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Kewanee council adopts regional hazard mitigation plan, approves residential variance
Summary
At its April 27 meeting the Kewanee City Council unanimously adopted the Henry and Stark Counties Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved a variance for an accessory structure at 418 West South St., and approved payroll and bills; the council also heard a resident ask about restoring local birthing services.
At its April 27, 2026 meeting, the Kewanee City Council unanimously adopted the Henry and Stark Counties Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved a variance allowing an accessory structure at 418 West South St., among other routine items, the council said.
City Manager/Clerk Kasey Mitchell said adopting the hazard mitigation plan "does not obligate the City to do anything. It just means that when we do infrastructure projects, that we keep things like flooding in mind," and added that adoption opens the city to potential grants and FEMA aid.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the April 13 meeting, and approved payroll of $269,022.75 and bills totaling $352,717.36. Councilmember Komnick moved to approve the consent agenda; Councilmember Baker seconded and the motion passed 4-0. A separate motion to approve payment of the bills, moved by Councilmember Baker and seconded by Councilmember Cernovich, also passed 4-0.
On new business, Bill 26-37, the hazard mitigation resolution, was moved by Councilmember Komnick, seconded by Councilmember Cernovich, and adopted 4-0. Later in the same agenda item, Bill 26-38, an ordinance granting a variance to the maximum allowed height of an accessory structure for homeowner Debra Kopp at 418 West South St., was moved by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Komnick, and approved 4-0. Council members asked whether the homeowner would need a separate driveway variance; Community Development Director Keith Edwards said the homeowner plans a separate driveway and that staff "is on the same page" regarding permitting.
During public comment, resident Levi Schwigen asked whether birthing services might return to Kewanee after OSF previously removed them from the local facility. The council said it does not control hospital services but that staff would speak to OSF leadership about the request.
Council communications included several community updates: Councilmember Komnick promoted a Cinco de Mayo event at Northeast Park; Councilmember Cernovich said the Farmer’s Market will return with food trucks and evening entertainment and that Concerts in the Park will begin soon; and Councilmember Baker congratulated Kasey Mitchell on her appointment and said he plans to follow up with staff on ideas from a poverty conference he attended. Police Chief Kijanowski said his officers will proactively engage with e-scooter and golf-cart users and, when minors are involved, speak with guardians about regulations.
Mayor Moore announced that Kewanee has been named a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation and that a plaque will be displayed in City Hall; he also congratulated the Kewanee High School Band and Choir for winning their third consecutive IHSA Class A Music Sweepstakes Championship. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.; minutes were prepared by City Clerk Kasey Mitchell.
