Grafton City Council discusses project updates
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By Austin Andre
The Grafton City Council met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 21.
After opening remarks, the meeting began with the city engineer’s report. The report detailed upcoming projects and updates to said plans in work. Notable information included concrete work in Grafton Hills. This project is being funded by a $50,000 Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant.
Grafton Hills has undergone several improvement projects in the last year. Plans are awaiting finalization for the repair work.
The last issue discussed was concerned with fixing the main boat ramp in Grafton. There was a discussion on whether a bid should be placed in the spring or held until the fall. Reasons to hold the bid involved possible disruptions to the boating season. Ideas have been thrown up on possible modifications to the ramp, such as extending its length. The overall consensus of the council was to hold the bidding off until the fall. However, no official vote was held.
Next on the agenda was the Mayor’s report. Mayor Mike Morrow gave a shout-out to the Jersey County Board for providing funds that added new digital radios to the city’s police cars. The main reason for this move was due to the fact that Grafton’s radios were analog, while Jerseyville’s are digital. Making communication much more difficult.
“The board was unanimous in not just helping us, but footing the entire bill,” said Morrow. “We’re grateful to them for doing that.”
Morrow also provided an update on former Mayor Tom Thompson, who’s been in hospice care since December. Morrow mentioned that Thompson has no access to phones at Jerseyville Manor, where he is currently staying. Morrow encouraged the council and residents alike to send cards or letters of encouragement to Thompson. These letters can be sent to 715 Springfield Street in Grafton, or they can be dropped off in person at City Hall.
Next came the tourism report from Alderwoman Mary Lillesve, who passed out new rack cards detailing upcoming events such as Derby Day and Race to Grafton.
As the meeting neared its end, the council voted on several motions. The council voted to approve the 2023 Budget Ordinance 763 and the Miller King Law Firm contract for city attorney and legal services. Patrick King from the Miller King Law Firm spoke at the meeting on the council’s approval.
“Grafton is a unique place,” King said. “There’s a lot of good things happening here.”
The final items approved before the meeting’s adjournment were the Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab (SMS) engineer contract; the Fireworks Authority to contract for July 4th and New Year’s Eve; the nomination of John Huges for the Veterans Committee; a permit for the Girls on Grapes/Boys on Brew event at Loading Dock; and the closure of the equipment fund.
The Grafton City Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, with meetings also being live streamed to YouTube. The council is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, April 18.
