Metro East Sun

City of Edwardsville City Council met July 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville City Council took place at 7:01 p.m. at Edwardsville City Hall, located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue in Edwardsville, Illinois, with Mayor Risavy presiding.

The Pledge of Allegiance recited by all present.

Council members Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause answered present on roll call.

Mayor Risavy welcomed everyone in attendance and those viewing on Facebook Live to the meeting.

Special Recognition/Proclamations/Oaths 

Mayor Risavy announced the Oath of Office-Officer Kevin C. Douglas. City Clerk, Michelle Boyer administered the Oath of Office. Welcome Officer Douglas!

Mayor Risavy announced the Employee Excellence Award recipient, Robert Ferguson. He read information from the nomination. Mr. Ferguson is a splash pad monitor and handles concessions at all of the city parks. He goes beyond to ensure all citizens have a memorable experience. Robert is the "go to" person and willing to help! Thank you for being an awesome employee Robert!

Mayor Risavy opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Mayor Risavy reminded those in attendance that each speaker receives three minutes to speak. He also reminded that council listens and there is no back and forth exchange. Twelve people signed up to speak.

The first public comment was from Ryan High. Mr. High is a local business owner (Global Brew) and President of the Edwardsville Tigers Baseball Club. Mr. High was voicing his support for the expansion of Plummer Family Park, specifically sports fields. He would like to see larger baseball fields so local children do not age out of the 12U fields. He also spoke on the local business impact.

Mayor Risavy asked Chancellor Minor to share how community/external organizations access space on the SIUE Campus. Dr. James Minor, Chancellor SIUE came forward to issue the second public comment. Dr. Minor wanted to address the arrangements the university maintains with community organizations. Dr. Minor remains available to community organizations both religious and secular. He said any community organization is invited to call the university and reserve space. Dr. Minor said the Newman Center previously maintained space and a rental agreement at the Center for Spirituality at the Fuller Dome. The opportunity is available to many community organizations. Dr. Minor also commented that the Newman Center recently elected to find rental space at Cougar Village. All community organizations are welcome on the campus.

The third public comment came from Sean Barth. Mr. Barth is the Campus Minister in his sixth year with the campus Newman Center. Mr. Barth addressed parking and traffic at the 1631 Yellowhammer Crossing home. He said an agreement has been drafted to use the SIUE Credit Union parking lot. The students using the proposed center have a carpool culture. Mr. Barth said most visitors would be coming from SIUE. He said Lewis Road was designed as a feeder road to bring traffic to a major road.

The fourth public comment came from Robin Black Rubenstein. Ms. Rubenstein is the Director of the Newman Catholic Community. Since 1972, the Newman Catholic Organization has been active within the SIUE Community. The Newman Organization is a way for students to be active and growing in their faith. The students spend spring breaks helping the community and the world. She is requesting a place for the students for personal space and bible studies. Ms. Rubenstein said they worked diligently to fulfill all requests from the city.

The fifth public comment was from Joe Weber. Mr. Weber lives on Lewis Road. He is representing the residents in the surrounding neighborhood concerning the SUP for 1631 Yellowhammer Crossing. A group of residents canvased members of the neighborhood to get feedback and sign a petition. Of the 48 residents petitioned, 42 were not in favor of the request (88%). The concerns were traffic, lack of parking, pedestrian safety, security and changing the makeup of the neighborhood from R-1. The residents stated the religious center offers valuable services but should stay on the campus.

The sixth public comment was from Barrett Larkin. Mr. Larkin is a student that uses the Newman Center and has served on the Campus to Community Committee for the City of Edwardsville. Mr. Larkin spoke specifically on the first four requirements reviewed for special use permits at the ACS meeting. He feels the building would be a great transitional space in regards to the vision statement. Mr. Larkin addressed the decreased value in appraisal of the property. A decrease in the appraisals has not been demonstrated. The project supports the City's comprehensive plan. The Newman Center views this as the only viable option.

The seventh public comment was from Mike Pellock. Mr. Pellock resides on Weber Drive and is concerned with the SUP regarding the rezoning. He does not feel the zoning should change. The organization is a great organization, but just does not fit in the neighborhood.

The eighth public comment was from Anna Harris. Ms. Harris resides on Lewis Road. She commented that this is a great group, doing fine things in the community. Ms. Harris does not feel the Newman Center belongs in a neighborhood. She commented that the group bought the house before getting approval.

The ninth public comment was from Jim Pomeroy. Mr. Pomeroy is the Vice President of the Newman Center Board. He said the accessibility has been studied and it is accessible from campus. The organization needs a consistent home and this location would provide the consistency. Mr. Pomeroy commented that not every GPS gives Weber Road as an access. The parking issue has been corrected with the Credit Union lot. The changes to the home will continue to look like a home.

The tenth public comment was from Rex Peters. He lives on Lewis Road. Mr. Peters referenced a previous group who wanted to move their organization into the neighborhood. Mr. Peters said he would like this to continue to be a neighborhood.

The eleventh public comment was from Michelle Fitzgerald. Ms. Fitzgerald supports the Newman Center move. She lives on Cameron Court. Her backyard is on Yellowhammer Crossing. She knows many of the students who attend the Newman Center. Ms. Fitzgerald said the group is like-minded students choosing to deepen their faith. She said affordable space on campus is not available in the way they need it. Ms. Fitzgerald feels the students can be an asset to the neighborhood.

