Metro East Sun

City of Belleville City Council met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Gregory called this meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

City Clerk Gain Meyer called roll. Members present on roll call: Alderperson Whitaker, Alderperson Duco, Alderperson Eros, Alderperson Anthony, Alderperson Ovian, Alderperson Dintelman, Alderperson Schaefer, Alderperson Stiehl, Alderperson Rothweiler, Alderperson Elmore, 

Alderperson Weygandt, Alderperson Sullivan, Alderperson Osthoff. 

Excused: Alderperson Schneider, Alderperson Randle, Alderperson Ferguson. 

ROLL CALL DEPARTMENT HEADS 

City Clerk Gain Meyer called roll of Department Heads: City Treasurer, Sarah Biermann; City Attorney Hoerner; Police Chief, Matt Eiskant; Fire Chief, Stephanie Mills; Finance Director, Jamie Maitret; Director of Public Works, Jason Poole; Director of Wastewater, Randy Smith; Library Director, Leander Spearman; Interim Director of IT, Ty Buckner; City Engineer, Scott Saeger; Director of Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, Clifford Cross; Director of Human Resources, William Clay; Director of Maintenance, Mike Schaefer; Director of Recreation, Don LaChance. 

Excused: Director of Health, Housing & Building, Scott Tyler 

PLEDGE

None. 

PUBLIC HEARING

None. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS & APPOINTMENTS 

Recognition of the character word of the month "Trustworthiness" Truthfulness in Words and Actions. Being honest and reliable in words and actions. 

Mayor Gregory read a proclamation in recognition of the 90th Anniversary of the Belleville VFW Post 1739 

Mayor Gregory read a proclamation in recognition of Black History Month 

Presentation of check from the Belleville Marathon to Belleville Parks and Recreation Department 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Alderperson Schaefer made a motion second by Alderperson Weygandt to approve the City Council Minutes of January 16, 2024. 

All members voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

CLAIMS, PAYROLL AND DISBURSEMENTS 

Alderperson Whitaker made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of $1,752,557.24and payroll in the amount of $996,628.10. 

Members voting aye on roll call: Whitaker, Duco, Eros, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff. (13) 

Motion carries. 

REPORTS 

Alderperson Rothweiler made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve Treasurer Report December 2023 and a motion to approve Statement of Cash and Investments Report - December 2023 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

ORAL REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND ANY OTHER ORAL REPORTS FROM THE ELECTED OFFICIALS OR STAFF 

BOARD OF POLICE & FIRE COMMISSIONERS 

Alderperson Anthony made a motion second by Alderperson Eros to approve hiring Caterina Ritchey as Probationary Police Officer (lateral hire) effective, Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 12:01am 

Members voting aye on roll call: Duco, Eros, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff, Whitaker. (13) 

Motion carries. 

ORDINANCE & LEGAL REVIEW 

Alderperson Stiehl made a motion second by Alderperson Elmore to amend Title XI (Business Regulations), Chapter 115 (Itinerant Merchants, Mobile Commerce Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors) Section 115.02 (License Requirement and Conditions) to increase Solicitor Licenses to $200 beginning May 1, 2024 

Alderperson Elmore: In discussion in Legal & Ordinance we encourage residents and hopefully the Alderpersons here can encourage their constituents to place No Soliciting signs if they don't want people knocking on their doors. That is the best defense. 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

ADMINISTRATION 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the following: 

Motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Cities of East St Louis, Belleville, and County of St. Clair for the 2023 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant 

(JAG) Program Award 

Motion to approve temporary traffic control measures of the first block of North and South First Street and first and second block of West Washington; to include temporary lane closures, two-way traffic, and no parking as necessary through August 2025 for planned improvements to the St. Clair County Administration Building at 10 Public Square 

Motion to approve a proposal with Hank's Excavating in the amount of $9,150.00 for the demolition of 507 North 6th Street. 

Members voting aye on roll call: Eros, Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Elmore, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff, Whitaker, Duco. (13) 

Motion carries. 

