Morris City Council approves easement vacation and adopts updated floodplain map

The Morris City Council on July 23 approved an ordinance vacating a portion of a utility easement in Block 7 and adopted an updated floodplain map in a second reading required to maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The council also approved prior meeting minutes and a consent agenda that included liquor licenses for two community organizations.

Council opened and closed the public hearing for Ordinance No. 124, described by a councilmember as "pretty straightforward" and tied to a utility easement adjacent to the McDonald's property. The motion to adopt was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

Ordinance No. 125, the second-reading update to the city's floodplain map, was presented by city staff who said the change was necessary "in order to stay in the National Flood Insurance Program." Staff noted the map added a small area by Crystal Lake but that, based on the maps, no homes appeared newly brought into the floodplain; one business may already have been covered previously. Staff explained that mortgage companies are notified when flood maps change, and that building permit triggers apply for structures and for substantial improvement thresholds (generally improvements over 50% of market value).

After discussion the council moved and seconded adoption of Ordinance No. 125; the motion passed on a roll-call vote. The council completed a voice vote to approve the July 9 regular minutes and a condensed version for publication. The consent agenda, which included the audit of city bills and temporary on-sale liquor licenses for the American Legion and Morris Eagles, also passed.

What happens next: both ordinances were adopted at second reading and will be implemented according to the ordinances' terms and state/federal processes for flood-map notifications; property owners who are affected may receive notices through mortgage lenders or at the time of permit applications.