The Kewanee City Council reviewed multiple agenda items at its May 27th meeting, focusing on community development and infrastructure. Decisions included a redevelopment agreement with VanDeVelde Wellness Center in the TIF District, a micro-loan for Head Nods and High Fives, and the adoption of the Quad Cities-Kewanee-Muscatine Traffic Safety Action Plan, which introduces a Vision Zero pledge for traffic fatalities. Council members also discussed amendments to the downtown TIF plan and debated future water rate adjustments. Option one, increasing rates by 23% in January 2026 and 4% annually for four years, was favored due to its upfront investment in critical water system upgrades.
City staff were tasked with determining if the water rate increases suggested by the engineer included the base rate, the usage rates, or both. So far, the rate increases have been on the base rate. The usage rate was last increased more than 10 years ago. Adam Cernovich pointed out that the upgrades to the water system would affect the fixed costs. Chris Colomer said the increases need to be on both the base rate and usage rates. He said right now, “It’s clear as mud.” Mike Komnick and Mayor Gary Moore assumed the suggested increase included both rates. Find the May 27th Kewanee City Council Meeting agenda here.