A call to the Morton Fire Department for a lift assist at a residence could result in a $75 charge.
The village board recently approved an ordinance amendment that establishes the charge on a rare 4-3 vote after a sometimes tense discussion, with Mayor Jeff Kaufman breaking the tie.
The charge was added to a previously approved ordinance that established a $350 charge for a fire department call for a lift assist at a nursing home, assisted living or independent living facility that does not require emergency medical treatment or transportation to a hospital.
Morton Fire Chief Joe Kelley asked for the ordinance to cut down on calls from those facilities to help someone who isn't injured get to the bathroom or in bed, for example, or get in a wheelchair to go to dinner.
The $75 charge for a lift assist at a residence kicks in on the second occasion in a 12-month period if the lift is for moving a person from one place to another "without the need for medical evaluation, treatment or care," according to the ordinance amendment.
Board member Craig Hilliard was the most vocal opponent of the $75 charge.
"It's shameful that we're even discussing this," he said. "A community should protect its elderly, many who are on a fixed income, not target them to address an issue."
Board member Brad Menold called the $75 charge excessive, especially on only the second call for a lift not requiring medical attention.
"Maybe we should start on the fifth call," he said. Board member Ken Newman, Hilliard and Menold voted against the $75 charge.
Board members Rod Blunier, Steve Leitch and Nate Parrott voted yes, making Kaufman the tie-breaker.
Blunier said having a free call before the $75 charge provides "a coaching opportunity."
VIP Morton Cinemas receives grant to replace lighting on exterior signs
Five building improvement grants have been approved by the board.
VIP Morton Cinemas at 2115 S. Main St. in the Field Shopping Center will receive $2,896 toward the cost of a $5,793 project to replace lighting on exterior signs with LED lights, and 4 Integrated Health at 825 W. Jackson Plaza will receive $3,344 toward the cost of a $6,689 project to replace signage.
Also, G&D Integrated at 50 Commerce Drive will receive $10,000 toward a $160,000 project to replace its sign along Interstate 74, up to $5,000 toward the design and engineering for the sign, and Tiki Pool & Spas at 106 Penn St. will receive $10,000 toward a $21,875 project to replace windows, doors and gable siding, and paint the exterior and shutters.
Money for the grants comes from a .25% business district sales tax.
Tourism building and visitors center bites the dust
Ten percent of the revenue generated by Morton's 6% hotel/motel tax has been set aside for several years for the construction of a village tourism building and visitors center.
The facility won't be built. The board recently approved a resolution that eliminates the building fund and allows the village to use the money for the purposes allowed by state statute for hotel/motel tax revenue.
Junior High School state champion volleyball team a family affair for village clerk, police chief
The board recently honored the state champion Morton Junior High School eighth-grade volleyball team. The team included Kylee Brown, stepdaughter of City Clerk Zo Evans, and Miley Darche, daughter of Police Chief Sean Darche.
Also on the team were Leah Necessary, Bella Joos, Reagan Penrod, Alexa Sweazy, Linsee Muniz, Sonja Reinkoester, Mara Schick, Rowan Gannaway, Hailey Bassett, Lil Vestal, Penelope Drake, Charlotte Brummel and Mallory Cater.
Jordan Williams was the team's coach. His assistant coaches were Emma Owdom, Tyla Mattson and Hannah Nieukirk.
Board approves seven appointments
Seven appointments were approved by the board.
They include: Brett Bisping and Jim Ritthaler to the Business District Commission for terms expiring in 2027; Bill Aupperle, Grant Barton and Phil Zobrist to the Plan Commission for terms expiring in 2029; and Kurt Butterfield and Scott Kelso to the Zoning Board of Appeals for terms expiring in 2029.
