City of Belleville City Council met March 1.
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 Hardt; City Attorney Hoemer; Assistant Police Chief, Lt. Col. Matt Eiskant; Fire Chief,Tom Pour; 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 excused.
PLEDGE
Mayor Eckert led the Pledge ofAllegiance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Renae Eichholz. Conner Fire
Copper Fire is hosting their 3rd anniversary with a benefit for Songs for Soldiers on March 13, 2021. She is concerned with the tum out and has spoken with the other restaurant and bar owners to keep people safe. Ifthere is a large tum out and there is not a lot of food to choose from. Copper Fire' s kitchen is down for a while, she reached out to a few ofthe restaurants and there is interest to have a couple food truck downtown on March 13, 2021. She is asking for approval so the food trucks can be scheduled. City Clerk Meyer advised this type of event would have to be a request for an event with City Council approval. She was hoping for approval tonight. Mayor Eckert advised ifthis is not on the agenda no action can be taken. Mayor Eckert advised there is a food truck ordinance in place that most be followed.
Discussion...
Alderman Wigginton stated there is an ordinance in place for food trucks that protect the downtown restaurants. Will the crowds be controlled, will there be a police presence? What is the City' s procedure regarding St. Patrick' s Day? Mayor Eckert advised there is not a parade or official SL Patrick' s Day celebration downtown. The streets will not be closed.
City Clerk Meyer reminded everyone there are still COVID mitigations in effect. The City cannot approve any requests.
Alderman Wigginton stated with the mitigation in place, restaurants operating at a certain percentage and the rules are followed the restaurants will not be allowed to handle large groups.
Alderman Elmore concurred with the COVID mitigation. He stated the people are coming whether we like it or not. Last year we were at the start of COVID and you would not have known there wasn' t a parade. Big Daddy' s, Copper Fire are not serving food. Tavern on Main, Margaritas and Seven will be serving food. Bennie' s is in transition. Three restaurant that we would normally have will not be serving food.
Alderman Wigginton stated that is why he asked for a pro- active plan for St. Patrick' s Day. Alderman Elmore suggested an Executive Order from the Mayor' s office. Mayor Eckert stated this is not your typical St. Patrick' s Day and the City can not be part of creating a party-like atmosphere. City Attorney Homer advised this is a decision ofthe Council; however, the City is bound by the mitigations in place.
Alderman Elmore expects the restaurants to follow the mitigation. Mayor Eckert advised Bennie' s plans to be open. Casa Maria and Papa Vito' s will be open.
Alderman Wigginton stated ifyou bring in food trucks you will be inviting people to come. Mayor Eckert advised he will have a meeting with Chief Clay and Lt. Col. Eiskant in the morning.
PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS& APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Eckert recognized the character word ofthe month" perseverance" staying with a task; not giving up.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve City Council and Executive Session Meeting Minutes February 16, 2021.
Members voting aye on roll call: Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield. ( 16)
CLAIMS, PAYROLL AND DISBURSEMENTS
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of$ 1, 014,425.35 payroll in the amount of$868,134. 26.
Members voting aye on roll call: Haul, Duco, Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella. ( 16)
REPORTS
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Dintelman to approve the City Attorney' s report dated February 16, 2021.
Members voting aye on roll call: Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul. ( 16)
ORAL REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION
Alderman Haul made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve the purchase of nine ( 9) Surface Pro X tablet computers and complimentary accessories for RCDS staff in the amount of$ 12, 348. 56, as budgeted, from Connection Public Sector Solutions.
Discussion...
Alderman Ovian asked if the computers that are being purchased are compatible with the Police/Fire Department; Director of RCDS Annissa McCaskill advised the purpose of purchasing the computers it to have field technology and compatible with the Fire/Police Departments.
Alderman Ferguson asked when with the computers would be deployed; IT Director Scott Markovich projection within the next 60-90 days is the goal; however, it also depends on the training for the inspectors. The functionality is being finalized with the Omnigo software. The staff includes the secretaries in the front office and all of the inspectors in the field.
