City of Belleville City Council met Feb. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Eckert called this meeting to order.
City Attorney Hoemer called roll. Members present on roll call: Alderman Kinsella, Alderman Haul, Alderwoman Duco, Alderman Pusa, 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 Hardt•, City Attorney Hoerner; Assistant Police Chief, Matt Eiskant; Director of Finance, Jamie Maitret; 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; Human Resource Manager, Emma Qualls.
Police Chief, Bill Clay; Fire Chief, Tom Pour; Director of Maintenance, Ken Vaughn; City Engineer, Michael Velloff excused.
PLEDGE
Mayor Eckert led the Pledge ofAllegiance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Renae Eichholz, Cooper Fire
Regarding John Conkright' s request on the agenda As far as Copper Fire goes with closing the street has saved their lives. She has heard several comments that people are coming all over and felt like it was resort life. Those restaurants that utilized the streets stepped up and make it a great atmosphere. She does not like the large barriers that keep people safe, so she decorated around them. She hopes John Conkright, restaurants and retailers can come together and reach a compromise. She does not want to see the streets open full-time.
Andria Powll, Circa
She would like to see a compromise with retailers and restaurants. The way the quarantine was handled kept a vibrancy in downtown. When people are downtown eating and drinking keeps it busy. On the flip side regarding what John Conkright addressed now that its quiet and the weather is bad the necessity of having the streets closed is frustrating to him. She has had a few comments from customers saying they don' t understand why they can' t park close now that no one is using the outdoors. Her customers are easy going. They are not saying this to not come and shop its just more of a hassle.
Stephanie Gain, Seven
Owner of Seven Bar and Restaurant and Seven Sushi Bar stated this pertains more to her restaurants than others. She is very proud of the restaurants that survived this. If there is another shutdown she does not know ifSeven will survive going on year 13.
They did have the street completely blocked; however, now it is half blocked. She does agree the concrete barriers are not ideal; however, are necessary for the safety of customers.
The last two months the weather has not been great but in one month from now the weather will be accommodating. If the street is opened, she will have to fight to have them put back in place and that will create another hit. The restaurants, movie theatres have taken the hit. She had to cut staff which affected the economy in Belleville by over$ 250,000.
She will concede to moving the blocks so there will be one lane open. She is concerned with the bureaucratic paperwork to reopen. She is willing to be good neighbors and make it better but again she does not want to give up the street closure completely.
Bennie Parr, Bennie's Pizza
Speaking about opening Church Street, Jackson Street and High Street. Mark Onstott and Scott requested Bennie to speak on his behalf They understand there are issues with the partial closure on High Street which effects multiple businesses. They need to do their best to accommodate all downtown businesses to the best of their ability. Downtown is not just for bars and restaurant but for retail as well. Everyone should work together to be unified. The consensus is the street style dining has enhanced the overall experience for customers and the community. Without streetside dining this year businesses like Tavern on Main, Copper Fire and Seven would be forced to close their doors. During mid-March the bars and restaurants need the street side dining to accommodate with the current mitigation.
He is requesting High Street be addressed separately to Church and Jackson Streets. This issue can be resolved between those businesses with the City' s help. He is willing to help with all businesses involved.
PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS & APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Eckert read a proclamation in recognition of Supermarket Employee Day.
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to approve the following appointments:
Appointment of Joel Glasscock to fill a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission left by Tony Toenjes and to serve a 1- year term.
Appointment ofCheryl Hillman to fill a vacancy on the Human Relations Commission and to serve a 2-year terns.
Members voting aye on roll call: Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield. (16)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve City Council and Executive Session Meeting Minutes February 1, 2021.
Members voting aye on roll call: Haul, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella. (16)
CLAIMS, PAYROLL AND DISBURSEMENTS
Alderman Anthony made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of $1,465,404.22 payroll in the amount of $839, 180. 39.
Members voting aye on roll call: Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul. (16)
REPORTS
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve Treasurer Report January 2021 and Motion to approve Statement of Cash and Investments Report—January 2021.
Members voting aye on roll call: Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco. (16)
ORAL REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco authorizing sale/ conversion ofthe five( 5) following 2003 Harley Davidson Motorcycles from Police Department:
VIN: IHDIGKVI13K310212)
VIN:IHDIGKV103K310556)
VIN: IHDIGKV183K309123)
VIN:IHDIEFL15RY116754)
VIN: IHDIEFL15NY125662)
Members voting aye on roll call: Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa. ( 16)
Alderman Rothweiler made a motion seconded by Alderman Puss to approve an mended Development Agreement with Jason Buss for the remodeling of907 West" C" Street and 904 West D" Street.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle. ( 16)
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve the following Zoning Cases:
O14AN21 — The Arcades Centre LLC: Request for Rezoning of commercial office space at 5312 West Main Street (08- 07.0- 303- 033), from a " C- 1" Light Commercial District to a " C-2" Heavy Commercial District ( Applicable section of the zoning code: 162.590) Ward 8 Zoning Board recommended approval by a vote of 5- 0.