STREETS & GRADES 

Alderperson Dintelman made a motion second by Alderperson Eros authorizing the sale/conversion of multiple vehicles, mowers, sod cutter and a road maintainer from the Public Works Department 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 

50-SEP19 ROGER RODDY: Request for a Special Use Permit to expand upon the existing "Outdoor Storage" operations to allow for operational motor vehicle storage at 2020 North Belt West (08-17.0- 202-001) located in a "C-2” Heavy Commercial District. (Applicable sections of the Zoning Code: 162.248, 162.515) Ward 3. Zoning Board of Appeals recommended Approval, with a vote of 6-0 

65-JAN24 FAMILY DOLLAR, LLC (DBA: FAMILY DOLLAR STORE 31783): Request for a Special Use Permit for a "Class C" liquor license at 1609 West Main Street, Unit A (08-21.0-322-007) located in a "C-2" Heavy Commercial District. (Applicable sections of the Zoning Code: 162.248, 162.515) Ward 2. Zoning Board of Appeals recommended APPROVAL, in the Name of the Applicant Only, with a vote of 5-1 

66-JAN24 YAOHUA YIN: Request for a Use Variance to establish and operate a "Massage Store" at 3200 West Main Street (08-17.0-308-016) located in a "C-1" Light Commercial District (Applicable sections of the Zoning Code: 162.232, 162.233, 162.570) Ward 3. Zoning Board of Appeals recommended APPROVAL, in the Name of the Applicant Only, with a vote of 6-0 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the Zoning requests as read. 

Alderperson Ovian: On 11-E(3) I was just wondering if, cause I noticed where they were approved in Wisconsin, are they now licensed in the State of Illinois? 

Director of Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, Clifford Cross: Yes, they actually are. That is a question that came up during the meeting that they were licensed in the State of Illinois. 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

COMMUNICATIONS 

HOME BUILDERS REMODELING ASSOCIATION 

Request from Home Builders Remodelers Association to place street banners along North Illinois Street, West Main Street and East Main Street, February 23, 2024 through March 11, 2024 for the Home Builders Remodeling Expo 

FIRE DEPARTMENT BLOOD DRIVE – 03/14/2024. 

Request from Belleville Fire Department to host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 12:30pm to 5:30pm at Engine House #4 (1125 South Illinois Street) 

ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE - 03/16/2024 

Request from the Ancient Order of Hibernians to host the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 16, 2024, 11:00am to 1:00pm. Street closure request: parade line-up North 3rd Street from West "A" Street to West "C" Street, 9:00am to 1:00pm. Parade rolling route closure 3rd Street to West Main east to Oak Street. Additional City services: trash toters, barricades, "No Parking" signage, clean-up, and personnel 

PSOP SENIOR CELEBRATION – 05/03/2024 

Request from PSOP to host Senior Celebration, Friday, May 3, 2024, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Street Closure: North Church Street (between East "B" and East "C"), Municipal Parking Lot corner of North Jackson and East "B", 7:30am to 3:30pm. Additional City services: "No Parking" signage, barricades, trash toters, BBQ grill and volunteers. 

EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC ROW - 05/11/2024 and 09/07/2024. 

Request from Venue on Main to host Experience Live Music Row, Saturday, May 11, 2024, and September 7, 2024, 11:00am to 11:59pm. Street closure: first block of South Second to West Washington Street, 10:00am to 11:59pm. Additional City services: picnic tables, "No Parking” signage and trash toters. 

ART ON THE SQUARE – 05/17/2024 thru 05/19/2024 

Request from Art on the Square to hold Art on the Square, Friday, May 17, 2024 (4:00pm to 9:00pm), Saturday, May 18, 2024 (10:00am to 7:00pm with a private party for the Artists 7:00pm to 9:00pm) and Sunday, May 19, 2024 (11:00am to 5:00pm). Street closure request: Public Square, one block east, west, north and south, Thursday, May 16, 2024, 8:00am to Sunday, May 19, 2024, 11:00pm. Additional City services: barricades, picnic tables, trash toters, "No Parking" signage, electrical panels, City staff, possible use of City Hall Atrium for High School Exhibit and banner across North Illinois Street 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE - 05/27/2024 

Request from City of Belleville to hold the Belleville Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27, 2024, 10:00am to 11:00am. Street closure request: North 3rd Street from West "A" Street to Hough Park, 9:00am to 11:00am. Parade route rolling closure, 10:00am to 11:00am. Additional City services: barricades, "No Parking" signage, Port-a-Potties, clean-up, Police and Public Works personnel 

CITY HALL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE - 05/29/2024 

Request from City of Belleville to host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 12:00pm to 4:00pm, City Hall Atrium 

