Morris City Council announces trick-or-treat hours

MORRIS — The Morris City Council met Monday night and Mayor Chris Brown announced that the trick-or-treat hours for the town will be from 4-6 p.m.

“Since Halloween is on a Sunday this year, we decided to have the times for trick-or-treating an hour earlier than we normally do,” Brown said.

The Council approved a pair of requests: by the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce to hold the downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 5-7 p.m. and by Lois Darlington of Clayton’s Rail to hold a vendor event on Thursday, Oct. 21. Both requests passed by an 8-0 vote, as Alderman Duane Wolfe was present for the first time since July after having heart surgery.

The Finance & Administration Committee recommended in the forms of motions that the Council approve an agreement with Azavar Government Solutions for municipal auditing services; that the Council consider an ordinance approving Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the proposed Brisbin Road TIF District; and that the Council approve an Engagement Agreement with William Crawford for accounting-related services. All motions passed unanimously.

The Judiciary & License Committee granted a business license to Molly Eartly, doing business as Molly’s Macarons & Moore, 256 Robinson Dr., to operate a baking business. The committee also recommended in the form of a motion that the Council approve a Class L liquor license application by Jennifer’s Garden Banquet & Convention Center, for Sunday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 7. Committee chair Jake Duvick explained that this will allow Jennifer’s Garden to open and serve alcohol an hour earlier - at 11 a.m. - on those two Sundays. The committee also recommended in the form of a motion that the Council approve the purchase of new Tasers and associated hardware for the Police Department from Axon at a cost $55,120.05. Duvick explained that the cost is spread over five years and will cost approximately $11,000 annually. Both of those motions passed with an 8-0 vote. Finally, the committee recommended in the form of a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.04, Section 5.04.050 of the Morris Municipal Code Regulating Application Fees and Chapter 5.60, Section 5.60.040 of the Morris Municipal Code to Amend the Permit-Types-Fees Within the City of Morris. Duvick said that this will make things more friendly for food vendors to operate in town. The motion passed by a 6-1 vote, with Alderman Alex Clubb voting no and Alderman Dean Tambling abstaining.

The Street & Alley Committee recommended in the forms of motions that the Council adopt an ordinance amending Section 10.14.010 of the Morris Municipal Code Establishing Stop Intersections within the City of Morris to put a stop sign at the intersection of Edgewater and Lake; that the Council adopt an ordinance amending Section 10.36.035(A) of the Morris Municipal Code to include the first parking space on the southwest corner of East Jefferson Street and Franklin Street as a Handicapped Parking Space in the City of Morris; and that the Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 15.04 of the Morris Municipal Code regulating demolition permits and requirements within the City of Morris. All motions passed with an 8-0 vote.

The Water & Sewer Committee recommended in the forms of motions that the Council approve the purchase of repair parts for the sludge hauler truck at the Waste Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $3,994.92; that the Council approve the purchase of two blowers at the sludge storage facility at the Central Waste Water Treatment Plant at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00; that the Council approve the replacement of the ultraviolet light for the East Waste Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $16,440.08; and that the Council approve the purchase of a flow meter for the East Waste Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $6,466,00. All motions passed with an 8-0 vote.

Street & Alley Committee chair Derrick Wren noted that the 2021 Street Maintenance Project is nearly completed, and thanked the Morris Public Works and Water Departments for their work on the project.

Mayor Brown then stated that he was happy to see Alderman Wolfe back in his seat.

“Not as happy as I am,” Wolfe said with a smile.