044AN21 — L. Keeley Construction: Request for a Special Use Permit for material and equipment storage at 900- 950 West Boulevard (08- 14. 0- 317- 001, 08- 14. 0-317002) located in a C- 2" Heavy Commercial District. (Applicable section of the zoning code: 162.515) Ward 1 Zoning Board recommended approval by a vote of5- 0.
05- JAN21 —Douglas Coggeshall: Request for a Use Variance to manufacture toiletries at 1511 East Main Street (08-22. 0-420-051), located in an " A- 1" Single-Family Residence District. Applicable section of the zoning code: 162. 394) Ward 7 Zoning Board recommended approval by a vote of5- 0.
06JAN21 — Douglas Coggeshall: Request for a Use Variance for a Home Occupation in conjunction with the manufacture of at 1511 East Main Street(08- 22.0- 420- 051) located in an" A 1" Single Family Residence District. (Applicable sections of the zoning code: 162.570, 162. 394) Ward 7 Zoning Board recommended approval by a vote of5- 0.
Members voting aye on roll call: Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson. (16)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Puss. to approve 02JAN21 — Savannah Motors: Request for a Special Use Permit for a Used Car Lot at 514 South Illinois Street (08- 28. 0- 224-006, 08-28.0-224- 009) located in a " C- 2" Heavy Commercial District.
Applicable section of the zoning code: 162.515) Ward 6 Zoning Board recommended approval by a vote of 5- 0.
Discussion...
Alderman Ovian asked (1) the value to the vehicles being sold on this car lot and( 2) has there been any issues with the State Department of Licensing for the last two years; Antdssa McCaskill stated there is no way of knowing this and this is not a question that they have been tasked to ask during the zoning process. As far as the prices of the vehicles this is not a question the Zoning Board is tasked to ask. The petitioner is an existing auto dealership with different locations. They will be closing one of their locations to move to this location. They must update the lighting, security, the awning and repaving the lot.
Alderman Ovian asked if the applicant will be selling salvage vehicles; Anuissa McCaskill stated she does not know, and that question was not asked during the Zoning Board meeting.
Zach with Savannah Motors advised as far as salvage sales will not occur. This will be cash or financed vehicles. The average price will be$ 6,000 and up.
Alderman Elmore advised the location he is occupying has always been a car dealership.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony. (16)
ORDINANCE& LEGAL REVIEW
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Randle to Approve an Ordinance Amending Title XI( Business Regulations), Chapter 123 (Adult-Use Cannabis), Sections 123.007 Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Center) and 123. 008 (Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization).
Members voting aye on roll call: Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony. (15)
Members voting nay on roll call: Ovian. (1).
STREETS AND GRADES
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Ferguson to approve the following motions:
Motion to approve RJN Engineering Group to provide Phase II Storm Water plan implementation assistance for Permit Year 2021- 2022, in the amount of$ 1, 800.00.
Motion to approve RJN Engineering Group to provide Phase II Storm Water Monitoring 2021, Water Sampling for Laboratory Analysis plan implementation assistance from January 2021 through December 2021, in the amount of $4,600.00.
Motion to approve Resolution # 3403- 2021 to appropriate $ 480,000 for construction of Forest Avenue, funded by Rebuild Illinois and $ 56, 500 for Preliminary Engineering for Forest Avenue, funded by NET.
Motion to approve the purchase of 800 carts from Otto Environmental Systems North America, Inc. in the amount of$39,740.00 for the addition of one automated trash route on Monday and one automated trash route on Tuesday.