OKTOBERFEST - 09/20/2024 and 09/21/2024 

Request from the Belleville Oktoberfest Committee to hold Oktoberfest, Friday, September 20, 2024, 11:00am to 10:00pm and Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00am to 9:00pm. Street closure requests: Thursday, September 19, 2024, West Main Street from Illinois Street to east side of 1st Street; West Main Street from west side of 1st Street to east side of 2nd Street, 10:00am; first block north, south and east of Public Square and East Main Street from east side of High Street to the west side of Church Street; North and South Jackson to parking lot entrances, 5:00pm. Streets re-open Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:00am. Car Show street closure: East Main Street from west side of Church Street to east side of Charles Street, including the first block north and south of Church Street to alley/parking lot entrances Saturday, September 21, 2024, 6:00am to 6:00pm. Additional City services: barricades, Personnel, "No Parking" signage, trash toters, chalets, electric and picnic tables. Request for food trucks, up to 50 streetlight pole banners and banners across West Main, East Main, North Illinois 

BELLEVILLE MARATHON/HALF MARATHON - 09/28/2024 

Request from Belleville Running Club & Toolen's Running Start to host the Belleville Main Street Marathon/Half Marathon, Saturday, September 28, 2024, 7:00am to 2:00pm. Street closure request: West Main Street from Illinois Street to crosswalk between 2nd & 3rd Street, 4:30am to 3:00pm. First Street to be accessible to courthouse employee(s). 3rd Street to 17th Street, 7:00am to 7:30am; South 95th Street from West Main to entrance of Signal Hill Blvd, 7:00am to 9:00am. Additional City services: trash toters, port-a-potties, personnel, picnic tables, electric, "No Parking" signage, “Race in Progress" signage, cones, fire truck with flag and radios 

PRIDEFEST - 10/05/2024 

Request from Metro East Pride to host PrideFest Saturday, October 5, 2024, 12:00pm to 10:00pm. Street closure request: Public Square, quadrants and one block north, south, east, and west; West Main from west side of 1st Street to 3rd Street, first block of North and South 2nd Street, Friday, October 4, 2024 5:00pm to 11:59pm Saturday, October 5, 2024. Additional City services: toters, electric, Police and Public Works Personnel, “No Parking" signs, Pride flags installed week of PrideFest and month of Pride (June) 

CHILI COOK-OFF – 10/11/2024 and 10/12/2024 

Request from Belleville Chamber of Commerce to hold the Chili Cook-Off, Friday, October 11, 2024 (11:00am to 10:00pm) and Saturday, October 12, 2024, (11:00am to 9:00pm). Street closure requests: Public Square one block north, south, and west; East Main Street from Illinois Street to the west side of Church Street; 5:00pm Thursday, October 10, 2024 until 12:01am Sunday, October 13, 2024. Additional City services: picnic tables, barricades, trash toters, Personnel, “No Parking” signage and electric. Banner across East/West Main Street 

CHILI CHASE 5K AND KIDS PEPPER DASH - 10/12/2024 

Request from Belleville Chamber of Commerce to hold the Chili Chase 5K & Kids Pepper Dash, Saturday, October 12, 2024, 9:00am to 11:00am. Street closure request: North and South Church from alley to alley, East Main Street from Church Street to Charles Street; 7:00am to 11:00am. Additional City services: barricades, "No Parking" signage and Police Personnel 

ART & WINE WALK – 11/09/2024 

Request from Belleville Main Street to change the date of the Art & Wine Walk, Saturday, November 9, 2024, 3:00pm to 7:00pm 

THANKSGIVING 5K TURKEY CHASE-11/28/2024 

Request from the Belleville Township Ice Hockey Club to hold the Thanksgiving 5k & Turkey Chase, Thursday, November 28, 2024, 8:00am to 10:15am. Street closure request: first block of West Main Street (159 to east side of First Street) and NW quadrant of Public Square; 6:00am to 10:15am; 5K route rolling street closure within city limits. Additional City services: barricades, "No Parking" signage, trash toters, cones, electric and Police Personnel 

CHRISTKINLDMARKT - 11/29/2024 thru 12/23/2024 

Request from BCEO to hold the Belleville Christkindlmarkt, Friday, November 29, 2024 (9:00am to 8:00pm) thru Monday, December 23, 2024; SE and NE quadrants of the Public Square. Thursdays thru Saturdays, 11:00am to 8:00pm, Sundays 11:00am to 6:00pm; Monday, December 23rd 11:00am to 5:00pm. Additional City services: chalets, trash toters, picnic tables, Port-a-Potties, water barriers, electric, vendor parking at City Hall and “No Parking" for trolley. Banner across West Main, East Main, and North Illinois 

OLD BELLEVILLE LUMINARY WALK – 12/14/2024 

Request from Gustav Koerner House, Belleville Historical Society, St Clair County Historical Society and Neighbors of Abend/Garfield Streets to host Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk, Saturday, December 14, 2024, 12:00pm to 9:00pm with Civil War Encampment at Koerner House for 10th Anniversary. Street closure request: East Garfield (Mascoutah Avenue to Abend alley), 12:00pm to 10:00pm; Abend (Mascoutah Avenue to Washington School parking lot entrance), 10:00am to 10:00pm. Additional City services: street sweeping, "No Parking" signage and barricades 

TOUCH A TRUCK – 04/20/2024. 

