Metro East Sun

City of Collinsville City Council met Nov. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Councilman Donna Green

Councilman David Jerome

Councilman Tony Hausmann

Councilman Tony Fuhrmann

Mayor Jeff Stehman

City Manager Derek Jackson

Corporate Counsel Steve Giacoletto

City Clerk Kim Wasser

A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Stehman called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

B. ROLL CALL

Also present: City Manager Derek Jackson, Corporate Counsel Steve Giacoletto, and City Clerk Kim Wasser.

Present: 5 - Councilman Tony Fuhrmann, Councilman Donna Green, Councilman David Jerome, Councilman Tony Hausmann, and Mayor Jeff Stehman

Absent: 0

C. INVOCATION

Delivered by Pastor David Amsden of Navigation Church.

D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS

1. Recognition of Retired Lieutenant Frank Arnold

Chief Bailot recognized Frank's many accomplishments over the years with the Fire Department and thanked him for his service. Mayor Stehman also thanked Frank for his years of service and congratulated him on his retirement.

F. BUSINESS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT

1. Public Hearing on Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2025

a. Open Public Hearing

b. Staff Report

c. Public Input

d. Adjourn Public Hearing

Mayor Stehman announced the opening of the public hearing.

Staff Report given by Finance Director Dustin Ziebold. He advised the notice for this public hearing was published in the newspaper on November 10, 2024 and the adoption of the 2025 Budget is scheduled for December 10, 2024. He gave an overview of the budget saying revenues are projected to increase close to inflation; however, the direction is to maintain conservative estimates and an unassigned fund balance (UFB) of 20%. He explained that expenses are not based on standardized CPI increase but rather a priority and performance based approach. He added that the City's conservative approach allows for preparation of potential recession. He confirmed that the budget is balanced. He mentioned a 5.4% increase in the tax levy to fund the required City's portion of the Public Safety Pension Contributions. He added that the City's General portion of the tax levy will be eliminated.

He highlighted the budget:

Total 2025 Budget - $86,831,174 (includes Fund Balance, Internal Transfers and other financing)

This represents a 11.25% decrease from 2024 Budget.

Use of $17,087,265 of UFB as carryover to finance pending 2024 projects

Capital Funds - $25,363.630 in expenditures

Grant Funding - $6,950,003 in grant revenues

Projected 2025 UFB (minimum of 20% per Council's approval)

General Fund - $7,680,289 (20%)

Water/Sewer Fund - $3,325,199 (22%)

He displayed data of revenues by fund type and source. He spoke of the need to increase Water and Wastewater Fees by 9% to recoup some of the increasing expenses associated. He mentioned a 23% increase in the cost of treatment chemicals and an increase in utility costs. He also gave a comparison of water rates with surrounding municipalities. He displayed data showing expenditures by type and category. He indicated operational expenses continue to increase due to inflation and mentioned determinating factors:

Personnel Costs - COLA, Work Comp and Benefits

Commodities - chemicals, fuel and maintenance supplies

Contractual - insurance and utilities

He mentioned carry over projects to include Fire Station #2, Solar Array Construction, as well as St.

Louis Rd. and Horseshoe Lake Rd. improvements.

Lastly, he gave an overview of projected fund balances:

2024 Projected Fund Balance - $36,254,059

2025 Revenues - $71,861,667

2025 Expenditures - $86,620,373

2025 Projected Fund Balance - $22,594,560

He asked for Council's input before bringing the final version of the 2025 Budget back to Council for approval on December 10, 2024.

Councilman Hausmann inquired of "other financing sources" as mentioned on page 3. Director Ziebold advised that typically indicates loans such as the EPA loan for the Bio-Solids project.

Mayor Stehman mentioned the lack of received funds for projects that were previously committed to by the State. Director Ziebold mentioned debt service payments are coming due on said project.

Public Input: None

Mayor Stehman announced adjournment of the public hearing.

2. Ordinance Amending Title 17 (Zoning) of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Collinsville, Illinois as it Relates to Single-Family Residential Lot Area Minimums

Senior Planner Caitlin Rice advised this amendment would revise the lot size minimums for R-1 and R-1A Single Family Residential zoned districts:

R-1 from 10,000 sf to 8,000 sf

R-1A from 6,000 sf to 5,000 sf

She advised staff is seeking to reduce the lot size to match current lot dimensions and potentially allow for new subdivisions.

She gave a minimum lot size comparison with that of Edwardsville and O'Fallon. She gave a breakdown of the number of parcels that would be impacted by the amendment. She mentioned the goals that would be achieved with the proposed text amendment.

Discussion was had by Council regarding the lot size text amendment for R-1A.

No action was taken.

This agenda item was no action taken.

3. Ordinance Amending Title 17 (Zoning) of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Collinsville, Illinois as it Relates to Tobacco Store Regulations

Ms. Rice advised the City has approved 7 Special Use Permits for tobacco related stores since 2020.

She advised there are 8 potentially active stores in the City with 6 confirmed to be open. She mentioned concerns regarding density of use and lack of supplementary regulations for reviewing Special Use Permits. She displayed an aerial view of the City depicting tobacco store locations. She outlined other municipalities and how they regulate tobacco stores. She mentioned case study regarding tobacco health impact on youth.