Members voting aye on roll call: Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duce, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman. (16)
COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to approve the following Communications:
OLD TOWN FARMERS' MARKET 2021
Request from Belleville Main Street to approve the Old Town Farmers' Market every Saturday, May 1, 2021 through November 6, 2021, 7:30am to Noon. Street closure request: first block of South Charles between East Main and East Washington, 6: 30am to 1: 00pm. Additional request of city owned parking lots on the NW and NE corners of S Charles St and E Washington St for vendors, as necessary. Additional request of barricades, trash toters, picnic tables, port-a-potty, electric, " Market Barn" and banner across North Illinois Street as available. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
OKTOBERFEST—09/ 17/2021. 09/ 18/ 2021
Request from the Belleville Oktoberfest Committee to hold Oktoberfest, Friday, September 17, 2021 and Saturday, September, 18 2021, 11: 00am to I1: 00pm. Street closure requests: Thursday, September 16, 2021, 10: 00am West Main Street from Illinois Street/ 159 to east side of 2nd Street and first block of North First Street; 5: 00pm first block north, south and east of Public Square and East Main Street from the east side of High Street to the west side of Jackson Street. High Street remains open. Streets re- open Sunday, September 19, 2021, 3: 00am.
Car Show street closures Saturday, September 18, 2021, 6: 00am to 6: 00pm East Main Street from Jackson Street to west side ofCharles Street, including the first block north and south of Jackson and Church Street. No vehicles from car show to be parked on South Jackson.
Additional City services requested: barricades, Police Personnel, " No Parking" signs, Public Works Personnel, electric and picnic tables. Request for banners across West Main, East Main and North Illinois Street; 50 Street Light Banners in downtown area from last week of May 2021 to event for their 40" Anniversary.
CHILI COOK-OFF—10/ 08/2021 10/ 09/2021
Request from the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce to host the Chili Cook-Off, Friday, October 8, 2021 and Saturday, October 9, 2021, 11: 00am to 10: 30pm. Street closure requests: 5: 00pm Thursday, October 7, 2021 until 12: 01 am Sunday, October 10, 2021 of the Public Square one block north, south, east and west. East Main Street from Illinois Street to the west side of
Church Street. City services requested: picnic tables, barricades, trash toters, Public Works Personnel, Police Personnel, " No Parking" signs and electrical panels. Banner across East/West Main Street. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
CHILI CHASE 5K& KIDS PEPPER DASH—10/09/2021
Request from the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce to host the Chili Chase 5K & Kids Pepper Dash, Saturday, October 9, 2021, 9: 00am to 11: 00am. Street closure requests: 7: 00am to 11: 00am, North and South Church from alley to alley, East Main Street from Church Street to the west side ofCharles Street. City services requested: barricades and Police Personnel. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
PRIDEFEST- 10/02/ 2021
Request from Metro East Pride to host PrideFest Saturday, October 2, 2021, 12: 00pm to 10: 00pm. Street closure request: Friday, October 1, 2021 5: 00pm to 11: 59pm Saturday, October 2, 2021, West Main Street from 159 to middle of block between 2nd and 31d Street, one block north and south on I Street and 2nd Street (to parking lot alleys, as applicable). Additional request of barricades, toters, picnic tables, electric, Police and Public Works Personnel, " No Parking" signs, Pride flags installed during month of June ( with exception of Flag Day) and week of PrideFest. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
THANKSGIVING DAY 5K& TURKEY CHASE - 11/ 25/2021
Request from the Belleville Township Ice Hockey Club to hold the Thanksgiving 5k & Turkey Chase, Thursday, November 25, 2021, 8: 00am to 10: 15am. Street closure request: 7: 30am to 10: 00am start/finish line first block of West Main Street from 159 to east side of 1st Street and NW quadrant of Public Square. 5K route rolling street closure within city limits. Additional city services requested: barricades, ' No Parking" signs, trash toters, electric and Police Personnel. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT—11/ 26/2021- 12/23/2021
Request from BCEOBelleville Christkindlmarkt to hold the Belleville Christkindlmark-L Friday, November 26, 2021 to Thursday, December 23, 2021 SE and NE quadrant of the Public Square. Christkindlmarkt concert, Saturday, November 27, 2021, 6: 30pm to 8: 30pm. Street Closure Request: Saturday, November 27, 2021, 6: 00pm to 9:00pm for concert, as necessary, first block of West Main Street between 159and 10 Street. Additional City Services: Police Personnel for concert, chalets, trash totem, picnic tables, Port-a-Potties, barricades," No Parking" signs, water barriers, electric and vendor parking at City Hall parking lot. Banner across West Main, East Main and North Illinois. COVID- 19 mitigations to be followed.
BELLEVILLE MAIN LIBRARY—02/20/ 21
Request from Belleville Public Library to close off half of City parking lot west of the Library Downtown Main Branch), Saturday, February 20, 2021, 8: OOam to 1: OOpm for PCs for People event.
Members voting aye on roll call: Stiehl, Rothweiley Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer. (16)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Wigginton to deny DOWNTOWN CITY STREETS Request from John Conkright to reopen all Downtown Belleville City streets currently closed due to COVID- 19.
