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Kewanee council discusses municipal mowing program for unmaintained private lots
Summary
Council members heard a staff plan weighing contracted mowing against hiring city crews to address unmaintained private properties; staff outlined invoicing, lien processes and a possible minor ordinance change. No formal vote was taken.
Council members discussed a proposed municipal mowing program to address unmaintained private properties, with staff presenting options and cost comparisons but no vote taken.
Community Development Director Edwards described how a city-run program could work and presented figures comparing contracting the work to hiring an employee for mowing. Grounds Maintenance Manager Newton answered operational questions, saying equipment used for multiple tasks limits the cost-savings from dedicated equipment. Council Member Michael Yaklich pressed staff on fixed-cost savings for equipment and gasoline and asked about the invoice and lien process; Community Development Director Edwards said the city would continue the current invoice-and-lien process with a minor ordinance amendment to streamline implementation.
The council did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting; staff were asked to refine cost estimates and ordinance language so the council can consider a formal ordinance change in a future meeting.
