Kewanee council approves resurfacing contract, TIF for wellness center, DAART vehicle and other measures in unanimous votes
June 01, 2026 | Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois
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The Kewanee City Council on July 10 voted unanimously on a group of ordinances and resolutions covering city contracts, permits and budget items.
Key votes at the meeting:
- Brandt Construction Co. resurfacing contract (Bill 23-21): The council accepted the lowest responsive bid of $299,736.30 for the 2023 resurfacing and sealcoat program. City Manager Gary Bradley said the work includes catch-up areas from the prior year and funds moved forward to cover additional sections. Motion passed 4-0.
- Tax Increment Financing agreement for VanDeVelde Wellness Center (Bill 23-22): Chad VanDeVelde described work he had undertaken to repair leaking windows, subfloor and parking-lot safety hazards for his wellness center and requested use of the City's TIF program to reimburse eligible expenses. City Manager Bradley said eligible reimbursements will be determined after reviewing receipts and that the agreement does not specify a reimbursement total; the council approved the TIF arrangement 4-0.
- Police Department vehicle purchase (Bill 23-23): The council authorized purchase of a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid from Gustafson Ford of Kewanee. Deputy Police Chief Kijanowski said the vehicle, funded by a grant, will be unmarked and used primarily for the DAART initiative to transport residents to treatment facilities; two officers would accompany transports if safety concerns arise. Motion passed 4-0.
- Beer garden permit for Prairie Chicken Arts Festival (Bill 23-20): The council authorized Hype Inc. d/b/a Cerno's Bar & Grill to use the 200 block of West Third Street for a beer garden on specified festival dates; council confirmed this matched prior discussion. Motion passed 4-0.
- Appointments (Bill 23-24): The council affirmed the Mayor's recommendations for various commissions and boards. Motion passed 4-0.
- Appropriations ordinance (Bill 23-25): The council approved appropriations for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024. Finance Director James Webb described the budget as financially responsible and aligned with a long-term strategy. Motion passed 4-0.
Earlier in the meeting the council also approved the consent agenda and authorized payment of bills totaling $1,074,180.68; payroll totals included $233,094.50 in the period ending July 1. Councilmember Colomer confirmed that payments to Black Hawk College were for paramedic training and will be reimbursed via grant.
Key votes at the meeting:
- Brandt Construction Co. resurfacing contract (Bill 23-21): The council accepted the lowest responsive bid of $299,736.30 for the 2023 resurfacing and sealcoat program. City Manager Gary Bradley said the work includes catch-up areas from the prior year and funds moved forward to cover additional sections. Motion passed 4-0.
- Tax Increment Financing agreement for VanDeVelde Wellness Center (Bill 23-22): Chad VanDeVelde described work he had undertaken to repair leaking windows, subfloor and parking-lot safety hazards for his wellness center and requested use of the City's TIF program to reimburse eligible expenses. City Manager Bradley said eligible reimbursements will be determined after reviewing receipts and that the agreement does not specify a reimbursement total; the council approved the TIF arrangement 4-0.
- Police Department vehicle purchase (Bill 23-23): The council authorized purchase of a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid from Gustafson Ford of Kewanee. Deputy Police Chief Kijanowski said the vehicle, funded by a grant, will be unmarked and used primarily for the DAART initiative to transport residents to treatment facilities; two officers would accompany transports if safety concerns arise. Motion passed 4-0.
- Beer garden permit for Prairie Chicken Arts Festival (Bill 23-20): The council authorized Hype Inc. d/b/a Cerno's Bar & Grill to use the 200 block of West Third Street for a beer garden on specified festival dates; council confirmed this matched prior discussion. Motion passed 4-0.
- Appointments (Bill 23-24): The council affirmed the Mayor's recommendations for various commissions and boards. Motion passed 4-0.
- Appropriations ordinance (Bill 23-25): The council approved appropriations for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024. Finance Director James Webb described the budget as financially responsible and aligned with a long-term strategy. Motion passed 4-0.
Earlier in the meeting the council also approved the consent agenda and authorized payment of bills totaling $1,074,180.68; payroll totals included $233,094.50 in the period ending July 1. Councilmember Colomer confirmed that payments to Black Hawk College were for paramedic training and will be reimbursed via grant.
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