Morton trustees approve phase‑1 engineering study for West Jefferson Street, adopt county hazard plan and set April yard‑waste program

Morton village trustees voted to authorize a phase‑1 preliminary engineering agreement with Midwest Engineering for improvements along West Jefferson Street and adopted the 2023 Tazewell County multi‑jurisdictional multi‑hazard mitigation plan, while also approving routine minutes and bills and hearing an announcement about an April yard‑waste disposal program.

The board approved the Midwest Engineering agreement after hearing from the director of public works that the phase‑1 work would cover preliminary engineering and environmental studies intended to assess drainage issues and the potential to widen shoulders on the stretch of West Jefferson that becomes Mueller Road. The director said the project would align Morton’s work with neighboring jurisdictions, including Tazewell County and East Peoria, which could help position the village for future federal funding. Trustees asked whether the rural road cross‑section would be preserved; the director said the goal is to maintain a rural cross section eastward until it reaches the Veterans area but that some sections near the interstate could be more urban in character.

The resolution to adopt the 2023 Tazewell County multi‑jurisdictional multi‑hazard mitigation plan was presented as a large, multi‑year document focused largely on flood hazards. The director of public works said formal adoption places Morton in a better position to apply for grants tied to hazard mitigation. The board approved the plan on a roll call vote.

The board also approved the consent agenda, which included approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of Feb. 19, 2024, and payment of the bills. The meeting concluded after the director of public works reported no further items and trustees moved to adjourn.

Yard waste disposal program details: the director of public works announced the village’s yard waste disposal program will run Monday, April 1 through Sunday, April 28; there will be no service break around Easter this year.

Votes at a glance:
• Consent agenda (minutes of the regular meeting 02/19/2024; approval of bills): motion passed on roll call with recorded 'Yes' votes by Hillier, Leach, Newman and Perret.
• Resolution: professional services agreement with Midwest Engineering (phase 1 preliminary engineering, West Jefferson Street): motion passed on roll call with recorded 'Yes' votes by Newman, Perret, Hilliard, Leach and Blaineer.
• Resolution: adoption of the 2023 Tazewell County multi‑jurisdictional multi‑hazard mitigation plan: motion passed on roll call with recorded 'Yes' votes by Hillier, Harris, Lanier, Newman and Leach.

What’s next: The engineering agreement begins the preliminary planning and study phase; adoption of the mitigation plan makes the village eligible to pursue related grant opportunities. No public hearings or public comments were taken at this meeting.