Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Downtown Development / Redevelopment Commission met November 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Commission Members:

Mayor Mark Eckert Present

Ken Kinsella, Alderman-Ward 1, Chairman Excused

Jeff Renner Absent

Geri Boyer Present

Michael Nester Present

Steve Hemmer Present

Chuck Blanquart Absent

Amanda Schlecht Present

Brett Baltz Present

Staff:

Annissa McCaskill, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Department Director

Guests:

Alicia Slocomb, Belleville Main Street

The meeting of the Downtown Development/Redevelopment Commission (DDRC) was scheduled at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 101 S. Illinois St., 2nd floor, Conference Room.

Due to Chairman Kinsella's excused absence, Mayor Eckert served Acting Chairman. Mayor Eckert called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and explained the emergency procedures.

Mayor Eckert asked if there were any corrections to be noted for the September 11, 2017 meeting minutes. No changes were made, hence the minutes were approved.

Public Participation:

None

New Business:

1. Discuss holiday events

Mayor Eckert spoke on the positive effects of the holiday brochure, radio & social media advertising, large amount of people that attended the Santa Claus Parade, concert by Head East, and the great weather that seemed to be bringing a lot of shoppers downtown; especially on Small Business Saturday.

2. Discuss overtime regarding City staff

Mayor Eckert explained that last year he had to cut back on overtime for the Police department due to the State of Illinois' financial status; he will need to continue the overtime decrease for this holiday season as well.

A discussion was held on how the Pet Parade brought a nice crowd downtown. Mayor Eckert spoke on a request from a downtown store owner wanting permission to block off some parking lot stalls or an entire City parking lot for their business use. Mayor Eckert stated that he would not approve a request for the entire lot because several businesses use these City lots, and it would seem unfair to do it for just one business.

Mayor Eckert spoke on street closures and the need to post the "No Parking" signs twenty-four (24) hours before the Santa Claus parade.

The agenda item referenced as "Discuss night life" was not separately discussed.

Old Business:

None

Other Business:

There was a discussion on the vacant properties downtown. Geri Boyer suggested a possible program to help new downtown business owners succeed within their first year or longer. Ms. McCaskill spoke on the contracts between property owners and new tenants in regards to responsibility for maintenance or renovation. The Commission asked City staff to bring some models of new business scholarship or grant programs that other cities are utilizing to the next meeting for discussion.

The SWIDA project in regards to the old Meredith Home property was denied, Mayor Eckert has some meetings set next week to discuss new options. The Commission discussed many ideas for the property.

Mayor Eckert noted that new Commission members should receive the downtown Parking Study for review.

Adjournment:

With no other business to discuss, Mayor Eckert asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Steve Hemmer. It was seconded by Geri Boyer. With all present members voting in the affirmative. Motion carried. 6-0.

Mayor Eckert adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.

http://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11272017-1581