The Morris City Council met Wednesday evening for its regular meeting at the Morris Community Center. The council approved the minutes from the Oct. 14 meeting before moving into financial matters. Monthly claims were accepted following brief discussion of GWorks, the software used by the city, public works and cemetery departments.
— Department Reports The Morris Police Department reported approximately 130 contacts and calls for service in October, resulting in six citations.
For the Morris Fire Department, city firefighters responded to one grass fire, one EMS assist and one public service call. Rural responses included one motor vehicle accident, two EMS assists and four grass fires for the month.
The Morris Public Works Authority reported one water leak repair at EAS Park; a sewer jetting project on the south side of town due to significant clogging; six cemetery openings and closings; and seven dumpsters hauled during the city’s dump days. Staff also completed the state-required lead service line inventory, identifying 21 galvanized lines that must be replaced within 10 years.
Public Works installed 27 additional AMR meters in October, bringing the total to 57, and is preparing to begin work next week on looping the waterline on A Street to improve system flow. Staff noted that updates on the water tower project remain pending until DEQ responds, which may be delayed due to the federal government shutdown.
— Council Actions The council approved closing City Hall on Dec. 25-26 for the Christmas holiday due to the way the dates fall this year. The adjustment applies only to 2025.
An agenda item involving the ecoLink contract was tabled until December after the company’s representative was unable to attend. City officials said negotiations have been ongoing for more than a year.
Updated job descriptions were approved with the addition of “other duties as assigned” to several municipal, clerk, and police department positions.
Council members also approved a one-time $500 stipend for all full-time employees. The stipend is traditionally given near the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Appreciation for the support was expressed.
The annual Morris Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, with lineup at 1 p.m. and the parade beginning at 2 p.m. Council members and staff also discussed ongoing cleanup of a city lot, the condition of an old shed on the property, and plans for preserving a decorative eagle bench.
— MPWA approves claims, employee stipend
The Morris Public Works Authority convened immediately following the council meeting. The board approved minutes from the Oct. 14 meeting and accepted monthly claims.
Updated job descriptions for the municipal utility billing clerk and municipal maintenance workers were also approved with the added clause of “other duties as assigned.”
The board finalized the $500 stipend for all full-time public works employees. Staff again expressed gratitude for the assistance and discussed ongoing work related to cemetery maintenance, sewer issues and cleanup of the city-owned lot.
– The meeting adjourned after additional discussion regarding property conditions, including the shed, gazebo and eagle bench.
