Potential Energy Savings Highlight Morrison Working Session

By Lynette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – Members of the Morrison City Council met in the Whiteside County Board Room for a working meeting on Monday September 26th, 2011. After accepting the August 2011 Treasurer’s report, approval was granted for bills payable totaling the amount of $102,723.14.

Sports Complex Director Jim Dubois reported that fall sports are currently in full swing, and leagues are running through Oct. 30th. Dubois noted that the staff have been working on tournament schedules, and will be preparing the fields for the fall and winter season. Work is ongoing to obtain donations for several different items, including trees, and playground equipment.

Mike Mudge of Rock River Energy Services gave a presentation to Council members regarding the Municipal Aggregate Utility Services Program. Mudge has previously worked with ComEd for 35 years, and has extensive experience in the field.

Fulton was the first city in Illinois to pass an ordinance to put all residential and small accounts together. Since November of 2010, Fulton residents have gained about one and a half cents per kw/hr in savings. Recently, eighteen other communities have passed similar ordinances to acquire third party accounts. This type of program would allow for the community to secure the best electrical rates available.

ComEd would still provide the bill to its customers, but Mudge noted “all money saved stays in the community.” Many other communities in the area are noticing savings including: Erie, Mt.Morris, Milledgeville, and Fulton. The average resident uses approximately 700kw/hr with a current rate of 7.8 cents from ComEd.

Alderman Mike Blean questioned if the city would incur any fees for Mudge’s services. “I am paid from the supplier. We want to maximize the lowest possible costs.” Council members made the decision to think about the possibility of using Rock River Energy to obtain services in the future.

Council also heard a presentation from Willett, Hoffman and Associates, an Engineering company with 5 offices in the surrounding area. The company has been in business since 1966. Representatives from the Company included: Brian Frickenstein, Bob Gasper, and Matt Hansen. Willett, Hoffman and Associates have successfully completed the planning and construction of Water Treatment Plants in the area.

Recently, they completed a facility for Rock Falls that took eight years and totaled $20.5 million. Personnel from the company explained the different types of plants they have dealt with, and gave a slide show presentation complete with pictures of many Treatment Plants designed in the area.

The City of Savanna has expressed possible interest in using the company, and Thomson also acquired their expertise in building a treatment plant for the Prison in 2000 at a cost of $5.5 million.

City Administrator Jim Wise reported that he and Gary Tresenritter had recently toured Willet, Hoffman and Associates and were very impressed. Wise extended an invitation to the company anticipating the need for a new Water Treatment Plant sometime in the future. Council decided to move further discussion to the next meeting.

Trick or Treating within the City was scheduled for October 31st from 4-7pm. Mayor Drey suggested leaving the event the same as last year.

A request for a parade permit was discussed from the Chamber of Commerce for Oct. 29th. The Chamber is requesting a Police escort. Discussion will continue at the Oct. 11th meeting.

A request was also heard from the Emmanual Reformed Church regarding a Car Show currently scheduled for June 30th of 2012. The Church would also like to reserve the Community Room for the same day, but the City currently requires reservations only 6 months in advance. Mayor Drey suggested that the Council consider granting the Church the opportunity to reserve the Community Room, and make an exception. Donations of canned food will be collected from exhibitors and given to the Food Pantry. Since the Council has plenty of time for discussion, it was decided to move the issue to the next meeting, with the idea of reaching a decision so the Church can print fliers and continue planning the event.

Administrator Wise reported that he had received a report from the Illinois Department of Transportation inquiring about the Route 78/French Creek Bridge project. The cost to the City would be $140,000.00. IDOT would like an answer from the City by November 1st with the money coming out of Motor Fuel Tax funds. Wise stated that he thought the City might want to keep the French Creek Bridge project themed the same as the Route 30 bridge project.

MediaCom cable has stated that it is time to renew its franchise agreement with the City. Wise informed the council that it is time to renew the agreement, as is done every fifteen years. Action will be taken at the Oct. 11th meeting.

Administrator Jim Wise addressed the council regarding an idea for the painting of the water tower. Wise mentioned offering a few select art students to paint and design a logo for the water tower at Kelly Park. Details still need to be worked out with the School, and the possibility of having a contest between the designs to select the best one. Wise would like to see the project completed by the end of 2011, and even mentioned painting the tower a color other than white.

Wise also informed members that NICIL had recently done a parking survey for the city to assist with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This would be an opportunity for members to get involved in accommodating the needs of those with disabilities,” Wise stated. More information will be presented on this topic at the next regular meeting.

In other business, discussion took place over the review of an agreement with property owners at 208 E. Lincolnway for a loan to demolish property. Further action will be taken at the October meeting.

Alderman Sarah Thorndike gave a special thank-you to Administrator Wise, Police Chief Melton, and the city for supporting Paint the Town.

There was no need for an Executive session. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11th in the Whiteside County Board Room.