City of Belleville City Council met Nov. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Eckert called this meeting to order.
City Clerk Meyer called roll. Members present on roll call: Alderman Kinsella, Alderman Hazel, Alderwoman Duco, Alderman Puss, Alderman Randle, Alderman Ferguson, Alderman Anthony, Alderman Ovian, Alderman Dintelman, Alderwoman Schaefer, Alderwoman Stiehl, Alderman Rothweiler, Alderman Elmore, Alderman Weygandt, Alderman Wigginton, Alderman Barfield.
ROLL CALL DEPARTMENT HEADS
Roll Call Department Heads: Mayor Eckert; City Clerk, Jennifer Gain Meyer; City Treasurer, Dean Hardt•,City Attorney Hoerner; Assistant Police Chief, Matt Eiskant Assistant Fire Chief, Dave Zahn; Director of Finance, Jamie Maitret; Director of Maintenance, Ken Vaughn; Director of Public Works, Jason Poole; Director of Wastewater, Randy Smith; Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services, Annissa McCaskill; Director of Library, Leander Spearman; Director of IT, Scott Markovich; City Engineer, Michael Velloff; Human Resource Manager, Emma Qualls.
Police Chief, Bill Clay, Fire Chief, Tom Pour excused.
PLEDGE
Mayor Ecker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Alderman Johnnie Anthony, Ward 4
It' s rare that we as a Council approve/deny an item that directly goes to affect the citizens of the City ofBelleville. This is one item that he feels goes to the hear of the citizens. This is not for a business, not an entity of the City, this goes to the people. He does not feel that it is right for a City that calls itself" Capital of Downstate Illinois" to give the State of Illinois back $ 300,000. The Council needs to act, give the people something.
PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS& APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Ecker read a proclamation recognizing National Apprenticeship Week, November 11-16, 2019.
Mayor Eckert recognized the Character word of the month " PEACE" working and living in harmony with each other.
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve the following motions:
Motion of the appointment of Ken Kleinman to serve a 2-year term on the Human Relations Commission.
Motion of the appointment of Joe Hamist to serve a 4-year tern on the Electrical Commission, in the capacity of a consumer member ofthe general public.
Motion of the appointment of Darryl C. Cherry, Sr. to serve a 2- year term on the Human Relations Commission.
Members voting aye on roll call: Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield. (16)
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Stiehl to approve City Council Meeting Minutes, Executive Session Minutes of October 19, 2020 and City Council Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2020.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella. (16)
CLAIMS, PAYROLL AND DISBURSEMENTS
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of$1,130,677.27 and payroll in the amount of $819,256.98.
Members voting aye on roll call: Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel. (16)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Ferguson to receive and file the City Attorney report dated October 29, 2020.
Discussion.
Alderman Ovian asked why 9515 West Main Street is still on the demolition list; City Clerk Meyer advised from the demolition list as they pulled a permit but remains pending in court.
Members voting aye on roll call: Puss, Randle, Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiley Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco. (16)
ORAL REPORTS
PARKSBOARD
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve a contract with Water Odyssey for design and build services for municipal splashpad at Bicentennial Park with build contract at later date.
Discussion.
Director of Public Works, Jason Poole, advised there are two types of splashpads (1) recirculating; and( 2) flow-through style. The flow-through style is less expensive to maintain.
Alderman Ovian asked if this is for residents only or open to the public; Director of Public Works, Jason Poole, advised open to the public.
Alderman Randle commended Director of Public Works, Jason Poole, with his due diligence regarding his questions and design recommendations which will render cost savings for the City.
Alderman Wigginton concurred with Alderman Randle and Alderman Anthony. Recommended staying within the$ 300,000 grant.
Members voting aye on roll call: Randle, Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss. (16)
ADMINISTRATION
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderman Weygandt to approve a contract with Construction Concepts Corporation in the amount of$28,961. 00 to install salt barn storage doors at 801 Royal Heights Road and 2115 Freeburg Avenue.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ferguson Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle. (16)
WALNUT HILL CEMETERY BOARD
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to waive the formal bidding procedure and purchase one( 1) new Hustler Z 60" zero tum mower from Hartmann Turf Tractor in the amount of$10, 999.00.
Members voting aye on roll call: Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson. (16)
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
PETITIONS
None.
RESOLUTIONS
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to read by title only Resolution 3394- 2020.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duce, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony. (16)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to approve RESOLUTION 3394- 2020 Resolution Extending Local Measures Related to the Restore Illinois Guidelines/Mitigation Plan for Safe Business Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Discussion.
Mayor Ecker advised there was an extension allowing outdoor dining provision to January 5, 2021. There is a proposal to put a concrete barrier on the southbound and parking lane for Seven/Sushi and the northbound traffic open with a 15- mph speed limit.
Alderman Randle advised he has received several calls from business owners. By adopting the mitigations via the Resolution does the City plan punitive action against our bars and restaurants should they decide to offer indoor dining services to those that want to exercise that freedom( he is asking because he wants the Council to know how to respond when the question is raised by the business owners in their Wards); Mayor Eckert stated the City is concerned and will not be heavy handed. If a business opens, they will receive warnings. If they receive numerous warnings it will be reviewed.
