Metro East Sun

City of O'Fallon Community Development Committee met Feb. 10

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1.1 CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 PM

1.2 ROLL CALL - Committee Members: Todd Roach, Chair (online), James Campbell, Vice Chair (in person), Jerry Albrecht (in person), Tom Vorce (in person), Nathan Parchman (in person), and Stephanie Smallheer (absent)

1.3 Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting – Motion was made by Albrecht, seconded by Vorce, all ayes.

Motion carried.

2 Items Requiring Council Action

2.1 Ordinance amending Ordinance 623, Zoning (Development known as “Enclaves at Lawn Avenue”), located at 104 Lawn Avenue, Second Reading, No Changes – Vice Chair, Mr. Campbell, stated that Ordinance amending Ordinance 623, Zoning (Development known as “Enclaves at Lawn Avenue”) located at 104 Lawn Avenue was up for a second reading and there were no changes. No questions or comments were presented.

2.2 Resolution Approving and Accepting the Minor Subdivision of 2116 Quarry Road Known at the Tommy III on 7.46 Acres on Parcel Number: 04-27.0-400.035 – Director of Community Development, Greg Anderson, stated that 2116 Quarry Road is not currently within City limits but must comply with requirements in the City’s Land Subdivision Control Ordinance as the property is located within one and one-half miles of corporate limits and is contiguous with property located within City limits. Mr. Anderson stated that minor subdivisions are exempted from procedures and requirements for preliminary plats and may proceed to filing of the final plat for review. Mr. Anderson also stated that the parcels do not currently have or need utilities, but if they do in the future, they would be required to have a pre-annexation agreement and annex into the City of O’Fallon due to contiguity with City boundaries. Mr. Anderson stated that the petitioner currently has plans to sell one of the two lots for a future residential dwelling. Councilmember Vorce made a motion to recommend approval of the Resolution. Councilmember Parchman seconded the motion and the motion passed with a vote of 4-1. The Resolution will be on the February 18, 2025 City Council agenda.

3. Other Business

3.1 West O’Fallon Home Improvement Program Award Lottery – Assistant City Administrator, Grant Litteken, stated the Community Development Committee will be holding a lottery to award five $9,000.00 grants for the West O’Fallon Home Improvement Program. Mr. Litteken explained that this program was budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget approved by the City Council. Director of Community Development, Greg Anderson, explained that the program is a matching grant for renovation projects to owner occupied homes covering up to 90% of the cost of improvements up to $9,000.00. Homeowners are responsible for 10% of the cost up to $1,000.00. Eligible improvements include paint/siding, gutters, porches, windows and doors, awnings, lighting, and permanent landscaping. Eligible project applications are for the following addresses: 103 Cherylwood, 110 Homestead, 111 Belt Avenue, 113 Atlantic Avenue, 118 Booster Road, 121 Alice Drive, 119 Famous, and 107 Delmar.

Councilmember Lotz explained that she understands the desire of the City to improve residential housing but ultimately questions if this is the right type of program to address this need.

Councilmember Van Hook explained that he has similar concerns and would like to explore how to utilize code enforcement as a measure to understand barriers to compliance for property maintenance.

Councilmember Fohne stated that she supports the program and has looked into many of the eligible applicants which have senior tax exemptions or senior freezes on the property.

Councilmember Rosenburg stated that he objects to the program and desires the City to look into ongoing stormwater issues.

Assistant City Administrator Grant Litteken explained that this program is in the proposed budget for next year and the council will need to address the budget request and make a decision for future programming.

Vice Chair Campbell stated his desire to have the City attorney look into private enurement for benefits provided to private citizens.

Assistant City Administrator Grant Litteken stated the program has been evaluated by the City Attorney prior to implementation of the program. City Administrator Walter Denton stated that this program is similar to programs administered by St. Clair County.

Vice Chair Campbell administered the lottery and grant awards were provided to:

1. 107 Delmar

2. 111 Belt Avenue

3. 119 Famous

4. 110 Homestead

5. 118 Booster Road

Alternates were assigned to 121 Alice Drive (1st Alt.), 113 Atlantic Avenue (2nd Alt.) and 103 Cherylwood (3rd Alt.)

3. Public Comments – Vern Malare spoke during public comment and inquired about the next Planning Commission meeting.

MEETING ADJOURNED: 6:31 PM

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/ofallon/Board.nsf/files/DDTJMQ4DE143/$file/250210CDMinutes.pdf