She outlined the proposed amendments:

Update definition of Tobacco Stores

Create supplementary regulations

Add distance requirements between stores and schools

Add cap number of 8 stores allow in the City

Uptown prohibition

Discussion was had regarding the proposed amendments.

No action was taken.

This agenda item was no action taken.

4. Ordinance Annexing Real Estate Owned by the Robert L. and Dorothy J. Fournie Revocable Trust for Property Located at the Intersection of Horseshoe Lake Road and McDonough Lake Road, PIN #13-1-21-19-00-000-008.004 and 13-1-21-20-00-000-013.001

Overview by Ms. Rice, who advised the property owner of PIN 13-1-21-19-00-000-008.004 and 13-1-21-00-000-013.001 (intersection of Horseshoe Lake Rd. and McDonough Lake Rd.) submitted a Petition to Annex into the City in order to allow for future development and dedication of right-of-way for road improvements. Upon annexation, the property will be zoned R-1 Single Family Residential. She submitted an annexation plat for reference.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Fuhrmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

5. Ordinance Rezoning Real Estate Owned by Shri Ram Enterprises Inc for Property Located at 552 Ramada Boulevard from "B-3" Expressway Service Commercial District to "P-B-3" Planned Expressway Service Commercial District

Associate Planner Joseph Williamson advised the owner of America's Best Value Inn, 552 Ramada Blvd. is seeking to rezone in order to allow for U-Haul truck and equipment rental. He advised that such business is permitted by right but Planned District zoning is necessary due to parking deviations.

He displayed Zoning and Future Land Use map as well as aerial view of the property. He further advised hotel parking requirements for this location is 99 spaces (1 parking space per room) plus 1 per full-time employee. Automotive leasing facilities require 3.5 spaces for every 1,000 sf of floor area of sales. This establishment is non-conforming as it currently only has 80 parking spaces (before designating spaces for rental equipment). He advised the applicant mentioned a verbal agreement with Denny's for shared use parking. He indicated the Planning Commission was recommending to allow for U-Haul rental at this location as long a no more than 10 parking spaces were used for such use, designated location of the U-Haul vehicles to be parked/stored at the rear of the building and no staging of equipment out front of the building.

A discussion was had regarding expanding a non-conforming use, limited parking and code requirements.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to deny. The motion failed by the following vote:

Aye: 0

Nay: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION

1. 2025 Capital Improvement Plan

City Manager Jackson gave an overview of the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2025. He explained what a capital improvement project is which includes infrastructure upgrades, facilities, equipment, and professional services for planning and designing. He indicated CIP projects are selected based on priorities (public health and safety concerns, legal requirements, necessary maintenance, operating budget and available funding, economic impact, established goals, as well as feedback from Council and the public.

He gave a summary of the proposed 2025 projects to include a total of 70 projects at a total of $24,486,522. He clarified that 23 of the 70 projects are carried over from 2024 at a cost of $21,789,500 since they are pending and in progress. He added that 103 mid-year review projects are being proposed at $11,361,900. He displayed a graph of projects by type and funding sources. He highlighted various CIP projects by Department:

City-Wide 6 projects (generator, solar arrays, security cameras) - $1.9 million

Fire

6 projects (Fire Station #2, ambulance, cardiac monitors, portable radios) - $8.1 million

Police

7 projects (vehicle, body and dash cameras, taser and firearms replacement) - $261,422

Parks and Recreation

Several facility repairs and equipment replacement projects - $939,000

Gateway Center

8 projects (HVAC replacement, lighting, sound system, tables/chairs replacement) - $507,000

Streets

Various infrastructure improvements and equipment replacement projects - $10 million

Water and Wastewater

6 projects (solar array, water main replacements, lift station upgrades) - $2.6 million

He asked for Council's input prior to submitting a final draft for approval at the December 10 Council meeting.

Brief discussion was had regarding the soil replacement at the baseball fields.

H. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR

None.

I. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAYOR

None.

J COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL MEMBERS

None.

K. COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - CITY STAFF

Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Caughran spoke of upcoming events:

Light Up Christmas Parade - December 7 at 5:30 pm

Aqua Park Season Passes on sale starting Black Friday

City Manager Jackson mentioned the C3 Community Awards event scheduled for December 4 at the Gateway Center.

L. CONSENT AGENDA

City Clerk Wasser read the Consent Agenda.

1. Motion to Approve Payment of Bills for the Period Ending November 15, 2024 in the Amount of $1,925,061.32

2. Motion to Approve Payroll for the Period Ending November 8, 2024 in the Amount of $1,046,869.86

Mayor Stehman asked if the Council wished to pull any items prior to a Motion. Councilman Hausmann asked to moves item #3 Motion to Approve Minutes of the November 12, 2024 Council Meeting since he was absent. This item was moved to New Business. A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome, to approve the Consent Agenda.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

M. NEW BUSINESS

1. Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Ordinance 23-146 (Personnel Policies)

H.R. Director Payton Childerson advised staff is proposing amendments to the Employee Handbook after consulting with counsel. The proposed amendments include, but not limited to, holidays, personnel files, compensation, flexible work schedule, etc.

