Council approves planning, airport and fiscal measures; hears update on delayed electric bus components

The Morris City Council on Jan. 28 approved several routine and administrative measures and heard an update on the city’s delayed electric bus procurement.

Planning: The council accepted a planning commission recommendation and approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for two parcels adjacent to E-Free Church to allow urban farming and off-site sales. Planning staff said the parcels are already being used to grow food for sale to community members and businesses and that the commission’s recommendation included the condition that principal sales occur off-site; the planning commission vote was unanimous.

Airport engineering: Council approved a resolution authorizing staff to solicit qualifications for airport engineering services. City staff said the Federal Aviation Administration requires the municipality to periodically request qualifications; the current airport engineering contract with TKDA is up in March and the city intends to select a firm at the Feb. 11 meeting so airport projects can continue.

Fiscal housekeeping: The council adopted a resolution authorizing a temporary interfund loan to cover timing gaps caused by multi-year grant closeouts and state/federal reimbursement timing; staff described the action as routine year-end housekeeping to avoid negative cash balances. Council also set the annual Morris Fire Relief Association firefighter benefit at $2,550 per year of service, citing the relief association’s investments and state reimbursement streams; staff said the decision does not cost the city unless the fund balance drops and creates a state-required shortage the city must cover.

Electric bus update: During consent-agenda discussion staff said the electric bus manufacturer told the city that a component failed low-temperature testing (around 20 degrees or colder) and that the manufacturer would not release the parts for delivery until testing concerns are resolved. Staff said the city and grant funders are not out money on the charger and that reimbursements from state/federal programs can take time; one number mentioned in staff comments was that roughly 89% of the charger/electric work reimbursement is expected to be returned to the city but timing for the final reimbursement remains uncertain. Staff said they will meet with the supplier to determine next steps.

Appointments: Mayoral appointments confirmed by council included Greg Reuter to the planning commission, Annette Watson to the park board and Liz Morrison to the tree board. Council also approved the reading and condensed- minutes from the Jan. 14 meeting and approved the consent agenda.