City of Edwardsville City Council met Sept. 19.
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 Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns answered present on roll call. Alderwoman Warren was absent-excused.
Mayor Risavy welcomed everyone in attendance and those viewing on Facebook Live to the meeting.
Special Recognition/Proclamations/Oaths
Mayor Risavy announced the Employee Excellence Award recipient, Desiree Gerber, Executive Assistant. He read information from the nomination. Desiree was nominated by Catherine Keck in the HR Department. Ms. Gerber is critical to all workings of the department heads for the City. Ms. Gerber goes above and beyond when citizens call the Mayor's office. Mayor Risavy thanked Ms. Gerber for all of her help. Several elected and appointed officials thanked Ms. Gerber for her extraordinary efforts.
Mayor Risavy opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Eight public comments were made. The first public comment was Stephanie Malench. Ms. Malench spoke in favor of the tax for public safety and green space.
The second public comment was Toni Opit. The Opit's have lived in Edwardsville for twenty-five years. Toni spoke regarding the sales tax increase. Toni spoke about land and green space as a land ethic. Ms. Opit provided examples of using the land and the importance of treating our land with care. She reported that Madison County has an unusually high childhood asthma rate. She supports the tax increase for use in greenspace.
The third public comment was by Michael Mulligan. Dr. Michael Mulligan has lived in Edwardsville since 1989. He spoke on behalf of the sales tax increase. He said one of the biggest health issues for children is depression and anxiety. He commented that green space is what is best for children.
The fourth public comment was by Alan Vest. Mr. Vest spoke regarding his property. Mr. Vest referenced his yard violating an ordinance. Mr. Vest is attempting to grow native plants in his yard. He was told he was not compliant and told he had to clear out the yard. Mr. Vest considers his yard part of Pollinator Pathway. Mr. Vest was told he was not maintaining or managing the plants in his yard. He commented that he is open and willing to modify.
The fifth public comment was by Sarah Cundiff. Ms. Cundiff spoke in favor of the Home Rule Tax increase to fund greenspace. She came as a citizen and a mother. She commented that the greenspace is for our children and us today and tomorrow.
The sixth public comment was by Michael Katich. Mr. Katich spoke in favor of the sales tax increase. He is involved in the Cool Cities Committee for the City of Edwardsville. He loves the parks in town and thinks we could use more. Edwardsville has 3% of land used for public parks. The median across the US for towns over 14,000 is 15%. Edwardsville is definitely on the low side. The tax increase can help increase the green space. Additional public lands and parks need to be set aside now. Mr. Katich proposed the city buying an increase amount of land for greenspace.
The seventh public comment was by Colin Brandt. Mr. Brandt skateboards and owns a skateboard shop in Leclaire. He is requesting that Edwardsville build a skate park. He said skateboarding the third most commonly reported interest for high school and middle school students. That age group is the second largest demographic in Edwardsville. Mr. Brandt commented if you want to skate, you need to go to Troy or O'Fallon. The benefits of having a skate park would be great! He said skateboarding brings people from all ages and backgrounds. Skateboarding is an outside sport and this supports kids being outside.
Mayor Risavy inadvertently skipped over one public comment. Council went back to Public Comment after the Consent Agenda. The eighth public comment was by Jake Essner. Mr. Essner came forward to speak regarding the green space sales tax. He feels this is a big step forward for Edwardsville. He said he would like to see green space on the north side of town. Mr. Essner also proposed more bike trails to connect parks.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Risavy read Consent Agenda items as follows:
• Approval of minutes of Council Meeting on September 05, 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 - $1,474,081.96
• 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 Krause, seconded by Morrison to approve the Consent Agenda presented.
Roll Call on Consent Agenda: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Petitions and Communications
None
Legislative & Executive
Motion by Morrison, second by Burns to approve a Class C plus catering, retail sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises as well as retail sale of packaged liquor to go. Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery, Tamara Keefe, 6185 Bennett Drive, Suite A, Edwardsville IL.62025
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Legal & Judicial
None
City Clerk
None
Finance Committee
Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held on August 29, 2023 presented for information and file.
Motion by Burns, second by Krause for approval of Claims with the amounts $1,299,726.11 and Friday checks are $243,663.91, $8,903.12, $320.37 and $38.87 for a grand total of $1,552,652.38
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Burns, second by Farrar to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Unbudgeted Personnel Addition for the Fire Department.