Discussion...
Alderman Elmore stated this came up several months ago and now we are so close to springtime and reopening and the great success during the summer and fall weeks. He was happy to hear the downtown businesses speak up during public participation wanting to compromise. We are so close to reopen in three weeks. There are events that will require the streets to be reopen i. e. Shriners Parade, Art on the Square, Tour de Belleville.
Alderman Wigginton stated we must get back to some sense of normalcy. There is no reason the streets should be closed now. He is asking Belleville Main Street to meet with City Hall to work up a plan of action. He would like to see the streets open from April 1"— October 30'". This is the prime time of year.
Alderman Wigginton would like to see an entertainment district. When the streets are closed, he would like to see signage ( Downtown Business and Entertainment Center) and dressing up the streets with marketing, merchandise accordingly.
Mayor Eckert advised the City Council approved these streets to be closed due to COVID- 19 through April 30th and then re- evaluate.
Alderwoman Schaefer advised talking to many community members not just business owners the public perception would be to keep the streets closed for the nice months of the year. She suggested March through the fall. These businesses thrive and maybe it' s time for a change.
Alderman Wigginton concurs with Alderwoman Schaefer. He would like to see signage. Maybe expand for a cooler environment. We need every advantage to attract people downtown.
Alderman Elmore stated there are traffic issues with parades. We need to keep in mind north and south routes.
Members voting aye on roll call: Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duro, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl. (16)
RESOLUTIONS
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion second by Alderman Pusa to read Resolution 3403 by title only.
Members voting aye on roll call: Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler. (16)
Alderman Weygandt made a motion seconded by Alderman Ferguson to approve RESOLUTION 3403 A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Illinois Department of Transportation IDOT) Local Agency Agreement for the Construction ofForest Avenue.
Members voting aye on roll call: Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore. (16)
ORDINANCES
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to read by title only Ordinances 8906- 2021, 8907- 2021, 8908-2021, 8909- 2021, 8910-2021, 8911- 2021, 8912-2021, 8913- 2021 and as a group 8906-2021, 8907- 2021, 8908-2021, 8909- 2021, 8910- 2021, 8911- 2021, 8913- 2021.
Members voting aye on roll call: Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt. (16)
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Weygandt to approve the following Ordinances:
ORDINANCE 8906-2021
An Ordinance Authorizing Sale/Conversion ofPersonal Property( 5 Harley Davidson Motorcycles Police Department)
ORDINANCE 8907-2021
A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE# 01JAN2I The Arcades Centre, LLC.
ORDINANCE 8908-2021
A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE# 02JAN2I Savannah Motors.
ORDINANCE 8909-2021
A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE# 04JAN21L. Keeley Construction.
ORDINANCE 8910-2021
A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE# 05JAN2I Douglas Coggeshall.
ORDINANCE 8911- 2021
A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE# 06JAN21Douglas Coggeshall.
ORDINANCE 8913-2021
An Ordinance Waiving Annual License Fees for Certain Liquor Licenses for Fiscal Year 2022.
Members voting aye on roll call: Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duces, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton. (16)
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve ORDINANCE 8912-2021 An Ordinance Amending Title XI( Business Regulations), Chapter 123 Adult-Use Cannabis), Sections 123.007 ( Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Center) and 123. 008 Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization) ofthe Revised Code of Ordinances ofthe City of Belleville.
Members voting aye on roll call: Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield. (15)
Members voting nay on roll call: Ovian. (1)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderwoman Stiehl thanked Jason Poole, Director of Public Works, for a great job on snow removal.
Alderman Ovian commended Jason Poole and staff...West Main has never looked so good.
Alderman Ovian stated there needs to be a meeting in Housing. We need an update if the City is on the hook for any part of the Executive Inn to be demolished. Mayor Eckert advised this is not our property, it is owned by a private person, there is a lawsuit pending, IEPA also has an action. This has been going on for a long time. Mayor Eckert had a reputable demolition company give a bid for the demolish, clean up, asbestos removal and the bid was in the amount of $800,000. This is not in a TIF and the City does not have $800,000 to spend.
Alderman Ovian stated the City has a vacant housing ordinance on the books and has since August 20, 2018. Once a property is deemed to be vacant, they must register with the City. This should be enforced.
MISCELLANEOUS & NEW BUSINESS
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderman Rothweiler to approve the Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of $24,334.12.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella. (16)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderman Rothweiler to adjourn at 8: 15 p.m.
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162021-2443
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