded by Alderman Connelly.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

Alderman Rose moved to approve the minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting held on March 18, 2010 with corrections, seconded by Alderman Thorndike.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

                        Alderman Bees moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Session Meeting held on April 12, 2010, seconded by Alderman Zuidema.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

Alderman Connelly moved to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing held on April 26, 2010, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

                        Alderman Bees moved to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2010 Council Work Session, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  On a voice vote, the motion carried. 

                        Alderman Rose moved to approve the March 2010 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly) and 0 nays, the motion carried. 

                        Alderman Bees moved to approve payment of the bills payable in the amount of $79,085.05, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga) and 0 nays, the motion carried.   

Mayor Drey opened the meeting to public comment.  The public asked questions and commented about the following topics: the proposed fencing guidelines, Historic Preservation public meetings, the 2009 street crack-filling project, Land Ordinance Review Committee Public Meetings, the bike/walk path to the Sports Complex, and signage on Route 30 for pedestrians and bicyclists.  Administrator Long, Superintendent Tresenriter, Mayor Drey and Alderman Bees addressed the questions and comments. 

                        The May 4, 2010 Historic Preservation Commission minutes were included in the packet.  Certificates of Appropriateness were granted to: Louise Clark (300 W. Main St.), Chad & Amy Haskell (406 W. Lincolnway) and Terry & Jackie Schroth (for property located at 700 W. Lincolnway). 

The Council reviewed the Fencing Guidelines as proposed by the Historic Preservation Commission.  Alderman Thorndike moved to approve the fencing guidelines.  After further discussion, Alderman Thorndike withdrew her motion.  The matter will be referred to the May 24, 2010 Work Session for further review. 

The May 6, 2010 Morrison Business Advisory Group minutes were included in the packet.   

Mayor Drey presented the Fiscal 2011 Board and Commission Appointments.  Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), Alderman Thorndike moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss matters of Personnel pertaining to the appointments, seconded by Alderman Bees.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  Executive Session began at 7:45 p.m. 

Regular Session resumed at 8:30 p.m.  Alderman Rose moved to approve the appointments as shown in the table below, seconded by Alderman Thorndike.  On a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose), 1 recuse (Connelly) and 1 nay (Thorndike), the motion carried.

 Mayor Drey read aloud a Proclamation naming May 9-15, 2010 Police Week and May 15, 2010 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. 

Attorney Weinstine requested the City enter into Executive Session later in the meeting to discuss existing litigation. 

Administrator Long presented information regarding the Refuse RFP.  The Committee is recommending the Council proceed to issue the RFP with two alternatives:  the same package the City is currently provided or the same package as the City is currently provided but with the addition of hauler-owned wheeled toters for refuse and recycling.  Administrator Long will solicit feedback from the community. 

                        Agenda Action Items:

1)      Alderman Hayenga moved to approve Pay Request #6 from Key Builders in the Amount of $5,760.27, seconded by Alderman Rose.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

2)      Alderman Snodgrass moved to adopt Ordinance #10-07 – Amendment to the Enterprise Zone for Rock River Lumber and Grain for property located 1 mile West of the City of Morrison on U.S. Highway 30, seconded by Alderman Zuidema.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

3)      Alderman Bees moved to approve the use of the “B League” baseball diamond east of Waterworks Park as a dog park, seconded by Alderman Thorndike.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

4)      Alderman Thorndike moved to approve the Police Department Policy of Handheld Mobile Communications Technologies, seconded by Alderman Zuidema.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

5)      Alderman Snodgrass moved to approve the Police Department Policy of Vehicle Lock-Outs, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

6)      Alderman Bees moved to approve the Police Department Policy on Social Networking & the Internet, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

7)      Alderman Snodgrass moved to approve the Request for Disposal of Property (handguns), seconded by Alderman Connelly.  On a roll call vote of 7 ayes (Thorndike, Blakemore, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose) and 1 nay (Bees), the motion carried.

8)      Alderman Zuidema moved to approve the Agreement with the IML Drug & Alcohol Testing Consortium, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

9)      Alderman Bees moved to approve the Agreement with Whiteside County Emergency Response Team, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  The City will be responsible for the initial training and any call-out pay for the officer. 

10)  Alderman Snodgrass moved to accept the Utility and Recreational Easement Agreement with Barbara Berge and Ramon Leal, seconded by Alderman Bees.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  Attorney Weinstine stated that this is an exchange of easements and that the new easement location will not conflict with any annexation agreement.

11)  Alderman Bees moved to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Utility and Recreational Easement Agreement and related paperwork with Barbara Berge and Ramon Leal, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

12)  Alderman Zuidema moved to approve Resolution #10-03 – Maintenance of Streets and Highways (2007 MFT funds) in the amount of $7,411.83, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  On a roll call vote of 7 ayes (Hayenga, Zuidema, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly), 1 recuse (Rose) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

13)  Alderman Bees moved to approve Resolution #10-04 – Maintenance of Streets and Highways (2008 MFT funds) in the amount of $35,256.25, seconded by Alderman Blakemore.  On a roll call vote of 7 ayes (Zuidema, Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga), 1 recuse (Rose) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

14)  During the recent construction on the Rock Creek Bridge, it has been discovered that 3 area dwellings’ sanitary sewers that are emptying into a storm sewer, which empties into Rock Creek.  Two cost estimates were obtained, which were nearly identical.  Due to the emergent nature of this situation, Alderman Hayenga moved to Waive the Bid Process for Emergency Sewer Repairs on West Lincolnway, seconded by Alderman Bees.  On a roll call vote of 7 ayes (Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema), 1 recuse (Rose) and 0 nays, the motion carried. 

Other Items for Consideration:

1)      Alderman Bees has been in conversation with the Farm Bureau regarding the usage of their meeting room for Council Meetings.  The Farm Bureau Board will be meeting soon and Alderman Bees hopes to receive a response in the near future.

2)      Alderman Rose questioned a Change Order from Key Builders for a deduction for work performed on the roof at 101 West Main Street.  This item requires no Council action.

3)      Alderman Blakemore asked about the recent vandalism at the Little League ball field at Waterworks Park.  Chief Melton stated that although the matter was not directly referred to the Police Department by the complainant, the matter is under investigation.

4)      Alderman Blakemore asked about the North approach to the Jackson Street Railroad Crossing, which is deteriorating.  Superintendent Tresenriter stated that it is in the plans to re-do both sides of the crossing this summer.

5)      Alderman Blakemore stated that the Personnel Committee has some procedural planning to do.  Attorney Weinstine stated that this can be discussed in Executive Session.  It was determined that the Committee will meet on May 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

6)      Alderman Thorndike requested to see more Fiscal Year 2011 budget numbers at the next Worksession.  Administrator Long stated that, schedules permitting, he will have something prepared for the Worksession on May 24^th. 

                        Executive Session:

1)      Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11), Alderman Bees moved to enter Executive Session to discuss matters of Litigation, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 8 ayes (Thorndike, Blakemore, Bees, Snodgrass, Connelly, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  Executive Session began at 9:16 p.m.

2)      Regular Session resumed at 9:31 p.m.  There was no action as a result of Executive Session.     

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

Mayor Drey adjourned the meeting 9:33 p.m. 

Approved: 

Roger K. Drey, Mayor

Melanie T. Schroeder, City Clerk