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Kewanee City Council unanimously approves energy contract, HVAC replacement, equipment lease, park agreement and zoning change
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Summary
At its Aug. 14 meeting the Kewanee City Council approved a package of motions and ordinances — including an energy-supply contract, rooftop HVAC replacement for City Hall, a leased excavator with a purchase option, an updated YMCA agreement and an intergovernmental agreement to support a park district OSLAD grant — all by 3-0 votes.
The Kewanee City Council on Aug. 14 approved a series of routine but operationally significant measures, voting unanimously on contracts, equipment and intergovernmental agreements needed for City operations and local projects.
Energy agreement: Council passed Bill 23-30, authorizing an agreement with the lowest responsible energy suppliers for city facilities. Mayor Moore asked about the planned solar panels; Kevin Newton said contractors have visited the planned site but a start date is unknown. Newton told the council the administration plans a two-year contract to secure a lower market rate while avoiding a long lock-in; he said the quoted rate would not be adjusted downward simply because the city may later use less electricity if solar panels come online. The resolution passed 3-0 (motion by Councilmember Colomer; second by Councilmember Komnick).
HVAC replacement: Bill 23-31 authorizes purchase of a new rooftop air-handling unit (RTU1) for City Hall. Kevin Newton presented a consultant recommendation favoring the second-lowest bid because that unit integrates with existing controls and offers better long-term efficiency and maintainability; council approved the purchase 3-0.
Equipment lease: Bill 23-32 authorizes leasing a 2022 John Deere 190GW wheeled excavator from Martin Equipment for Public Works. Newton said leasing lets the city measure usage and projected savings (he estimated as much as 25% versus contracting out work) and includes an option to apply rent payments toward a balloon payment should the city choose to buy at lease end. The lease was approved 3-0.
Two Rivers YMCA agreement: Bill 23-33 authorizes the City Manager to execute an updated agreement with the Two Rivers YMCA to continue a cost-sharing employee membership program after the Kewanee YMCA merged into the Two Rivers organization. Gary Bradley said the updated agreement reflects a different cost-split; council approved the resolution 3-0.
Park district IGA and OSLAD grant: Bill 23-34 is an intergovernmental agreement with the Kewanee Park District to support an OSLAD grant application for a splash pad and new playground equipment at Liberty/West Park. Park District Director Andy Dwyer told the council the state requires an updated lease for Liberty Park as part of the grant application. The IGA passed 3-0.
Zoning amendment: Bill 23-35 amends Section 155.068(B) (Special Uses) of the Kewanee Code of Ordinances; Gary Bradley confirmed the amendment will apply to applications under that section generally. The ordinance passed 3-0.
Votes at a glance: - Closed session to discuss sale/lease of real estate (Section 2(c)(5)) — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Consent agenda (minutes, payroll $223,816.53, staff reports) — mover: Councilmember Komnick; second: Councilmember Colomer; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bills payment — $865,569.44 — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-30 — energy supplier agreement — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-31 — RTU1 replacement for City Hall — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-32 — lease of John Deere 190GW excavator — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-33 — City Manager authorized to execute YMCA agreement — mover: Councilmember Komnick; second: Councilmember Colomer; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-34 — IGA with Kewanee Park District (OSLAD grant) — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0. - Bill 23-35 — amendment to Section 155.068(B) Special Uses — mover: Councilmember Colomer; second: Councilmember Komnick; outcome: passed 3-0.
What’s next: City staff will proceed with contract execution, equipment leasing and agreement updates; the park district will pursue the OSLAD grant with an updated lease for Liberty Park required by the state. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.