City Attorney Hoerner stated for clarification purposes this Resolution nor the Resolution that was previously passed impose these guidelines or additional mitigation steps. As noted in Section 2 those are imposed by the State of Illinois. This Resolution is in response to the State of Illinois' action and all the Council is doing is taking the additional local measures i.e. street closures to assist the restaurants/ bars that are impacted by what the State of Illinois imposed.
Alderman Ovian advised last week after the guidelines were set forth by the Governor on Thursday the Roundtable restaurant was open and there were more than the minimum number for breakfast. An ambulance was called, the police were called, and someone was taken to the hospital. This is not fair to other businesses that are playing by the rules.
Members voting aye on roll call: Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian. (16)
ORDINANCES
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to read by title only Ordinances 8875- 2020; 8872- 2020.
Members voting aye on roll call: Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Ovian, Dintelman. (15)
Alderman Anthony abstained. (1)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Dintelman to approve ORDINANCE 8875- 2020 A Zoning Ordinance in RE: 39-SEP20— Sylvester Radley.
Members voting aye on roll call: Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer. (15)
Alderman Anthony abstained. (1)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Stiehl to approve ORDINANCE 8872- 2020 A Zoning Ordinance in RE: 40- SEP20— Sylvester Radley.
Discussion.
Alderman Ovian asked if the Fire Department has passed inspections for the purpose of serving food; Mayor Eckert advised this will be handled through the business occupancy.
Members voting aye on roll call: Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl. (15)
Alderman Anthony abstained. (1)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderwoman Schaefer asked if Belleville Main Street or the Chamber of Commerce need anything for the upcoming holiday season; Mayor Eckert advised the City has met with them, had numerous conversations regarding the holiday season. On November 12, 2020 the City will start decorating downtown. The City will do their best to promote small businesses.
Mayor Eckert advised the City is working on a grant to help the small businesses. Alderman Wigginton asked about the grant; City Clerk Meyer advised it will be for all businesses affected by COVID- 19 and there will be criteria when applying.
Alderman Ovian asked at 803 North Centreville Avenue can the City research to we if the underground tanks have been removed; City Clerk Meyer advised they have been removed.
Alderman Ovian stated he received a call from a resident that resides on Highwood Circle regarding the retaining wall. Jeff Heidom is no longer with the City; Mayor Eckert stated he was out there and has spoken with the resident. We had a structural engineer inspect the retaining wall and a letter will be sent regarding findings and recommendations. Alderman Ovian advised the resident told him the owner had a survey done and is not responsible for the retaining wall; Mayor Eckert advised that has not been presented and the City will follow-up.
Alderman Wigginton ask if this a grant or loan and is it through the State or the Federal Government; Mayor Eckert advised this is the State of Illinois DCEO Grant. There is also another loan program that may be a possibility. Alderman Wigginton asked if this is open to all the businesses in Belleville; Mayor Eckert advised those details are being researched. Alderman Wigginton stated he is pro East/ West Belleville; however, if this is designed for Belleville Main Street and not the entire City it would be a shame; City Clerk Meyer advised the grant will be for all businesses affected by COVID-19 and there will be criteria for them to apply. Alderman
Wigginton asked how soon the money will be available through DCEO; Mayor Eckert advised it will be quick.
Alderman Ovian stated in 2020 Housing only had four (4) meetings; January 22, March 4, August 5 and October 7. This is a critical department and we should have monthly meetings, we should receive the agenda/ minutes prior to the meeting. He should not have to bring up items that relate to housing with the Mayor' s office or anyone else at Council.
Mayor Eckert advised there has been unique situations that have occurred this year. They are working very hard; they are interviewing staff this week on several positions in Housing. There have been challenges, there are twenty ( 20) houses that are prepared for demolition. To have a meeting with no specific agenda items for action just to have a meeting to have open session for complaints can be accomplished by contacting the Mayor' s office or entailing the Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services, Annissa McCaskill. If there is an action item please contact the Char of the committee or contact Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services, Annissa McCaskill.
Alderman Ovian stated those that serve on the Residential and Commercial Development Services Committee should be asked if they have anything that needs to be discussed. Mayor Eckert requested he send him an email; he has been helping during this down time.
Alderman Hazel stated there will be a meeting on December 2; there will be updates on the demolition list, personnel matters. He has received no emails or communication for any additional agenda items; therefore, there was no reason to have the meeting. If anyone has anything to add to the agenda please contact Alderman Hazel, the Mayor' s office, or the Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services, Annissa McCaskill.
Alderman Wigginton asked if a retired employee has been brought back as a part-time inspector; Mayor Eckert stated he has made offers to a part- time electrical inspector, full-time Planner position and Paul Bauman has been brought back in as a temporary building inspector.
MISCELLANEOUS& NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderman Weygandt to approve Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of$55,782.30.
Members voting aye on roll call: Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler. (16)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rothweiler made a motion seconded by Alderman Ferguson to adjourn at 8: 05 p.m.
Members voting aye on roll call: Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore. (16)
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11022020-2356
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