The Kewanee City Council will meet on Monday, July 28th, at 7 PM. The meeting will be carried out live on our WKEI RegionalMediaNews.com Facebook page. The agenda and notes from the packet are below. You can find the background information on the agenda items in the Kewanee City Council packet.
1. Roll Call
2. Closed Session to discuss Personnel Section 2(c)(1), Collective Bargaining Section 2(c)(2), Purchase or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(5), Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2(c)(6), and Litigation Section 2(c)(11)
3. Roll Call
4. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
b. Payroll
c. Staff Reports
d. Bock Report
e. Hog Days Street Closures Request
5. Payment of the bills
6. Public Comments
7. Swearing In: New Fireman
8. New Business
a) Bill 25-68 Ordinance granting a request for variance to the maximum allowed height for an accessory structure to Brian Rowlison of 911 Simpson Ave, Kewanee, IL.
b) Bill 25-69 Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Tracy Glasgo for property located at 605 North East Street
c) Bill 25-70 Resolution fixing the budget for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2026
d) Bill 25-71 Resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code.
e) Bill 25-72 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hutchison Engineering for professional services related to transportation improvements for South Street.
f) Bill 25-73 Sidewalk & Scooter Ordinance
g) Discussion Only: Sidewalk Reimbursement
h) Discussion Only: Outside Eating Areas
9. Council Communications
10. Announcement
11. Adjournment
Also in the Packet:
1. City Detect— Staff reached out to CityDetect to get a copy of what is typically used for their service agreements. A copy of the agreement was received and sent to the City Attorney to review. The City Attorney advised that he didn’t have any issues with the language and noted there does appear to be an option to terminate the agreement should we need or want to. The agreement is included in the packet for your review and feedback.
2. IMPACT Conference— On Friday, July 25, 2025, several police department members attended the IMPACT Conference, hosted by the Geneseo Police Department at Augustana College. This event focuses on training law enforcement in crisis response to those facing mental health or substance use issues. The IMPACT Conference also featured a variety of local resource providers, giving officers the opportunity to network and build connections that support long-term community outreach and crisis intervention efforts.
3. Patrol Rifle Refresher Training— Three officers recently completed the state-mandated patrol rifle refresher training. The session, instructed by Sgt. Peed, satisfied state mandated training requirements and enhanced officer proficiency with patrol rifles.
4. National Night Out– — The police department will host this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Northeast Park, with participation from the fire department and community partners. This annual event is designed to strengthen community partnerships and promote public safety through family-friendly activities and outreach. Attendees can enjoy free hot dogs, chips, water, and juice provided through Operation Juice Box, as well as a free swim, PS5 raffle, pony rides, and car seat safety information. Several local resource organizations will also be present to engage with residents and offer valuable information. The evening will conclude with a movie in the park, adding to the fun and relaxed atmosphere. This event is made possible thanks to generous donations from businesses and citizens, with major contributions provided by Peoples National Bank, State Bank of Toulon, Community State Bank, Finish Well Ministries, and Margie Tossell, with additional local support expected.
5. Fire Department New Hire— Brendan Stevens begins his employment on Monday, July 28th, and will attend the meeting that night so that he can be sworn in. He will work two 40-hour weeks, then attend the Peoria Fire Academy, beginning Monday, August 11, for 12 weeks of training. Brendan comes to Kewanee from Elmwood, IL and has already obtained his EMT-B license, allowing him to begin work on the ambulances immediately.
6. New Fire Truck— Our new engine/pumper from Alexis/Legacy is still on schedule for delivery on September 17th. This engine/pumper is being purchased with grant funds from an AFG grant. Final approval of the graphics and decals was made by Chief Welgat last week. Our salesman stated HE sees it being completed before the 17th but was not willing to change the delivery date, just in case.
7. CDL Training— New initiatives within IDOT’s Springfield offices have led to municipalities being able to train employees online to take ELDT classes, which are needed to obtain their CDL. This will reduce training costs and provides flexibility in scheduling, reducing the amount of lost productivity due to travel.
8. Trees— On Thursday, July 10th, staff had our kickoff meeting with Great Lakes Urban Forestry for our tree inventory and tree management plan that is funded through the USDA/American Forests grant that we received. The work could begin as soon as Monday July 14th. Residents should be aware that field arborists will be in the area and that they wear high-visibility safety vests with their company name and “TREE SURVEY” printed prominently on the back. Their vehicles are marked with the company name as well.
9. Run. Hide. Fight. The Kewanee Police Department, in partnership with LSU NCBRT, will be hosting a free Run Hide Fight training on Tuesday, August 12th, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Henry County Office of Emergency Management. The City will have members of staff in attendance to learn at the event, as well.