Members voting aye on roll call: Puss, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco. ( 16)
Alderman Ferguson made a motion seconded by Alderman Elmore to approve a Facility Use Agreement between the City ofBelleville and Rowdies Rugby Club, a division ofthe United State ofAmerica Rugby Football Union, for use of Jaycee Park, 750 West H Street, Belleville, Illinois, March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2023 for the annual sum of$ 500.00.
Members voting aye on roll call: Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Puss. ( 16)
COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Rothweiler made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Duco to approve the following Communications:
Diva' s Night Out 2021
Request from Belleville Main Street to hold Diva' s Night Out, third Thursday of every month, July through December 2021, 5: 00pm to 8:00pm. Street closure request: fust block of North Church from East Main Street to the alley, use of Gas Light Park, electricity for music, trash toters,
No Parking Signs" and barricades as requested on Thursday, August 19, 2021, 4:00pm to 9:00pm. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/ MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Belleville Museum Omen House Day— 06/05/ 2021
Request from Belleville Historical Society, St. Clair County Historical Society, Labor& Industry Museum, Gustave Koerner House Committee and Belleville Historical Preservation Committee to hold a Belleville Museum Open House Day Saturday, June 5, 202 1, 10: 00am to 2:00pm. No street closures or city services requested. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Cahm Bluesfest—06/ 26/2021 ( Cancellation Date: 08/ 14/ 2021)
Request from Ainad Temple and Crehan' s Irish Pub to hold the Cajun Bluesfest Saturday, June 26, 2021 ( cancellation date August 14, 2021), 12: 00pm to 6:00pm. City services requested: trash toters, and picnic tables. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Craft Beer Walk- 09/ 11/ 2021
Request from Belleville Main Street to hold the Craft Beer Walk, Saturday, September 11, 2021, 3: 00pm to 8: 00pm. No street closures or city services requested. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/ MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Belleville Main Street Marathon - 09/ 25/ 2021
Request from Belleville Main Street Marathon to hold the Belleville Main Street Marathon, Saturday, September 25, 2021, 7:00am to 2: 00pm. Street closure request: West Main Street from Illinois Street to 2nd Street, 4: 00am to 3: 00pm. City services requested: trash toters, Police and Public Works Personnel, picnic tables, electric," No Parking" signs and cones. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Tour de Belleville- 10/ 16/ 2021
Request from Belleville Parks& Recreation Department to hold the Tour de Belleville, Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9: 00am to 3: 00pm, Union United Methodist Church using designated routes. Street closure request: 8: 30am to 11: 00am intersection of East " B" Street and North Douglas and one block north, south, east and west from intersection with rolling closures along route.
Additional city services requested: barricades, ' No Parking" signs, trash toters, picnic tables and Police and Public Works Personnel. Placement of banner across East Main Street and West Main Street. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/ MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Art& Wine Walk- 11/ 06/2021
Request from Belleville Main Street to hold the Art& Wine Walk, Saturday, November 6, 2021, 3: 00pm to 7:00pm. No street closures or city services requested. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID 19 aT TIME OF EVENT.
Cookie Day Walk- 12/ 11/ 2021
Request from Belleville Main Street to hold Cookie Day Walk, Saturday, December 11, 2021, 9: 00am to 3: 00pm. No sheet closures requested. Requesting use of City Hall for the BarberShoppers, 8: 00am to 11: 00m. ALL EVENTS TO FOLLOW CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS REGULATIONS/MITIGATIONS RELATED TO COVID- 19 AT TIME OF EVENT.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle. ( 16)
RESOLUTIONS
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion second by Alderman Weygandt to read Resolution 3404 by title only.
Members voting aye on roll call: Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson. ( 16)
Alderman Anthony made a motion seconded by Alderman Ferguson to approve RESOLUTION 3404 A Resolution ofSupport for the City ofBelleville Program Year 2021 application for Community Development Block Grant funding.