Alderman Burns commented the Fire Department would hire an Assistance Fire Chief. Chief James Whiteford came forward and described the position. He said thy will be doing education, inspections and still be available as response personnel.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Public Safety Committee meeting held on August 08, 2023 presented for information and file.
Motion by Farrar, second by Miracle for Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to apply for the Illinois Office of the Attorney General for the FY2024 Organized Retail Crime Grant and approving the Mayor to enter into the Award Agreement. Alderman Farrar said the grant would be used to fight retail crime, office training, overtime detail and technology. He said this would be great if the city wins the grant.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Alderman Farrar presented information on the 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for $305,910.00 of which 10% ($27,810.00) is matched by the City was awarded to the Fire Department for information and file.
Public Safety Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 26, 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 August 08, 2023 presented for information and file.
Motion by Morrison, second by Miracle for approval of a Sole Source Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Bulk LA Rock Salt from Gunter Salt Company in the estimated amount of $155,250.00.
Alderman Morrison commented this is a standard quarterly purchase for the water treatment plant.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Morrison, second by Miracle for approval of a Resolution of Financial Commitment and Support for the Center Grove Road Share Use Path from the Route 66 Shared Use Path to Edwardsville High School for the Safe Routes to Schools Grant. Alderman Morrison commented this would authorize staff to apply for grant. The path will go over to Edwardsville High School tunnel.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Alderman Morrison presented a Change Order #2 for the IL 159 Shared Used Trail Phase 1 & 2 in the decreased amount of $2,036.76 for information and file.
Public Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 26, 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 August 30, 2023 presented for information and file
Motion by Grant, second by Krause to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 106 (Taxation) Section 106-326 of the Codified Ordinances of Edwardsville, Illinois (Municipal Hotel/Motel Tax).
Alderwoman Grant commented the allocation change would allow more flexibility in spending.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Krause to approve an Ordinance Amending Chapter 106, Article III and Article V of the Codified Ordinances of Edwardsville, Illinois (Home Rule Sales Tax). 4| Page
Alderwoman Grant commented regarding the support. She said the people have spoken. Mayor Risavy commented that after discussion with Aldermen and the community he feels this make sense. The City of Edwardsville needs to take action on greenspace acquisition. Alderman Burns thanked Alderman Morrison for moving this forward. Alderman Morrison said this provides funding for public safety pension and greenspace/capital projects. He commented that we could make quality of life enhancements to Edwardsville.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Krause to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Public Hearing Date for the 400 North Main Business District Redevelopment Plan and Project within the City of Edwardsville, Illinois.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Krause to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Sign Variance for the installation of a Mural at 246 North Main Street.
Alderwoman Grant commented this is an SIUE mural downtown. Mayor Risavy commented that SIUE has been very active in the community. He is excited about the relationship between the City of Edwardsville and SIUE. Alderwoman Grant said the project would start soon. Alderman Burns said the mural would have a graffiti proof finish.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Grant, second by Krause to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Application for 2023 Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Funds.
Alderwoman Grant said this is for New Poag Prairie. The City has applied for two grants for the property and is hoping to get one.
Roll Call: Six Ayes with Aldermen Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Grant, Farrar and Burns voting aye. Motion carried.
Alderwoman Grant presented the minutes from the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee from August 02, 2023 for information and file.
Administrative & Community Services Committee will meet on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Old Business
Mayor Risavy commented on how great the Edwardsville Symphony performance was. In addition, the Nickel Plate Station Dedication was fun!
Alderman Morison thanked the Edwardsville Children's Museum and the Edwardsville Community Foundation for their work on the exhibit.
New Business
Mayor Risavy announced several upcoming events:
The Edwardsville Art Fair
History Walk on Main Street
Closed Session
Motion by Burns to enter into Closed Session at 7:480 p.m. to discuss two items 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 7:52 p.m.
Motion by Grant, second by Miracle to end closed session and reconvene council meeting.
Council reconvened at 8:29 p.m.
Action Taken on Executive Session Items
Motion by Grant, second by Burns to approve a Resolution Authorizing the signing of a gift agreement between the City of Edwardsville and Robert L. Plummer, contingent on omitting Section 8.
There being no further action required, Council adjourned at 8:31 p.m. with a motion by Krause and second by Miracle.
https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09192023-3136
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