Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Downtown Belleville Development Commission met Oct. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

COMMISSION MEMBERS: 

Mayor Patty Gregory Present

Dr. Mary Stiehl, Alderwoman-Ward 6, Chairwoman Present

Steve Hemmer Present

Chuck Blanquart Present

Brett Baltz Excused

Zach Bair Present

Jennaver Brown Present

Andria Powell Excused

Amber Weiss Present

GUEST ALDERMAN/ELECTED OFFICIALS: None

STAFF: 

Cliff Cross, Director, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Department 

Kathy Kaiser, Director of Public Relations, Communications & Marketing 

Penny Moore, Coordinator, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Department 

Kerrie Freeman, Secretary, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning Department

GUESTS: Michael Hagberg, Courtney Adams, Bennie Parr, Dave Schoenborn

The meeting of the Downtown Belleville Development Commission (DBDC) held at the City Hall, second floor conference room, located at 101 South Illinois, Belleville, IL, 62220 began as scheduled at 4:00 PM.

Alderwoman, Dr. Mary Stiehl, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order after declaring that there was a quorum. After introducing the members, staff, elected officials, and guests present, emergency procedures were explained. (4:00 PM)

Chairwoman Stiehl asked if there were any corrections to be noted for the September 25, 2023 meeting minutes. No changes were made. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Zach Bair and was seconded by Steve Hemmer. The minutes were approved with all present members voting in the affirmative, by a vote of 7-0. (4:01 PM)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Treasurer's Report:

Jennaver Brown mentioned the budget to her knowledge looks correct. It is attached to the packet for everyone to look over as well. Ms. Brown wanted to confirm when the fiscal year ends. (4:01 PM) 

Mr. Cross confirmed the end of the fiscal year is before May. (4:01 PM)

B. Mayor's Report:

Mayor Gregory mentioned that she is excited for potential items coming downtown and all over the city. (4:02 PM)

Mr. Cross mentioned there are some developments in the work that may bring mixed use and residential. (4:02 PM)

Dicsussion of parking garages occurred. (4:03 PM)

Discussion of developers from Chicago occurred. (4:04 PM)

Discussion of parking garages occurred again. (4:05 PM)

OLD BUSINESS: 

A. Sub-Committee Updates:

Zach Bair mentioned they are working on a proper meeting with the Kiosks company, Jason Poole, and the subcommittee. Making sure the kiosks benefit downtown and that the aesthetic matches as well. Working on funding ideas and maintenance upkeep. Also involves Belleville Main Street Committee and making sure the downtown events can be updated on the kiosks too. (4:07 PM)

Dave Schoenborn mentioned that he contacted Geri Boyer, and she was going to get a free birds eye view for the scope of the project and how to plan from there. It will help with expansion and safety for the consumers. (4:09 PM)

Discussion of the current lighting poles occurred. (4:10 PM)

Mr. Cross mentioned letting the outside party provide a free design or sketch and then being able to revise as needed for the scope of the project is a start and can form into a real-world plan. Could have the whole project as one (1) RFP or separate them into two (2) RFPs. (4:11 PM)

Jennaver Brown asked this project could expand the SSA for taxation and keep the tax levy in place. (4:13 PM)

Mr. Cross mentioned that this project could potentially be used as a match for a grant. If you have a plan, it will make your application more competitive in applying for a grant. (4:14 PM)

Discussion of the GIS system working with the kiosks occurred. (4:15 PM)

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE: 

Kathy Kaiser asked if the logo we talked about is okay because it is exactly the same as the City of Belleville Department logos. Several members of the committee agreed it was okay. (4:17 PM)

Mr. Cross mentioned the Economic Development Strategy is progressing and the final draft will be ready on December 6th and presented at the Economic Development and Annexation Committee for the consultants to present. This session will be for final comments and review. Would like to have it adopted by 2024 and then start to generate the work plans off of that and have ready for the fiscal year of 2024-2025. (4:20 PM)

Discussion of the City Market occurred. Mayor Gregory mentioned we are waiting on the grant paperwork, but we were granted to receive four hundred, twenty-four thousand, and eighty four (424, 084) dollars. (4:21 PM)

Mayor Gregory mentioned working on a project with Parks and Recreation called Woofstock festival. Looking at dates in April. Mayor mentioned working with Purina to help with the festival as well. (4:23 PM)

Discussion of the fencing for the festival occurred. (4:25 PM)

Discussion of cameras being placed downtown occurred. (4:26 PM)

ADJOURNMENT: 

A motion to adjourn was made by Chuck Blanquart. It was seconded by Steve Hemmer. All present members voted in the affirmative by a vote of 7-0. (4:26 PM)

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10232023-3114