Request from Belleville Police Department to host Touch a Truck, Saturday, April 20, 2024, 11:00am to 3:00pm, Belleville Police Department Parking Lot (720 West Main Street). Additional City services: Personnel and barricades 

MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY - 09/11/2024 

Request from the September 11th Memorial Committee and City of Belleville to host the Moment of Remembrance Ceremony, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 11:30am to 12:30pm. Additional City services: barricades, chairs, and Personnel. 

Alderperson Whitaker made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the Communications as read. 

Alderperson Eros: I just have a question, with the emails that we have gotten with some issues, I just kept thinking about, and I couldn't come up with the date or the meeting and frankly, I just didn't have the time to. Didn't we talk about something maybe a year or two ago about how many closures that we were going to allow downtown so as to not have an over amount for the downtown businesses where we are closing those downtown. Did we talk about that? 

Alderperson Rothweiler: It wasn't publicly talked about, I had a meeting last year with Metro East Pride. There were some concerns last year about closing East Main down, but they went all the way down East Main last year. The Board promised last year they would go back to West Main, in this year 2024, and that is what they are doing and that is what it is in here, they went back. In order to block the square, I had this discussion with Jenny earlier, they have to stop it at High Street to block the square, there is no relative alternative to that, although, the barricades to that to my understanding can be placed such so that people can get local traffic in there if needed to deliver. The concerns were from last year, were Blanquart's Jewelers and the Lincoln Theatre about that second block, that will not be blocked this year only the first block will be blocked this year. 

Alderperson Eros: I am all for it, I mean, there was just, I just kept thinking didn't we talk about something. 

Alderperson Whitaker: We did have a conversation as it related to outdoor bands, and it was specifically on High Street there was a request for like seven weekends to close High Street and Ben Franklins. 

Alderperson Eros: Is that what it was, okay. 

Alderperson Whitaker: Ben Franklin came forward and asked us to limit the times that we have them close later on a Saturday versus being closed all day on a Saturday. I think that was the issue. 

Alderperson Eros: Gotcha ya, that is what I was thinking of. I just kept thinking like, didn't we talk about something and does that have, I mean we are wonderful and we do host a lot of festivals and I know it affects those downtown businesses, at what point does it become too much, I guess is my question. 

Mayor Gregory: Actually, they bring in a lot of economic development, all the events, and you know that. 

Alderperson Eros: I would think so too, but I - - - 

Mayor Gregory: A lot of times you can talk, I remember when Art on the Square first started, every one of the merchants that we talked to before it started, we made a decision not to block off their entry ways. The tents were always away, you could see the entry ways to all of the businesses. That is good for future reference. 

City Clerk Gain-Meyer: You can pretty much tell the organizations that it is their responsibility, that is why I always have them contact Belleville Main Street. I will send Belleville Main Street a listing every time we take it to Council. It is the organization's responsibility to talk to the businesses to make sure and to work something out if there is a concern. 

Alderperson Eros: Thanks for that clarification, I am glad Bryan remembered. 

Alderperson Whitaker: I just had a question about something I heard Chris say, so are they having their event on West Main or on the Public Square? 

City Clerk Gain-Meyer: They have grown so large now, they are going to do the square, they will have the one block north, south, east, west and they will go down West Main to where they used to which was basically right in front of Governor French Academy at the crosswalk, but because of the nature of it, they have it worked out where the first block of East Main we have to have a barricade there, we just can't have traffic driving straight through, it is going to be a double barricade situation just like we had for Illinois American Water, where the local businesses will still be able to have access, they can go down and turn around, kind of provide a semi-circle for them. So, they will have the ability, so that first block they don't really need it, but for safety reasons we have to block it off. 

Alderperson Whitaker: I was just looking for the clarification because I heard they were going back to West Main but then I was wondering why we are blocking off the Public Square. 

