City of Edwardsville City Council met Dec. 2
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville City Council took place at 7:00 p.m. at Edwardsville City Hall, located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue in Edwardsville, Illinois, with Mayor Risavy presiding.
Council members Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar answered present on roll call. Alderman Krause was absent-excused.
Mayor Risavy welcomed everyone in attendance and those viewing on Facebook Live to the meeting.
Special Recognition/Proclamations/Oaths
City Clerk, Michelle Boyer administered the Oath of Office – Probationary Firefighter Brandon Hoguet.
City Clerk, Michelle Boyer administered the Oath of Office – Probationary Firefighter Jake Hildenbrand.
Petitions and Communications
None
Mayor Risavy opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Three public comments were received. The first public comment was received from Mary Grose. Ms. Grose is a resident of Edwardsville. She was speaking regarding protecting immigrants in the community. Ms. Grose attended a talk with the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action group in St. Louis. The group visited deportation examples throughout the United States.
She reviewed that according to the ACLU everyone has the right to due process. Ms. Grose provided examples of arrests in Edwardsville. She encouraged council to be aware of the discrimination. She cited the Illinois law, “The Trust Act”. Ms. Grose said the law dictates that the local and state police do not work with ICE. Ms. Grose cited plans throughout the community regarding arrests.
The second public comment was received from Randy Niebur. Mr. Niebur came forward to address video gambling in Edwardsville. Mr. Niebur is the former owner of the Corner Tavern in Edwardsville. He historically approached the city regarding video gambling. He was always told no. In November of 2021, he looked into becoming a not-for-profit. Then he found out he could not get a gambling license even if he became a not-for-profit. Mr. Niebur would never have sold the bar if he knew we could have video gaming.
The third public comment was received from Ryan High. Mr. High is the owner of Global Brew and Brick & Bramble in Edwardsville. Mr. High stated his support of the video gaming referendum. He feels the city needs to support video gaming. It is a state issued program. Mr. High provided statistics from O’Fallon. He is hoping they get their gaming license in O’Fallon in December. O’Fallon set restrictions, which Mr. High supports. O’Fallon raised over $339,000 in the last 12 months with video gambling. He feels this is important for the city. And even if passed, it takes months to get the licenses approved.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Risavy read Consent Agenda items as follows:
• Approval of minutes of Council Meeting on November 18, 2025
Activity and Financial Reports:
• Public Works Director – Building, Electrical and Plumbing Permits(October)
• Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the use of the Public Body pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)
Motion by Hanna, seconded by Miracle to approve the Consent Agenda presented.
Roll Call on Consent Agenda: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Legislative & Executive
Motion by Morrison, second by Miracle for the approval of the Appointment of Jake Sutter to the Tourism Advisory Committee with a term ending April 2027.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Farrar, second by Grant for Approval of the 2026 Liquor/Tobacco Bonds for the City of Edwardsville.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried
Legal & Judicial
None
City Clerk
None
Finance Committee
Alderwoman Miracle presented the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on November 13, 2025 for information and file.
Motion by Miracle, second by Farrar to approve the Claims – the total claims amount – $516,561.16.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Public Services Committee
Alderman Warren presented the Minutes of the Public Services Committee meeting on November 12, 2025 for information and file.
Motion by Warren, second by Morrison for Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for the FY26 Camera Grant Program.
Alderwoman Warren commented this allows re reimbursement of body-worn and police car cameras. The city will be applying for approximately $133,000 for camera equipment.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried
Motion by Warren, second by Hanna for Approval of a Resolution Amending the Commercial Building Improvement Program.
Alderwoman Warren commented this amends the existing program. It adds sanitary sewer foundation replacements to connect with public sanitary sewer. This applies to B1.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried
Motion by Warren, second by Morrison for Approval of a Supplemental Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement with Volkert, Inc. for North Main Street.
Alderwoman Warren commented this is for the extra work for the Main Street Water program starting in January.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried
Public Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Administrative & Community Services Committee
Alderwoman Grant presented the minutes of the Administrative & Community Services Committee Meeting on November 13, 2025 for information and file.