Members voting aye on roll call: Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony. ( 16)
ORDINANCES
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman Wigginton stated whether there is a parade or not and if it' s a beautiful day people are used to coming into downtown areas i. e. if you build it, they will come. We have a nice downtown area with bars and restaurants and even if we don't have a parade or promote it people will want to get outside and congregate. It has been stated the City will not use extra police to man the streets; however, Alderman Elmore is correct, if it is a nice day people will get out, have a good time and celebrate. People have been so cooped up. He encourages the Mayor and the Police Department to come up with a preliminary plan if there is a situation and apprise the Council of what to expect if there is a large crowd that shows up. It' s been a long cold winter and they are going to be outside and we must be ready for it. People are more concerned with how much they must drink than eat.
Mayor Eckert stated he understands and for 16 years he has worked with the Police Department to make sure prior to the downtown streetscape and most of the restaurants before they were in business. There have always been extra plans. St. Patrick' s Day is a holiday where people love to have a few drinks and have fellowship. Mayor Eckert advised he does not want to walk away from this meeting tonight giving the wrong impression that the City is gearing up for a big party because if this is done this is what we will have. We are still under COVID restrictions and he does not want to see people sick, he does not want to see the restaurants and numbers go the wrong way that suddenly, we are back shutdown again. We must embrace the positivity of spring; however, we must use good judgment. We are not having a parade; we are not opening the flood gates for everyone from everywhere to come downtown. They will have to do it to meet the criteria of COVID- 19 mitigations. If not, we will have a mess.
Mayor Eckert stated he will send a memo out to every business with a liquor license that they will have to use good judgment and will have to follow the COVH) mitigations issued through IDPH; otherwise, we can all be in trouble and more people could be very sick.
Alderman Ovian stated he would like to indicate here tonight from a safety standpoint. He would like to make sure his statement is not being interrupted tonight so he can go ahead and get it finished. Bennie' s Pizza and Pub was inspected by Dave Zahn, Deputy Chief, to determine the square footage for the number of patrons who can be seated in his new restaurant fWa Panera Bread. Deputy ChiefZahn measured the front area which no longer has booths and replaced with tables. He came out to a capacity load of 73. When Deputy ChiefZahn measured the back part, which has a lesser number the restaurant came up with a total number of 11. So now at 113 East Main Street we have a total capacity load of 94. He can have as many as 99 without exceeding his goal of not having to put in a sprinkler system. If Bennie were to use the loft area on the second floor, he will then have to install a sprinkler system in the restaurant.
At 115 East Main Street has a separate area and has a firewall permits limited seating in that area and separate and apart from 113.
At last Thursday' s meeting of the Zoning Board we were discussing the sign approval for 113/ 115 East Main Street. He was the only alderman that attended. He mentioned to the Director of Economic Development that he wanted clarification on the issue dealing on the occupancy permits. He was concerned from a safety standpoint but not wanting to make trouble. He was hoping that the director would allow him to say what his concern was, and she then could respond by saying you can call me tomorrow and I shall have an answer for you". However, that was not to be.
Director Annissa said " we have already approved the occupancy permit". He doesn' t disagree with that and" Bennie will open for business the week of March I"; however, Director McCaskill said this to me in a sarcastic and inappropriate manner which he did not like.
Mayor Eckert stated he is not commenting any further at this time.
Alderman Kinsella stated if someone has an issue to be raised about an employee this is the inappropriate place to do it, you go to that employee' s direct boss, you do not do it in an open meeting. This is totally inappropriate to do today, and he apologizes that such a thing is happening because we must remember these people are our employees, they have rights and you cannot trample on somebody' s rights.
Mayor Eckert stated he agrees and appreciates Alderman Kinsella standing up for the employees because this is the first he has heard of it and the appropriate thing to do is call me Alderman Ovian you should call me I am their boss.
MISCELLANEOUS& NEW BUSINESS
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderman Weygandt to approve the Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of$41, 0711. 15.
Members voting aye on roll call: Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Hazel, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian. ( 16)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rothweiler made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to adjourn at 7: 50 p.m.
Members voting aye on roll call: Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Wigginton, Barfield, Kinsella, Haul, Duco, Pusa, Randle, Ferguson, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman. ( 16)
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03012021-2451
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