Metro East Sun

The city of Belleville Economic Development & Annexation Committee met Feb. 1 to approve staff recommendations for remodeling.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the committee:

CITY OF BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ANNEXATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

February 1, 2017 5:00 p.m.

MEMBERS:

Alderman Paul Seibert, Ward 6 Absent

Alderman Roger Wigginton, Ward 8 Present

Alderman Johnnie Anthony, Ward 4 Present

Alderman Trent Galetti, Ward 7 Absent

Alderman Jane Pusa, Ward 2 Present

Alderman Kent Randle, Ward 3 Present

Alderman Phil Silsby, Ward 5 Present

Alderman Ken Kinsella, Chairman, Ward 1 Present

STAFF PRESENT:

Annissa McCaskill, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Director

Eric Schauster, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Assistant Director

Dean Hardt, City Treasurer

GUESTS PRESENT:

Mike Koziatek, Belleville News Democrat

Michael Hagberg

Alderman Buettner, Ward 2

Alderman White, Ward 6

The Economic Development and Annexation Committee meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. at the Fire Department, Administrative Building, 1125 S. Illinois St.

Chairman Kinsella asked if there were any corrections to be noted for the December 7, 2016 meeting minutes. No correctionswere made hence the minutes were accepted by the Committee. Chairman Kinsella explained emergency procedures.

Chairman Kinsella stated that agenda item #2 was withdrawn by the applicant and would not be heard at the meeting.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

In regards to agenda item #2 that was withdrawn; Michael Hagberg spoke on his concerns with the City forgiving a loan and explained his reasoning's.

Alderman Randle asked Mr. Schauster if any other loans had been given in the past; Mr. Schauster answered, yes, the Writer's Lofts downtown. Discussion followed.

Alderman Buettner asked where the loan payments are placed upon payment; Mr. Schauster answered, TIF 3.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Consider approval of Staff Recommendations for Mark Tissier for the remodeling of the existing facility located at 1026 North Douglas Ave.

Mr. Schauster explained the project stating that this is a former Convent but will now be used as a commercial property. Sales tax exemption is approximately $200.00.

With no further discussion, Chairman Kinsella asked for a motion.

A motion was made by Roger Wigginton to APPROVE the request. It was seconded by Jane Pusa with all present members voting in the affirmative. Motion carried 6-0.

OLD BUSINESS:

Alderman Randle spoke on a request that was approved on W. Main which was going to be a juice bar, but the building is now for sale. Ms. McCaskill noted that she hasn't personally spoken to the applicant's yet but it's her understanding that the applicant has withdrawn the project.

Alderman Buettner spoke on a request that was approved for another project on W. Main & N. Belt West which is a Installment Loan business. Mr. Schauster explained that the applicant has financial reasoning for the delay and stated that the Committee would need to amend the current agreement if the project continued to go forward.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Several updates were discussed regarding city projects:

Club Fitness submitted their Commercial Occupancy application for a sales office and will begin remodel in the previous Office Max location to place the gym.

Alderman Wigginton spoke about a corner lot for sale on W. Main & N. Belt West and mentioned that it would be a good place for new commercial construction. He also mentioned that Main Street Brewery will have banquet rooms available when the project is completed.

Ms. McCaskill stated that the Fieldstone Apartment project is moving forward, interior work is being completed at the Hofbrauhaus, and a new Ameren substation is being completed now.

Mr. Schauster explained the current timeline for the Meredith Home project.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: Kent Randle made a motion to ADJOURN. It was seconded by Jane Pusa with all present members voting in the affirmative. Motion carried.

Chairman Kinsella adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kari L. Tutza

Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Department