The Kewanee City Council will meet on Monday, November 10th, at 7 PM. The meeting will be streamed live on our WKEI Regional Media News 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), Purchase or Lease of Real Estate Section 2 (c)(5), and Sale or Lease of Real Estate Section 2 (c)(6)
3. Roll Call
4. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
b. Payroll
c. Staff Reports
5. Payment of the bills
6. Public Comments
7. New Business
a) Presentation: Restorative Justice
b) Bill 25-99 Ordinance to vacate a portion of the alley between Jackson St and Washington St.
c) Bill 25-100 Resolution to appoint a City Manager Pro Tempore.
d) Bill 25-101 Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a service agreement with MGT for recruiting services.
e) Bill 25-102 Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to execute a Timber Sale Agreement with Fischer Sawmill, LLC.
f) Bill 25-103 Resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to execute an agreement with Waterworth for long term financial model and asset replacement schedules for water, wastewater, and street divisions.
g) Bill 25-104 Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor and City Clerk to convey the City of Kewanee’s interest in specified real estate to the People of the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation for highway purposes as well as temporary and permanent easements to the same.
h) Bill 25-105 Resolution authorizing an agreement with the lowest responsible energy supplier for the purchase of electrical energy for the City of Kewanee Facilities starting January 2026.
i) Bill 25-106 Resolution to accept the bid and award work to install sound equipment in the City Council Chambers to Music Makers of Galesburg, IL.
j) Bill 25-107 Resolution authorizing the purchase of an International HV Series truck from Rush Truck Centers, including the Koenig Body Upfit, and financing it through People’s National Bank.
k) Discussion Only: Tax Levy
l) Discussion Only: Police Department Tasers
m) Discussion Only: GIS Scope of Work
n) Discussion Only: Route 81 Updates
8. Council Communications
9. Announcement
10. Adjournment
Also in the packet:
1. Downtown Revitalization – Staff met with Hutchison Engineering this week to continue discussions regarding the Downtown Revitalization project. During the meeting, staff presented several cost-saving options for consideration. It was agreed that these items will be included as “alternates” within the bid package, allowing for a comparison of costs between contractor completion and potential in-house work by the Public Works Department.
2. IDOT Meeting – Staff met this week with representatives from IDOT, Henry County, and other local municipalities to discuss upcoming roadway projects throughout Henry County. While the meeting was productive, IDOT indicated that the full reconstruction of Route 81 has been delayed until 2027. Preliminary work is expected to begin in late summer 2026. The delay is primarily due to challenges related to land acquisition. IDOT also mentioned future plans for a Route 78 overhaul.
3. Fire Personnel – Brendan Stevens graduated from the Peoria Fire Academy on Friday October 31st and began his regular shift on November 2nd. Following the Firefighter testing conducted on October 25, a new eligibility list was established. A conditional offer of employment was extended to Janzen Miller, who has accepted the position. Miller currently holds an EMT-Basic certification and will be required to complete Fire Academy training and pursue his Paramedic license.
4. Work Session – A City Council work session is scheduled for November 19 to continue strategic discussions and provide direction regarding mobile home parks, as well as to initiate conversations on the City of Kewanee’s Comprehensive Plan. The session will also include discussion of future organizational and operational plans for the City and its staff.
5. Top Deck – This week, members of the Kewanee Police Department conducted a walkthrough of the Top Deck Cannabis dispensary to prepare a reactionary plan in the event of any security-related incidents. Officers reviewed site access, security features, and overall facility layout. The building was found to be well secured, featuring extensive surveillance coverage and will have staffed security personnel on site. This proactive visit supports our ongoing commitment to public safety and preparedness in partnership with local businesses.
6. Career Fair – Several staff members will participate in the Central Junior High Career Exploration Fair on Monday, November 17. The event provides students with an opportunity to learn more about their community and the various career paths available within the City. It also serves as a valuable opportunity for staff to engage with students and promote interest in public service.
7. Small Equipment Grant – Today, November 7th, documentation was submitted for a small equipment grant for the Fire Department. If awarded, this would allow them to purchase 6 sets of turnout gear, also known as bunker gear. Turnout gear has a life expectancy of ten years from date of manufacture and should not be used thereafter.
8. Public Address System – City staff met with representatives from Music Makers of Galesburg to discuss potential updates to the sound system in the Council Chambers. The Music Makers representatives were part of the team that installed the existing system. During the meeting, staff outlined their desired improvements, and Music Makers provided recommendations. These options have been included in the Council packet for consideration and vote.
