Kewanee council approves grants, emergency repairs and equipment purchases; tables firefighters' side letter
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Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Kewanee City Council approved several routine measures including a nearly $75,000 ICJIA grant for DAART, FEMA-funded Knox Boxes, a Stryker ambulance cot and emergency wastewater repairs; it tabled a proposed side letter with IAFF Local 513 for more information.
The Kewanee City Council on Jan. 12 approved a package of routine municipal measures, including grant-funded public-safety equipment, an emergency wastewater repair contract and the renewal of an outsourced IT services agreement, while tabling a proposed side letter to the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement for more information.
The council approved a resolution allowing the purchase and installation of Knox Boxes on qualifying public buildings using a FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety grant. Fire Chief Welgat described Knox Boxes as secure exterior boxes that hold building keys to allow emergency personnel to gain rapid access without causing damage. The council approved that measure 5-0.
Deputy Police Chief Minx briefed the council on a nearly $75,000 award from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) to support community policing and the Drug Alcohol Addiction Response Team (DAART). Council approved expenditure of grant funds 5-0.
Council also ratified emergency water service bore and pipe work at the wastewater treatment plant performed by Laverdiere Construction and approved the inclusion of retaining wall concrete staining and an anti-graffiti coating in IDOT Project 64L94 IL81. The council approved renewal of information-technology services with Access Systems using a "cash up front" payment option to reduce lease costs, and it approved purchase of a Stryker Power Pro 2 ambulance cot that exceeded budget by $693.02; members said the powered cot improves safety for patients and staff. All motions passed 5-0.
Bill 26-01, a proposed side letter of agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 513 to add required certifications for certain positions, was discussed but tabled after councilmembers requested more background on certification history and how the changes would benefit the department and the city. Fire Chief Welgat said the missing certifications were an oversight; Councilmember Cernovich moved to table the item and the motion passed 5-0.
The council approved routine warrants and payroll, including payments of $88,969.70 on Dec. 22 and $954,373.36 on Jan. 12. During consent discussion Councilmember Cernovich asked staff to explain differences between Constellation (energy supplier) and Ameren (equipment/service charges), and staff noted charges related to a damaged gas line and traffic-signal hardware replacements.
The meeting concluded with council communications about water-billing processes, take-home vehicle policies and snow-removal procedures; Mayor Moore read a proclamation honoring local resident Rosabelle Moore on her 102nd birthday. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.