On the agenda: Kewanee Minutes — data center (Aug 10)

The August 10th, 2026, Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm in the Council
Chambers. Councilmembers Colomer, Cernovich, Baker, and Komnick were present, along
with Mayor Moore who ran the meeting. City Attorney Zac Lessard, City Clerk Jules Smith,
and Director of Finance Courtney Brunson, who called the roll, were also present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for our troops.
The Consent Agenda was presented with the following items:
A. Minutes from the Council Meetings on July 27, 2026.
B. Payroll for the pay period ending July 25th in the amount of $285,351.07.
C. Staff Reports
D. Doghouse Hog Days Alley Closure
E. Cerno’s Hog Days Alley Closure
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Councilman Cernovich and seconded
by Councilman Colomer. Motion passed 5-0.
Bills for the August 10th Council Meeting were presented in the amount of $1,270,111.83. A
motion to approve was made by Councilman Komnick and seconded by Councilman Colomer.
Discussion: Council questioned what we are paying back for Sun Central, which is 20%, and
how the credit system works for this company. They also asked if this was the first time we
were seeing anything from Sun Central- it was not; we have had a few months prior with
them. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: Obrey Blumenshine came to remind the public/residents of Kewanee
about the Kewanee Chess Association: a free organization for the youth. Provided a public
invitation to anyone of all ages to come and join at the Senior Center Thursdays at 1pm. He
also mentioned tournaments coming up on August 15 th and 22nd, along with access to
information through Facebook and email.

New Business:
A. Bill 26-62: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with
the Federal Aviation Administration for the installation and operation of aviation
weather camera equipment on City property.
A motion to approve was made by Councilman Komnick and seconded by Councilman
Cernovich. Discussion: Council appreciates Staff for going back to the FAA and has no
concerns. Motion passed 5-0.
B. Bill 26-63: Ordinance amending Chapter 155.003 Definitions established in the City of
Kewanee Code of Ordinances.
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A motion to approve was made by Councilman Baker and seconded by Councilman
Komnick. Discussion: None- straight forward, as mentioned by Mayor Moore. Motion
passed 5-0.
C. Bill 26-64: Ordinance amending Chapter 155.071 M-2 Manufacturing District, General
(B) Special Uses established in the City of Kewanee Code of Ordinances.
A motion to approve was made by Councilman Colomer and seconded by Councilman
Baker. Discussion: Council made it known that we are not looking into getting data
centers, but that we have covered our bases, so we now could deny those that want
to come in without our approval. Mayor Moore also seconded this by saying we have
not been approached by anyone about adding a data center, but we are taking
precautions should someone try to do so. Mayor suggested having more ordinances
(water, etc.) coming into place should a data center come to Kewanee. Council
questioned if we know the quantity of unused M-2 in the city- Keith Edwards says nowondering about how much concern there should be. Mayor Moore says not a large
enough space within city limits. Makes note to approach Planning Commission on
their views. Obrey Blumenshine asks if the public would be included in a hearing to
question Council about data centers before one was ever put in- Council noted this
actually adds a step in the process, so yes. Motion passed 5-0.
D. Bill 26-65: Resolution authorizing the purchase of a replacement drone for the Kewanee
Police Department.
A motion to approve was made by Councilman Cernovich and seconded by
Councilman Baker. Discussion: Council concerned about cost (37% covered by
donation/grant) compared to life expectancy, battery usage, etc. Debate on which
drone- went with UTV (best option for the KPD according to Kijanowski). Council
wanted to make sure each person flying the drone has the appropriate training.
Mayor Moore asked if we need to specify going to UTV- Kijanowski says he wrote a
resolution with a decision factor in it. Motion passed 5-0.
E. Bill 26-66: Resolution awarding the contract for the Elm Street Reconstruction project to
Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc.
A motion to approve was made by Councilman Colomer and seconded by Councilman
Cernovich. Discussion: Mayor Moore asked about timeline for start date/end date.
Chris Berry said they will have 40 working days to complete the project, as noted in
contract (the week before Halloween). Council asked Chris to brief the project and
explain why it is a necessary fix. Motion passed 5-0.
F. Discussion Only: Water Ordinance Final Updates
Discussion: Talked about some aspects that better benefit the public, such as late
penalties being 10% instead of 20%, and they will not compound (late fees adding up
on top of previous ones), etc. Council asked for some statistics on the high side of
users; Chris said industrial and commercial use more and pay less (benefit from this)
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on average than a regular resident. Council then asked for a spreadsheet and/or some
statistics on more of this to get an idea of what is going on to better understand it.
Chris mentioned this new tapping fee is for new water customers only- not existing
customers. We are focused on above-ground assets only. Threw lots of numbers
around based on statistics and information with the water system- ultimately said this
should ease our operational burden for the billing process, help with seasonal shut
offs, and streamline the entire post office process. City Attorney and Chris Berry ask
for some grace on passing this ordinance, and Chris mentioned covering bases by
talking about the work put in and to send any questions or concerns to him.
Council Communications:
Komnick: He reminded residents to enjoy what the city has to offer, such as Hog Days and the
Wednesday Farmer’s Market/live music/food trucks.
Colomer: He mentioned the new Italian restaurant opening downtown, along with new things
coming to Kewanee. Also, a reminder to be aware of walking and biking students now that
school is almost back in session. Said to take a few extra minutes in the mornings and to avoid
speeding through school zones for safety measures.
Cernovich: He put out a thanks to our educators and coaches and welcomed the students and
staff back to school.
Baker: He talked about attending an Amtrak meeting, along with a recommendation to keep
using the Amtrak services. Said there are lots of changes coming with Amtrak. Also mentioned
business owners are becoming concerned because of business going to Chicago and out of
Kewanee, so reminded residents to be mindful of our small businesses and support the city.

Announcements:
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Baker and seconded by Councilman Colomer.
Motion passed 5-0 and meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm.

Prepared by: ___________________________________
Jules Smith, City Clerk

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