Alderwoman Grant presented an Ordinance Granting a Franchise to Spectrum Mid-America, LLC, Locally Known as Charter Communications, Its Successors and Assigns the Right to Erect, Maintain, and Operate a Cable System in the City of Edwardsville for first reading.
Alderwoman Grant presented an Ordinance Making an Assessment, Levy, and Collection of Taxes within the Corporate Limits of the City of Edwardsville, County of Madison, State of Illinois, for the Tax Year 2025 and for Corporate Expenses for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 01, 2025 and Ending April 30, 2026 for first reading.
Motion by Grant, second by Miracle for Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Gray Design Group for Improvements to 246 North Main Street.
Alderwoman Grant commented this is the first step for renovations.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Miracle to approve a Resolution Approving a City of Edwardsville, Illinois Referendum on The March 17, 2026 General Primary Election Ballot with Regard to Video Gambling within the Edwardsville, Illinois Corporate Limits.
Alderwoman Grant commented this was tabled earlier. This was an urgent request from some of the small business owners. The wording stated “shall the City of Edwardsville allow restricted video gambling in existing establishments with on premises consumption of alcohol/liquor.” Alderwoman Grant stated this is a non-binding referendum. Alderman Farrar asked about the work “restricted” being added. Ms. Grant spoke about putting restricted in place. Alderman Farrar stated the work restricted creates a negative connotation. Grant stated that voters needed to know restrictions will be in place. Alderman Morrison asked what would happen after the vote. Mr. Farrar asked what action would be taken after the vote. Mayor Risavy commented he has had talks with the several alderman stating they would support what the voters decided. Alderman Hanna commented that Edwardsville is different than other communities. He does not support video gaming and respect what voters said in 2021. Alderwoman Miracle commented that the small business owners need the chance to demonstrate how this would work. Mr. Hanna isn’t sure the restrictions would stand constitutionally. Ms. Miracle also pointed out the impact of the donations the small businesses give in the community are being affected. Discussion on the modification of the question on the ballot.
Motion by Grant, second by Farrar to amend the Resolution Approving a City of Edwardsville, Illinois Referendum on The March 17, 2026 General Primary Election Ballot with Regard to Video Gambling within the Edwardsville, Illinois Corporate Limits. It was decided to update the resolution to say “Shall the City of Edwardsville allow video gambling subject to regulation in existing establishments with on premises consumption of alcohol/liquor?”
Roll Call: Five Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye.
Alderman Hanna voted nay. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Miracle to approve a Resolution Approving a City of Edwardsville, Illinois Referendum on The March 17, 2026 General Primary Election Ballot with Regard to Video Gambling within the Edwardsville, Illinois Corporate Limits.
Roll Call: Five Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye.
Alderman Hanna voted nay. Motion carried.
Alderwoman Grant presented the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on October 08, 2025 for information and file.
Administrative Services Committee will meet on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall
Old Business
Mayor Risavy thanked all of the employees dealing with the snow removal. Thank you!!!
New Business
Cathy Hensley, Communications Coordinator came forward to review upcoming events.
• Santa is at Nickel Plate Station!
• The Wildey has White Christmas this weekend! Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Saturday is the Winter Market Festival 12:00 – 5:00. Sixty vendors and Santa will be there! Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30.
• Municipal Band at the Wildey Theater.
Closed Session
Motion by Miracle, second by Hanna at 8:05 p.m. to end open session and move into closed session.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Council entered into Executive Session at 8:10 p.m.
Motion by Hanna, second by Miracle to end closed session at 9:07 p.m.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Warren, Grant and Farrar voting aye. Motion carried.
Council reconvened at 9:07 p.m.
Action Taken on Executive Session Items
Motion by Farrar, second by Miracle to approve a Gift Agreement between the City of Edwardsville and North Main Properties, LLC (Parcels: 14-2-15-11-05-101-008, 14-1-15-02- 17-304-025, 14-2-15-02-17-304-026)
There being no further action required, Council adjourned at 9:08 p.m. with a motion by Miracle.
https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12162025-3936
