City of Belleville Public Health and Housing Committee met Aug. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
In Attendance:
Members:
Alderwoman Joe Hazel (Chairman), Ward 1 Present
Alderman Carmen Duco, Ward 2 Present
Alderman Scott Ferguson, Ward 3 Present
Alderman Raffi Ovian, Ward 4 Present
Alderman Roger Barfield, Ward 8 Present
Citizen Member Tricia Tialdo Present
Staff:
Mayor Mark W. Eckert
Annissa McCaskill, Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services
Jeff Heidorn, Building Commissioner
Matt Eiskant, Assistant Chief of Police
Guests:
Alderman Kent Randle
Treasurer Dean Hart
Ron Deidrich, Illinois Realtor’s Association
I. Call to Order
Chairman Hazel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
II. Roll Call of Members/Staff
Roll Call of members was taken. Attendance was noted as provided above.
III. Approval of the Minutes
Motion was made by Citizen Member Tricia Tialdo and Seconded by Alderman Scott Ferguson to approve the March 4, 2020 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
IV. Emergency Procedures
As the meeting was taking place telephonically, Alderman Hazel advised that the meeting would dispense with the typical emergency procedures.
V. Public Participation
Mr. Ron Deidrich of the Illinois Realtor’s Association issues thanks to the Mayor and Staff regarding the cooperation provided during the pandemic, and also the items to be discussed under new business. He stated the Realtor community is willing to assist in any way by serving on committees or task forces the City may have to move forward.
VI. Old Business
1. Demolition List Update
Building Commission Jeff Heidorn advised that 611 West E Street and 4830 Walter Street would both be demolished by the end of the week. Both demolitions were the first to take place since the beginning of the Pandemic. Director Annissa McCaskill advised that both of these properties are approved by the City Council for use for disaster training by the Fire Department, and subsequent demolition in early March. However, due to the Pandemic, that training never took place. In terms of the larger demolition list, Ms. McCaskill advised that staff is in the process of creating the bid package and documents for each parcel. Since the previous discussion in March, there were two (2) properties removed due to independent activity in addition to the two referenced by Mr. Heidorn. Staff was examining what additional properties could be added to the list due to deterioration of condition. Any costs leading to the demolitions, i.e., the asbestos reports, etc., are also eligible for reimbursement by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant. Alderman Ovian asked about inclusion of properties not in a TIF. Ms. McCaskill reminded the committee that non-TIF properties are being included in the demolition list, as this provides the ability to have a financial resource for their demolition outside of the City’s general fund. There are some TIF properties included on the list as their demolition may be more costly than the resources available. There were discussions regarding the legal process, prioritization of demolitions and possible timelines for completion and the effect of the pandemic on the process. Alderman Ovian asked if the aldermen would be advised when the bids are opened. Ms. McCaskill advised the aldermen would be notified and the Council will likely have to vote to approve the disbursement of funds.
VII. New Business
1. A discussion and update on the health and function of the RCDS department in general and specifically how COVID has affected housing inspections, code violations, personnel and workload.
Ms. McCaskill discussed the activities of the Department going back to the commencement of the Pandemic. At one point, all City buildings were closed and staff was not present, with the exceptions on Ms. McCaskill and Mr. Heidorn. After that roughly 2 week period, staff was brought back on a staggered schedule to manage the administrative functions that of the office such as permitting, and where possible residential and commercial occupancy permits. The real estate and construction markets did not slow down, in fact there was a speeding up of some activity- particularly in closing of properties. To address this activity, the Department began to issue temporary residential occupancy permits beginning April 5, 2020. This was similar to what other jurisdicitions, including St. Clair County was doing. Applicants were given a temporary residential occupancy permit provided inspections were paid for ahead of recommencement of inspection activity, up-to date crime free housing registration (where applicable), etc. These “temporaries” were valid for 60 days or within 30 days of the commencement of inspection activities (whichever occurred first). She also advised that this was partially necessary due to the furlough of the inspection staff. This option was taken advantage of and at one point, over 200 had been issued. At restart of inspections, there scheduling was six weeks out to address the current and temporary occupancy inspections needed. As of the date of the current meeting, inspections were nearly back to the typical two week window. Ms. McCaskill added that the Real Estate Community and their cooperation made the process work and they were key to also diminishing the backlog in inspections. To assist in making up the backlog, inspection staff scheduling was expanded to allow for more activity. The inspectors only are in office in the afternoon to receive their schedules and do necessary research and paperwork. This allows for limitation of possible exposure to those in office, as well as increased scheduling. Inspectors have PPE consisting of masks, sanitizers, gloves and if needed, head and foot coverings. No one can be with them while they inspect and social distancing must be maintained outdoors if the property representative wants to discuss the inspection in person.
Building Commissioner Jeff Heidorn stated that new construction, building permit and Commercial occupancy permit inspections did not cease. As people were at home due to the State’s Executive Orders, they were doing projects that resulted in a large amount of permit activity. Additionally, new home sale and constructions saw an increase and those inspections had to occur as well.
Lt. Col. Eiskant addressed management of Code Enforcement. Violation notices are not being handed to individuals, they are being mailed in order to limit direct personal contact. This is lengthing the time to correct issues. Re: derelict vehicles, due to an executive order, driver’s licenses and registrations do not have to be updated until November. Evictions are also on hold unless there is a building code or life/safety issue. Code Enforcement continues to be active and do what they can due within the boundaries of the State’s mandates.
Ms. McCaskill added that the Department is seeing an uptick in the number of home purchases as opposed to just leases. They see this as a positive. Alderman Hazel stated it was good to hear how well the Department was able to adjust and thanked them for their hard work. Citizen Member Tialdo agreed and provided resources staff may need in regard to the realty community. Ms. McCaskill thanked the Council as many had been checking on staff and for their support. Alderman Ferguson also provided comments and stated that he had been given positive feedback to the Department’s activities.
2. An update to the progress of Report-A-Concern, software/module development and a discussion about improving feedback provided on reports made by council members.
Ms. McCaskill advised that Omnigo is in the midst of field testing with Building Commissioner. All office staff has the software on their computers and the Office Manager is actively working with the software developer to ensure functionality is as it should be. In terms of Report of Concern, the City’s IT Director had been in meetings that week, with more expected to create the portal connection to allow Report of Concern to “speak to Omnigo. There was a discussion of the of staffing, use of provided pictures and the volume of reports submitted.
3. Residential Housing Inspection Packet
Ms. McCaskill presented the Residential Housing Inspection Packet. Some of the items previously existed, but needed clarity. Others had to be created. Included in the packet:
• Housing Inspection Guideline Checklist. This document existed, but the inspection staff clarified the language in the document.
• Electrical Inspection Guidelines for Single-Family. A multi-family list would be created.
• Residential Occupancy Permit Process.
In addition to these updated documents, the City’s website is being updated to make information easier to be located. Finally, a consolidated email address for the building division was created to ensure coverage.
4. Building Code Board of Appeals
Ms. McCaskill referenced recent approvals of individuals to serve on the Building Code Board of Appeals. Mr. Heidorn advised that the Board serves to appeal his decisions as the Building Commissioner’s findings. There had been a lapse of the activities of the Board, therefore the recent appointments. Alderman Hazel asked if the Board was fully staffed. Citizen Member Tialdo asked if there was an opportunity for realty-community representation. It was agreed staff would look to see if this could be added.
Alderman Ovian asked questions regarding the date of the upcoming Crime-Free Housing Committee, the update to the Vacant Housing Ordinance, Dumpsters timeliness of receiving meeting packets/information. Following discussion of those items, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052020-2288
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