Metro East Sun

City of Fairview Heights Operations Committee met Jan. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members in attendance - Aldermen Josh Frawley - video/teleconference, Anthony LeFlore, Brenda Wagner, Harry Zimmerman, Bill Poletti - video/teleconference

Committee Members absent-None

Other Aldermen and Elected Officials in attendance - Mayor Mark Kupsky, Aldermen Frank Menn, Ryan Vickers - video/teleconference, Barb Brumfield, Pat Peck, Denise Williams

Staff in attendance - City Attorney Andrew Hoerner, Finance Director Gina Rader - video/teleconference, IT Associate Director Chris Elliott- video/teleconference, Police Chief Steve Johnson, Public Works Director John Harty

Recorder - Jill Huffman

Public Participation

None

Approval of Minutes, December 13, 2023

Motion and second to approve minutes were made by Aldermen Wagner/Zimmerman. Roll call vote: Aldermen Frawley - yes, Leflore - yes, Wagner - yes, Zimmerman - yes, Poletti - yes.

Motion carried.

Law Enforcement Committee

Alderman Josh Frawley, Chairman

STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Chief of Police presented his written report to the elected officials for their review.

Alderman Peck questioned the K9 officer's resignation and the return of the dog to the trainer.

She questioned, when a new dog arrives, will there be a cost to which the Chief stated there will be a significant reduction in cost. The Chief stated that the next set of training will be free and they are determining the kind of dog and a new handler. Alderman Peck questioned if the dog did not work out to which the Chief relayed there were a combination of reasons. The Chief stated that the dog will not go to another police department but will become a pet. The Mayor explained that the City will be getting a new dog assigned to a K9 officer. Alderman Brumfield asked how a handler is selected to which the Chief stated that officers, within the department, apply to become a K9 officer and should be an experienced officer. Alderman Zimmerman questioned the possibility of an employment commitment with the police department being signed by the K9 officer since they are working with the City's dog? The Chief replied that officers do sign commitments when receiving certain types of training and education, but this situation was not expected. This situation would be negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement.

Alderman Wagner commended the Chief on the publicity showing good things that police officers do; the community side of the police force. The Chief stated that the force helps many more people than the force arrests.

Public Works Committee

Alderman Bill Poletti, Chairman

MFT MAINTENANCE RESOLUTION

The Director of Public Works presented the annual Motor Fuel Tax resolution to Committee.

Through this resolution street materials are purchased and approximately $340,000.00 of paid labor.

Motion and second to forward to City Council with the recommendation of approval the Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code for maintenance in the amount of $865,013.00 by Aldermen Wagner/LeFlore. Roll call vote showed Aldermen Frawley - yes, LeFlore - yes, Wagner - yes, Zimmerman - yes, Poletti - yes. Motion carried.

STONEWOLF RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION - ENTRANCE MEDIAN ISLAND

The Director of Public Works explained that at the entrance to the Stonewolf Subdivision a median island exists within the City's right-of-way. The guard shack was removed from the island and a monument sign erected. It is the Director's belief that the City should vacate this island and convey it to the Stonewolf Subdivision's Homeowners Association.

Motion and second to forward to City Council with the recommendation of approval the right-of-way vacation plat and legal description for the median island located at the entrance to the Stonewolf Subdivision by Aldermen Wagner/Zimmerman. Roll call vote showed Aldermen Frawley - yes, LeFlore - yes, Wagner - yes, Zimmerman - yes, Poletti - yes. Motion carried.

CIP PRIORITY LIST

Discussed that Judy Lane (Ward 4) will remain as Item 6 on the Minor Projects list of the Capital Improvement Priority List. The Director of Public Works relayed that the project for Ward 5, listed at Item 11, Windy Lane/Pinewood, could easily be handled under the Asphalt Overlay program, which could be discussed at budget review.

Alderman Zimmerman questioned how much is budgeted in the Asphalt Overlay program to which the Director replied $400,000.00 is in the current budget. Traditionally, $200,000.00 is budgeted. The Council approved an increased budget for this year since the overlay program was not utilized for a couple of years. If the fund allows, the Director believes it is a good idea to again budget $400,000.00 for the next budget year.

Alderman Poletti stated he supports the decision to handle Item 11, Windy Lane/Pinewood (Ward 5), under the Asphalt Overlay program, however, requests it remain as Item 11 under the Minor Projects list.

The Mayor discussed in conversation with the Transit District Chairman, there are obtainable grants for bike trails. They are currently working on land acquisition for the trail coming north on Old Collinsville Road to Ashland Avenue, which will be let for construction. Another trail will be from Ashland Avenue proceeding west to Longacre Drive, and one from Union Hill Road to St. Clair Road on old trolley lines.

The Mayor stated that ultimately, and of importance, is to have the trail go to the REC, of which the City missed a grant by one point. He stated that if engineering is complete for the project, it helps with potential funding.

The current bridge over 1-64 will not facilitate a bike trail according to State standards - IDOT owns the bridge. A bike path would need to be located next to the bridge which would be a $1 million project. The Transit District is requesting that the City fund $150,000.00 for engineering.

The Transit District would be responsible for $250,000.00, and also perhaps the County contributing to the engineering cost. The Mayor questioned the Director of Public Works if this is covered under Item 1) Bike Trails on the Joint Projects list of the Capital Improvements Priority List to which the Director confirmed. The Mayor stated that at the new budget discussions, he will request that the Director of Public Works include funding for the engineering of the bridge.

The Mayor stated the Transit District has another option to cross over 1-64 near O'Fallon to connect trails, but will not access the REC. The Mayor stated he envisions if a bridge is built over 1-64 to access the REC, at some point the trail can be extended down Bunkum Road and tie in at Collinsville and the Madison County trail system.

Alderman Menn stated that the construction of a bike trail bridge over 1-64 would increase safety as the Bunkum Road sidewalk is walked and biked frequently and there is approximately a one-foot drop from the sidewalk to the road. Alderman Wagner stated that there are many children that walk on the bridge's sidewalk.

The Director discussed that Item 12 should be eliminated as there are two projects for each ward (5 wards) and one project for the Mayor resulting in 11 project places on the Minor Projects list. The Mayor stated to keep Item 12 open on the list in case there is a potential project between now and budget review.

Motion and second to forward to City Council with the recommendation of approval the Capital Improvement Plan Priority List for 2023, as presented, by Aldermen Wagner/LeFlore.

Discussion: Questioned if the year should be 2024. The Director of Public Works stated, by Ordinance, CIP discussion is November of each odd year. Discussion was in November, 2023.

Roll call vote showed Aldermen Frawley - yes, LeFlore - yes, Wagner - yes, Zimmerman - yes, Poletti - yes. Motion carried.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT/PROJECT UPDATES

The Director of Public Works presented his written report to the elected officials for their review.

The Director of Public Works added that the advertisement for the vehicle auction will be listed in the Belleville News-Democrat this Sunday and bids will be opened on February 8.

Alderman Peck questioned the term planholders to which the Director replied that they are prospective bidders on a project.

The Mayor commended Public Works on a great job in maintaining the streets during winter storms and assuring the fleet is ready to respond.

The Mayor mentioned that Public Works has a number of major projects this year. The Director of Public Works mentioned five projects, namely, Fairview Hills Street Improvements, Marketplace Phases 2 and 3 Landscape and Lighting, Marketplace Phase 3 (hardscape), Longacre Drive Overlay, and perhaps Lincoln Highway Overlay from Barnes and Noble to Old Collinsville Road.

Motion to adjourn by Aldermen Wagner/LeFlore. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment 7:36 p.m. 

https://www.cofh.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02142024-1717