Council Work Session Minutes

May 24, 2010

STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
CITY OF MORRISON
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS 

The Morrison City Council met in a Work Session on May 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 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 Gus Hayenga, Pat Zuidema, Dave Rose, Sarah Thorndike, Barb Bees and Bob Snodgrass. 

Alderman Scott Connelly and Alderman Jim Blakemore were absent. 

Other City Officials present included City Administrator Tim Long, City Attorney Lester Weinstine, Chief of Police Brian Melton, Superintendent of Public Services Gary Tresenriter, Community Development Director Robert Wood and Code Inspector Pete Whiting. 

                        Mayor Drey led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

                        Alderman Rose moved to approve payment of the bills payable in the amount of $95,907.55, seconded by Alderman Zuidema.  On a roll call vote of 5 ayes (Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Bees, Snodgrass) and 1 nay (Thorndike), the motion carried.  

                        Items for Possible Action:

1)      A Request for Street Closure was received by the First Presbyterian Church.  The Council was not able review the Request prior to a meeting.  Mayor Drey received Council consensus prior to the weekend event.  Alderman Snodgrass moved to retroactively approve the Street Closure Request as presented by the First Presbyterian Church, seconded by Alderman Bees.  On a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Bees, Snodgrass, Hayenga) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

2)      Alderman Bees moved to approve the Request for Parade for the Memorial Day Parade on May 31, 2010, as presented by the American Legion Post 328, waiving the requirement for proof of insurance, seconded by Alderman Rose.  On a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Rose, Thorndike, Bees, Snodgrass, Hayenga, Zuidema) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

3)      Alderman Snodgrass approved the Illinois Liquor Control Agreement, seconded by Alderman Hayenga.  Chief Melton stated that this is for the administration of the Tobacco Enforcement Grant.  On a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Thorndike, Bees, Snodgrass, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose) and 0 nays, the motion carried.

4)      Alderman Hayenga moved to hold the Council Meetings and Work Sessions at City Hall, seconded by Alderman Rose.  On a roll call vote of 4 ayes (Snodgrass, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose) and 2 nays (Bees, Thorndike), the motion carried.  Mayor Drey stated that he is in support of holding the meetings at City Hall. 

Discussion Items:

1)      The Council heard a presentation from Jeff Harrelson from Jo-Carroll Energy regarding Wi-Fi internet.  Mr. Harrelson answered council questions and concerns.  The next step is to determine if there is a mutual benefit for the City and Jo-Carroll Energy for locating the equipment in the City. 

2)      The budget request received from the Historic Preservation Commission was deferred to be handled during the budget process.

3)      The Fencing Guidelines were referred to the Land Use Review Group.

4)      The Council considered a request from Whiteside County for a Consolidated Dispatch Center Feasibility Study.  The City would participate in a portion of the cost.  Administrator Long will gather additional information.  The matter will be forwarded to the June 14, 2010 meeting.

5)      Administrator Long stated that Whiteside County is considering a color photography aerial flight in the spring of 2011.  This will be a cost-sharing opportunity at approximately $15,000 for the city’s portion.  The Council showed interest.  Administrator Long will gather some additional information and the matter will be placed on the June 14, 2010 agenda.

6)      Council reviewed Ordinance 10-08 – Prevailing Rate of Wage.  This Ordinance must be passed annually in June.  The matter will be forwarded to the June 14, 2010 meeting.

7)      Chief Melton presented Resolution #10-05 – Participation in State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program.  This program will allow the City to access Federal and State surplus property.  The matter will be placed on the June 14, 2010 Council Agenda.

8)      Alderman Bees presented a proposal for updating the City’s website.  The Council reviewed a contract for Web Design as presented by Design Loft and The Web Monsters.  The process can be initiated now, with Council consensus, which the Mayor will obtain, and with a 25% down payment.  The contract will be forwarded to the June 14, 2010 Council Meeting.

9)      Administrator Long reviewed a portion of the Fiscal 2011 budget.

10)  Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11), Alderman Zuidema moved to enter Executive Session to discuss matters of Litigation, seconded by Alderman Snodgrass.  On a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Snodgrass, Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose, Thorndike, Bees) and 0 nays, the motion carried.  Executive Session began at 8:46 p.m.

11)  Regular Session resumed at 8:58 p.m.  There was no action as a result of Executive Session.

                        Other Business:

1)      Council, again, briefly discussed the changes to the website.

2)      Administrator Long talked about the proposed emergency call-out system, which will let all Morrison residents and businesses become aware of emergencies within the City of Morrison.

3)      There being no further business, Alderman Rose moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Thorndike. 

Mayor Drey adjourned the meeting 9:11 p.m. 

Approved: 

Roger K. Drey, Mayor 

Melanie T. Schroeder City Clerk