A motion was made by Councilman Fuhrmann, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

2. Ordinance Authorizing Certain Financial Institutions as Authorized Depositors for the City of Collinsville

Finance Director Dustin Ziebold advised this Ordinance is required per State Statute identifying the City's approved financial institutions.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

3. Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Real Estate Purchase Contract Between the City of Collinsville and J & M Properties, LLC (121 United Drive)

Travis Taylor, Community Development Director, advised this Ordinance would authorize the Mayor to sign a contract for the purchase of 121 United Drive for $1. He advised the City was given this property which contains a regional stormwater detention basin. He advised the City owns 5 lots and the City of Troy owns 4 lots on United Drive. Both the City and the City of Troy will maintain the detention basin. An intergovernmental agreement regarding the maintenance of the detention basin is forthcoming.

A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Fuhrmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

4. Resolution Providing Final Plat Approval for the Bob Fournie Farm Subdivision

Ms. Rice advised this Resolution would provide approval for the final plat of Bob Fournie Farm Subdivision. She described the property as being just over 14 acres that would be divided into 3 separate lots. The subdivision also includes right-of-way dedication for McDonough Lake Rd. improvements. She displayed aerial views of the property depicting the lots.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

5. Resolution Appointing a Member to the Cool Cities Committee (Brady Page)

Ms. Rice advised Mr. Brady is a Collinsville resident wishing to serve on the Cool Cities Committee. She described him as passionate about sustainability and his willingness to get involved with community efforts.

A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Fuhrmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

6. Ordinance Amending Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Collinsville, Illinois as it Relates to Keeping the Public Peace and Acts of Public Indecency

Asst. Chief Brett Boerm advised this Ordinance would amend Title 9 regarding public indecency and fighting in public. He added that an addition to paragraph 5 of Section 9.16.010 would clarify and prohibit urinating or defecating in public places. He also advised an addition to Section 9.12.050 would clarify that fighting in public is prohibited and allow for enforcement to take place without a victim or complainant required.

A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

7. Ordinance to Award Bid and Authorize an Agreement between Belleville Fence Company and the City of Collinsville in Regards to Improvements at Fletcher Field

Director Caughran advised this Ordinance would award bid and authorize a contract with Belleville Fence Company for fence replacement at Fletcher Field in the amount of $96,030. She advised the fence is a portion of the improvements set forth in the agreement with Unit 10.

A motion was made by Councilman Fuhrmann, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

8. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Grant of Easement and Assignment of Lease Between the City of Collinsville and Global Signal Acquisitions IV LLC in Relation to a Cellular Phone Tower Located on Olivers Road in the City of Collinsville, Illinois (1750 Olivers Road)

City Manager Jackson advised this Ordinance would authorize an easement and long-term lease purchase agreement with Global Signal Acquisitions for the cell tower in Woodland Park. He advised the City will receive a lump sum payment in the amount of $365,000 from this agreement versus the annual $18,000 lease for equipment on the tower. Revenues earmarked for capital improvements.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

9. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Grant of Easement and Assignment of Lease Between the City of Collinsville and Global Signal Acquisitions IV LLC in Relation to a Cellular Phone Tower Located on South Morrison Avenue in the City of Collinsville, Illinois (850 South Morrison Avenue Easement Grant)

City Manager Jackson advised this Ordinance, similar to the last, but for the cell tower located at the Street Department garage. He advised the City would receive a lump sum payment in the amount of $400,000 instead of the annual $19,000 lease for equipment on the tower. Revenues earmarked for capital projects.

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Green to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

10. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Option Agreement to Purchase Communications Easement, and an Easement and Assignment Agreement, Between the City of Collinsville and ATC Sequoia LLC in Relation to a Cellular Phone Tower Located on California Avenue in the City of Collinsville, Illinois (California Avenue Easement Grant)

Overview by City Manager Jackson, who advised this Ordinance would authorize a purchase agreement with American Tower Company for the cell tower located within Woodland Park on California Avenue. The City will receive a lump sum payment of $324,000 instead of the annual $15,864 for lease of equipment on the tower. Revenues are earmarked for capital projects.

A motion was made by Councilman Hausmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

3. Motion to Approve Minutes of the November 12, 2024 Council Meeting

A motion was made by Councilman Fuhrmann, seconded by Councilman Jerome to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 4 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 1 - Hausmann

N. OLD BUSINESS

O. CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Stehman asked for a motion to proceed into closed session in accordance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c):

11. Pending or Threatened or Imminent Litigation

A motion was made by Councilman Jerome, seconded by Councilman Hausmann to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

P. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Q. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Fuhrmann to adjourn at 8:36 pm. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Fuhrmann, Green, Jerome, Hausmann, and Stehman

Nay: 0

Absent: 0

Abstain: 0

https://collinsville.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=ec74b09f-20e7-4abd-9848-158ed657a92b.docx