The Kewanee City Council discussed a range of topics impacting residents, including the upcoming Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration, with plans to close streets for the event. The council also introduced a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Discussions moved to the allocation of tax increment financing for improving public infrastructure and proposed agreements with the state for highway maintenance. Ordinances on special use permits and new municipal sales taxes were considered. Updates to the city’s comprehensive plan were reviewed, ensuring Kewanee’s continued growth and community engagement. With a tie vote of two for yes and two for no, the special use permit for Larry Neels was not approved. Council member Adam Cerrnovich said his only problem with the special use permit was allowing “scrap” to sit on a trailer without a fence. Adam referenced an ordinance that discussed “junk yards” and storage of “scrap.” The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the special use permit in question. Keith Edwards said that scrap on a private trailer is considered “cargo” and that prior city attorneys agreed. Find the full agenda here.
