Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Economic Development and Annexation Committee met Aug. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

MEMBERS:

Alderman Dave Pusa, Ward 2 Excused

Alderman Kent Randle, Ward 3 Present

Alderman Johnnie Anthony, Ward 4 Excused

Alderman Shelly Schaefer, Ward 5 Present

Alderman Mary Stiehl, Ward 6 Present

Alderman Dennis Weygandt, Ward 7 Present

Alderman Roger Wigginton, Ward 8 Excused

Alderman Ken Kinsella, Ward 1, Chairman Present

STAFF PRESENT:

Mark Eckert, Mayor

Annissa McCaskill, Interim Residential & Commercial Development Director

Eric Schauster, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Assistant Director

Jason Poole, Director of Public Works

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT, PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-33, AN EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID- 19 (COVID19 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 31) ISSUED APRIL 30, 2020, BY GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER, THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ANNEXATION COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF BELLEVILLE IS PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING REMOTE ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO ITS AUGUST 5, 2020 MEETING FOR ITS MEMBERS, STAFF AND PUBLIC.

The Economic Development and Annexation Committee meeting was called to order via phone conference at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman Kinsella at City Hall, 101 S. Illinois Street. Roll call of Aldermen was taken, and a quorum was declared.

Chairman Kinsella asked if there were any corrections to be noted for the June 3, 2020 meeting minutes. No corrections were made hence the minutes motioned for approval by Alderman Schaefer, seconded by Alderman Weygandt and accepted by the Committee.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion and possible motion to close alley near Lebanon Ave. & East ‘F’ St.

Mayor Eckert explained that he spoke with Chris Korte, Owner of White Cottage. Korte recently closed on the purchase of two adjacent properties they purchased; the home directly behind them, which faces N. Jackson Street and the automotive garage just to the west of them that faces High Street. They are planning future, major renovations to their dining room the possible additions of a party room and drive-up window. The Owner is requesting that we close off the alley in the summer time from 4:00 PM-12:00 AM. Lt. Col. Eiskant of Belleville Police Department, Jason Poole, Director of Public Works, and Mayor Eckert have discussed safety and logistic measures of closure to the alleyway. Mayor Eckert mentioned to Jason Poole that the homes in the alleyway will need to change their trash collection location to N. Jackson Street. Mayor Eckert added that relocating the trash collection is a good, safety measure to put in place which will avoid the trash truck from having to back up, down the alley way to collect refuse. Mayor Eckert also added that by closing the alleyway, dining outside at White Cottage will be much safer for families with children, as picnic tables will be in place for seating. Mayor Eckert explained that he believed it is the right thing to do for White Cottage’s growth and for the safety of their customers. Mayor Eckert added that White Cottage closes in November through March for the winter months. They alleyway could be re-opened during White Cottage’s seasonal closure; however, Mayor Eckert recommended that the relocation of the trash collection not be changed. Mayor Eckert requested a motion to close the alley, which is between High Street and Jackson Street, that runs from Lebanon Avenue back to East ‘E’ Street. Chairman Kinsella asked Mayor Eckert if the request was for the City to close the alley or to grant and/or sell the alley to White Cottage. Mayor Eckert responded that the request was to close the alley way and that White Cottage already owns the property on either side of the alley. Eric Schauster, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Assistant Director, explained that the portion of the alley in discussion, is not public right of way. Alderman Randle asked what other property owners would be impacted by the alley way closure. Chairman Kinsella explained that no neighbors would be affected. Eric Schaster added, approximately half-way down the block is City of Belleville right of way and the remainder, going toward White Cottage is all private property. Schauster added that even though the alley is there, it technically is private property. Alderman Randle asked if there would be a barrier added for the closure. Mayor Eckert explained that the barrier would be concrete because they may be removed more easily, if needed.

A motion was made to close alley near Lebanon Ave. & East ‘F’ St. by Shelly Schaefer, second by Mary Stiehl. Roll call vote: Randle-aye, Schaefer-aye, Stiehl-aye, Weygandt-aye, Mayor Eckert-aye and Chairman Kinsella-aye.

OLD BUSINESS:

None

OTHER BUSINESS:

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

None

MOTION TO ADJOURN: Alderman Randle made a motion to ADJOURN, second by Alderman Schaefer. With all present members voting in the affirmative. Motion carried.

Chairman Kinsella adjourned the meeting at 5:23 p.m.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052020-2285