Kewanee City Council approves $916,125 in bills, special-use permit and $37,000 housing grant; members press for project and ambulance clarity

The Kewanee City Council on July 8 approved routine payroll and bills, granted a special-use permit to a local business owner and acknowledged a $37,000 Illinois housing grant, while several council members pressed for more information about the E Street reconstruction and a proposed ambulance agreement.

The council opened at 7:00 p.m. and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from June 24 and payroll totaling $200,038.64. Council then approved bills totaling $916,125.28 on a motion by Council Member Steve Faber, seconded by Council Member Michael Komnick; roll call showed five ayes and no nays.

City Manager Gary Bradley and staff member Rodney Johnson answered questions from Council Member Michael Yaklich about a bill from CIPP, explaining the charge covered liners for sewer infrastructure. Yaklich also raised a separate maintenance concern that All Seasons had not addressed volunteer trees on Elm Street; Bradley said the trees could be taken care of easily.

The council accepted Planning Commission minutes and approved Ordinance No. 3972, granting a special-use permit to Don Grabbe. Council Member Yaklich congratulated Grabbe; Grabbe said he reduced the jukebox volume after neighbors complained and that both business profits and neighborhood satisfaction had improved.

A resolution authorizing continuation of a nonconforming use at 200 E. 7th Street as a B-2 business district was adopted after the property owner affirmed the site had always been commercial.

The council acknowledged an Illinois housing development grant of $37,000 by approving Resolution No. 5174. Council Member Chris Colomer asked whether those funds could be reallocated; City Manager Gary Bradley said funds that had been allocated to remove dilapidated homes could be redirected to additional projects.

Council also approved Resolution No. 5175 authorizing an agreement with Nyhart for actuarial services. Council Member Yaklich questioned an additional $1,000 GASB fee for 2018; Finance Director Debbie Johnson said the fee was included in the bid and covers both prior-year work and the upcoming audit.

Under other business, Council Member Steve Faber and Council Member Colomer promoted the Prairie Chicken Festival and the Black Knight mural. Council Member Michael Komnick thanked Police Chief Ainley for outreach to the Senior Center and noted a recent Mary Poppins production. Mayor Gary Moore presented a proclamation declaring July 10 as Caleb Cleaver Day and congratulated retired Police Officer Tim Pence on his service.

Yaklich asked for updates on the E Street project and the city’s engineer search; Bradley said unexpected issues can arise on projects and that staff is contacting IMEG to explore potential additional state funding. Yaklich also questioned whether a formal agreement had been completed with Neponset Ambulance Service; Council Members Colomer and Faber said the board previously voted to allow the City Manager to proceed with negotiations. Yaklich requested copies of bills — including for Division Street — and raised concern about sludge spreading and whether contractor-reported man hours justified payment or a refund. Bradley said he would provide requested documents.

There were no further items; Council Member Colomer moved to adjourn, Council Member Faber seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.