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Kewanee council approves demolitions, rezonings, leases and TIF deal; Ford Escape purchase passes 3-1
Summary
At its Aug. 12 meeting the Kewanee City Council approved a package of demolitions, two rezonings, fee increases, a TIF redevelopment agreement, an option-and-lease for renewable energy, and an addendum to an IGA; a police vehicle purchase passed 3-1 with Mayor Moore the lone dissent.
The Kewanee City Council on Aug. 12 approved multiple resolutions and ordinances advancing demolition, redevelopment and infrastructure projects, and authorized a police vehicle purchase that drew a single dissenting vote.
The council approved demolition contracts awarding Boers Excavating work at 210 S Walnut St (Bill 24-72), 701 W Fifth St (Bill 24-73) and 717 Florence St (Bill 24-74). Councilmember Komnick moved to approve Bill 24-72, Councilmember Baker seconded; the motion passed 4-0. Bills 24-73 and 24-74 were approved on similar 4-0 votes.
Lawmakers also approved rezonings for two Church Street parcels. Ordinance 24-75 rezoned Lots 18–22 at 1140 W Church St from R-1 Residential to M-1 Manufacturing, and Ordinance 24-76 rezoned Lots 12–17 at 1102 W Church St from R-3 Residential to M-1 Manufacturing; both measures passed 4-0 after routine motions.
The council amended City Code Section 150.016(D)(1) (Bill 24-77) to raise selected permit fees so charges better cover the city’s costs; the ordinance passed 4-0.
A resolution (Bill 24-78) authorizing the City Manager, Police Chief and City Clerk to purchase a 2024 Ford Escape from Gustafson Ford of Kewanee for police use was approved on a 3-1 vote. Councilmember Baker moved the purchase and Councilmember Faber seconded. Police Chief Kijanowski told the council the Escape offers advantages for the department, saying it "has the best gas mileage, more space than the Compass, matches the current fleet, and is from a local vendor." Mayor Moore cast the sole "nay." The council record shows the purchase comes in under the budgeted amount for a new vehicle.
Councilmembers approved an addendum to the intergovernmental agreement (Bill 24-79) between the City of Kewanee and the Housing Authority of Henry County; Chief Kijanowski said the updated IGA will include pay raises for part-time police officers, a change he said should increase interest in those positions in areas with heavier crime. The addendum passed 4-0.
The council voted 4-0 to support an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant application for bicycle and pedestrian improvements (Bill 24-80), intended to extend sidewalks on Lake Street and build on an existing Safe Routes to School grant.
Council approved an option-and-lease agreement with Soltage IL Devco, LLC (Bill 24-81) to develop renewable-energy facilities on city-owned land at E. Division St. and Fisher Ave; the motion passed 4-0. The council also approved a TIF redevelopment agreement with developer Ken Westefer (Bill 24-82) to divide a parcel and connect buildings to city sewer; Westefer said the split was needed so each building could receive separate power lines and connect to the city sewer rather than small septic tanks. The TIF ordinance passed 4-0.
Procedural votes included approval of payroll for the period ending July 27 in the amount of $234,567.53 and payment of bills totaling $533,806.94.
The council adjourned at 8:08 p.m. and directed staff to implement the approved actions, where applicable, under existing administrative procedures.