Alderperson Rothweiler: Primary part will be on West Main as I understand it, and also, they are working with the businesses mentioned in the email, my understanding is they are talking to those two businesses to see what they can do to allay their concerns. 

City Clerk Gain Meyer: The other thing you need to realize too, is because First Street will have to be opened possibly on Saturdays for two-way traffic, because of the court and all the construction. First Street pretty much has been taken out of everybody's plans. A lot of times they will use First Street, South and North First Street, none of that will be available to them this year. 

Alderperson Rothweiler: Alderperson Elmore asked a question about High Street, High Street will be open. 

City Clerk Gain Meyer: High Street will be open. High Street is open for all events and only closed by Police Personnel based upon safety. 

All members voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

None. 

PETITIONS 

RESOLUTIONS 

Alderperson Schaefer made a motion second by Alderperson Eros to read Resolutions 3497, 3498, 3499, 3500, 3501, 3502, 3503, and 3504 by title only. 

All members present voted aye. 

RESOLUTION 3497 

A Resolution of Support for the City of Belleville Program Year 2024 Application for Community Development Block Grant Funding 

RESOLUTION 3498 

A Resolution of Local Funds Commitment for Preliminary Engineering of the State Street Sidewalk 

RESOLUTION 3499 

A Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close Route 159 for the St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday, March 16, 2024 

RESOLUTION 3500 

A Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close Route 159 for Art on the Square - Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19, 2024 

RESOLUTION 3501 

A Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close Route 159 for the Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 27, 2024 

RESOLUTION 3502 

A Resolution requesting permission from IDOT to close Route 159 for Oktoberfest, Thursday September 19, 2024 to Sunday September 22, 2024 

RESOLUTION 3503 

A Resolution Requesting Permission from IDOT to Close Route 159 for Metro East PrideFest - Friday, October 4, 2024 to Saturday, October 5, 2024 

RESOLUTION 3504 

A Resolution requesting permission from IDOT to close Route 159 for Chili Cook-Off, Thursday, October 10, 2024 to Sunday, October 13, 2024 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the resolution as read. 

Members voting aye on roll call: Anthony, Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff, Whitaker, Duco, Eros, Randle. (13) 

Motion carries. 

ORDINANCES 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to read Ordinance 9243, 9244, 9245, 9246 and 9247 by title only. 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

ORDINANCE 9243-2024 

An Ordinance Amending Title XI (Business Regulations), Chapter 115 (Itinerant Merchants, Mobile Commerce Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors), Section 1150.02 (License Requirements and Conditions) of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Belleville, as Amended 

ORDINANCE 9244-2024 

An Ordinance Authorizing Sale/Conversion of Personal Property (Exmark Mower, John Deere Mower, Toro Push Mowers(2), Ryan Sod Cutter, Cub Cadet Mower, 1968 Huber Road Maintainer, 1990 Chevy 3⁄4 Ton Pickup, 1994 Chevy 3/4 Ton Pickup, 1995 Chevy 1500 Pickup, 1997 Ford F150 Pickup, 1995 Intl Dump Truck and 1997 Intl Dump Truck from Public Works) 

ORDINANCE 9245-2024 

A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE #50-SEP19-Roger Roddy 

ORDINANCE 9246-2024 

A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE #65-JAN24-Family Dollar, LLC (DBA: Family Dollar Store 31783) 

ORDINANCE 9247-2024 

A ZONING ORDINANCE IN RE CASE #66-JAN24-Yaohua Jin 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the Ordinances as read. 

Members voting aye on roll call: Ovian, Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff, Whitaker, Duco, Eros, Randle, Anthony. (13) 

Motion carries. 

None. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

MISCELLANEOUS & NEW BUSINESS 

Alderperson Rothweiler made a motion second by Alderperson Elmore to pay the Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of $5,792.24. 

Members voting aye on roll call: Dintelman, Schaefer, Stiehl, Rothweiler, Weygandt, Sullivan, Osthoff, Whitaker, Duco, Eros, Randle, Anthony, Ovian. (13) 

Motion carries. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Alderperson Eros made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to go into executive session to discuss personnel, litigation, workers' compensation, property acquisition, transfer of property, (5 ILCS 120/2(c)) 

All members present voted aye. 

Motion carries. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION BEGAN:7:47 PM 

REGULAR SESSION RESUMED: 8:25 PM 

ADJOURNMENT 

Alderperson Schaefer made a motion second by Alderperson Eros to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. 

All members voted aye. 

Motion carries.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02052024-3176