Kewanee council adopts budget, community solar deal and multiple resolutions; demolition and TIF measures approved

Kewanee City Council on Aug. 25, 2025 adopted the city's fiscal 2025–26 budget and approved a package of ordinances and resolutions, including a community solar agreement, matching funds for an IDOT Safe Routes To School project and a demolition award for a blighted property.

The council voted 4-0 to adopt the budget for the May 1, 2025–April 30, 2026 fiscal year following discussion about how some expenses exceed revenues on paper; City Manager Gary Bradley explained the difference would be covered with previously saved funds and prior-year grant receipts. Councilmember Colomer moved the budget adoption; Councilmember Cernovich seconded.

Other approvals included a resolution authorizing participation in a community solar program with Solar on Earth that staff said could reduce the city's electric costs by about 20% and potentially save roughly $2 million over the life of the agreement; the council approved that resolution 4-0 (motion by Councilmember Komnick, second by Councilmember Cernovich). The council also approved an amendment to the sidewalk reimbursement program (Bill 25-77), declared certain equipment excess for disposal (Bill 25-81), and approved appropriation of matching funds for the Lake Street Safe Routes To School project (Bill 25-80). The Lake Street project will add sidewalk on the north side of Lake Street from the school to the Regan Townhomes; the state will let the project in November with construction expected in the spring.

Council awarded demolition work at 340 Fifth Ave and selected a concrete-and-brick-fill option from Nanninga after considering widely varying bids; Director of Community Development Keith Edwards said the property has been a longstanding nuisance and noted grant funds to complete the work must be used before their deadline. The demolition award passed 4-0.

Votes at a glance: • Bill 25-76 (TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Robert A. Johnson/Johnson's Appliance, 114 N. Chestnut St.): Approved 3-1. Motion to approve moved by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Colomer. Discussion noted no official cost estimate because work had already been completed; councilmembers suggested alternative funding options might be preferable. • Bill 25-77 (Ordinance amending sidewalk reimbursement amounts): Approved 4-0. Motion by Colomer, second by Cernovich. • Bill 25-78 (Resolution authorizing participation in Solar on Earth community solar program): Approved 4-0. Motion by Komnick, second by Cernovich. Staff described billing/credit timing that will make the program act like a rebate. • Bill 25-79 (Resolution fixing FY 2025–26 budget): Approved 4-0. Motion by Colomer, second by Cernovich. City Manager explained spending will rely in part on reserves and prior-year grant funds. • Bill 25-80 (Resolution appropriating matching funds for IDOT Lake Street Safe Routes To School project, section 22-00111-00-sw): Approved 4-0. Motion by Komnick, second by Colomer. Project scope: sidewalk along north side of Lake Street from school to Regan Townhomes; additional segments dependent on separate funding. • Bill 25-81 (Resolution declaring equipment excess and authorizing disposal): Approved 4-0. Motion by Colomer, second by Cernovich. Staff omitted dollar values from the resolution to permit competitive bidding. • Bill 25-82 (Resolution awarding demolition at 340 Fifth Ave to lowest responsible bidder with concrete/brick fill option): Approved 4-0. Motion by Komnick, second by Colomer.

The council also heard two discussion-only items on the non-home rule 1% Retailers' Occupation Tax and on public-sector uses of Tax Increment Financing (TIF); no action was taken on either item. The meeting concluded with council and mayor communications, including an announcement from Mayor Moore that the city has been awarded roughly $1 million in grant funds toward replacing lead service lines. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.