Consent Agenda 

Mayor Risavy read Consent Agenda items as follows:

• Approval of minutes of Council Meeting on July 06, 2023

• Reports of Elected and Appointed Officials:

o Finance Director - Monthly Financial Report (to be distributed)

o Finance Department - Monthly Activity Report

o Police - Monthly Activity Report

o Fire Chief - Monthly Activity Report (Fire and EMS Services)

o Public Works Director - Building, Electrical and Plumbing Permits

• Circuit Clerk's Report

• Group Health Insurance Fund Report - $676,975.75

• Closed Session - Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the use of the Public Body pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)

Motion by Burns, seconded by Morrison to approve the Consent Agenda presented. Roll Call on Consent Agenda: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Petitions and Communications 

Legislative & Executive 

Motion by Morrison, second by Grant to approve the Appointment of Kent Weber to the Historic Preservation Commission with a term ending 2026.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Grant, second by Farrar to accept with regret the Resignation of Tabitha Crow from the Human Relations Committee effective immediately.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Morrison, second by Grant to accept with regret the Resignation of John Harvey from the Human Relations Committee effective immediately.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Farrar, second by Miracle to approve a Class-B Liquor License, Retail Sale of Alcohol for Consumption on the premises only, Barrel & Bru. 6151 Trace Parkway Drive, Suite D, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Grant, second by Miracle to approve a Class-B Liquor License, Retail Sale of Alcohol for consumption on the premises only, Hi-Pointe Edwardsville, LLC, 6147 Trace Parkway Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Legal & Judicial 

None

City Clerk 

None

Finance Committee 

Motion by Burns, second by Farrar for approval of Claims with the amounts - Regular $1,714,293.61 and Pre-Paid Claims - July 7th - $289,821.93, July 14th - $92,777.83, Utility Refund Checks from Incode - $840.91 for a total of $2,097,834.28.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Public Safety Committee 

Public Safety Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Public Services Committee 

Minutes of the Public Services Committee meeting held on June 27, 2023 presented for information and file.

Motion by Warren, second by Morrison to approve to Purchase a 2023 Bobcat T770 T4 Compact Track Loader from Bobcat of St. Louis. Fairview Heights, IL through the Sourcewell Joint Purchasing Contract 040319-CEC for $53,789.32.

Alderwoman Warren commented that this is a budgeted item.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Warren, second by Krause for approval to Award the Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation of Filters to Kamadulski Excavating and Grading Company, Inc. in the amount of $915,394.00.

Alderwoman Warren commented this would replace filters at treatment plant.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Warren, second by Morrison for approval of the 2023 MFT Material Contract Letting by Group Number to:

Group 1 - Christ Bros. Asphalt, Inc. for Cold Mix Asphalt in the amount of $6,750.00

Group 2 – Christ Bros. Asphalt, Inc. for Hot Mix Asphalt in the total contract amount of $90,000.00

Group 3 – Beelman Logistics, LLC for Seal Coat Aggregate in the amount of $45,180.00

Group 4 - DMS Contracting, Inc. for Oil and Chip Applications Contract in the total contract amount of $130,013.50

Group 5 - Concrete Supply of IL for the Concrete Contract in the total contract amount of $114,000.00

Group 6- Polo Trucking, Inc. for Coarse Aggregate in the total contract amount of $26,547.50

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Public Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Administrative & Community Services Committee 

Minutes of Administrative & Community Services Committee meeting on June 29, 2023 presented for information and file

Motion by Grant, second by Burns for approval to purchase a 2023 Bobcat MT100 Mini Track Loader and Attachments in an amount not to exceed $53,490.

Alderwoman Grant commented this is a budgeted item.

Roll Call: Seven Ayes with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Grant, second by Burns to approve a Resolution Approving a Special Use Permit for a Religious Institution at 1631 Yellowhammer Crossing.

Alderwoman Grant commented that the item has been in ACS for two meetings. The issue was tabled in order to get more information. It failed the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously and failed at the ACS Committee. She said there are compelling arguments on both sides. She pointed out that many residents registered their disapproval.

Alderman Burns agreed with Alderwoman Grant. This is a difficult decision to make. He would like to see the Newman Center find a home.

Alderman Krause commented about a similar request in Leclaire. The example went through a PUD process. Alderman Krause does not feel that everything is addressed in regards to the zoning code.

Alderwoman Grant asked if the group had to come back if they found a differently zoned building.

Steve Stricklan provided insight saying that the property is zoned residential and requires a special use permit to move forward.

Alderman Morrison commented that zoning is promise made to the residents.

Expectations are to keep the zoning residential. He said he would support the residents. Alderwoman Grant hopes they can get a long-term space on campus.

Alderman Burns commented he would not like this in his neighborhood.

Alderman Krause stressed that not all of the zoning code requirements have been met. Alderwoman Miracle recognizes the importance of a community within the school. However, the residents have spoken.

Roll Call: Seven Nays with Aldermen Warren, Grant, Farrar, Burns, Miracle, Morrison and Krause voting nay. Motion denied.

Administrative & Community Services Committee will meet on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Old Business 

New Business 

Closed Session 

Motion by Krause to enter into Closed Session at 8:06 p.m. to discuss one item regarding Executive Session: Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the use of the Public Body pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:08 p.m.

Motion by Krause, second by Grant to end closed session and reconvene council meeting.

Council reconvened at 9:17 p.m.

Action Taken on Executive Session Items 

None

There being no further action required, Council adjourned at 9:17 p.m. with a motion by Krause and second by Morrison.

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07182023-3068