Driveway moved to comply with township request

Revisions in the layout plan at the Morris Municipal Airport were approved during the Morris City Council meeting Monday.

The changes are necessary so a proposed private drive on the east side of the airport will line up with Whitman Road.

Alderman Donald Hansen of the Airport Committee explained Saratoga Township asked that the private drive line up with Whitman Road and form a square intersection with Ashley Road.

Warren Olson of Chamlin and Associates explained the private drive, which will run west into the airport property, will be moved about 40 feet to the north. It will serve a residence near the airport.

Eventually it could become an extension of Whitman Road, but for the immediate future it will be private.

A resolution necessary to obtain a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to upgrade the Morris Municipal Swimming Pool was also approved.

The resolution indicates the city will pay for the $1.3 million project. If a grant is awarded, the city would receive the funds at the conclusion of the project.

The city is seeking the maximum grant of $400,000.

A truancy ordinance, recommended by the Judiciary and License Committee, was also presented. The ordinance allows city police to stop and question school-aged individuals in public areas during normal school hours.

Police Chief Brent Dite said the city will still expect the schools to handle most of the truancy problems.  

The Street and Alley Committee received approval to buy a man-lift from Illinois Truck and Equipment for $34,500. The city has been renting one when needed. The committee determined it would be cheaper to buy one.

Public Works Director Jim Gretencord said the 2005 Genie lift has about 1,600 hours of use and should last 15 years. Based on city rentals of a lift, he said it should pay for itself in three years.

Six employees will be trained and certified to operate it, at a cost of $150 each.

Alderman also approved an ordinance that will turn over surface rights to a turn lane installed along Illinois 47, at Prologis Parkway, to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

It was explained a turn lane for southbound trucks has been added, as has an acceleration lane for trucks leaving the facility and going south

Justin and Cathy Knapp receive approval to block off a small portion of Kingtree, in front of their residence, for a birthday party on July 18.

Grundy Bank can block off five parking spaces at the northeast corner of Washington and Liberty streets for a Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 24.

The Chief Shabbona Chapter 86 of Disabled American Veterans received permission to hold its annual raffle during Corn Festival.

The Judiciary and License Committee met at 6 p.m. Monday and approved four business license requests.

Lorraine Morris received a license to open The Birds and the Teas shop at 805 Liberty St., to sell gourmet tea and accessories.

Katie Harris received a license to open The Dish Factory to sell small wares at 100 Gore Road. Although directed to restaurants and businesss, it will be open to the public.

Donna Schwalm received a license to open Donna's Pit Stop Hair Salon, 1726 Anne Lane.

David Gombosi is the new owner of Radio Shack and received a license for Gombosi's Electronic Solutions at 2419 N. Division St.