Metro East Sun

City of Edwardsville City Council met May 6

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville City Council was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue in Edwardsville, Illinois, with Mayor Risavy presiding.

The Pledge of Allegiance recited by all present.

Mayor Risavy welcomed everyone in attendance and those viewing on Facebook to the meeting.

Mayor Risavy announced the Oath of Office and introduced Judge Andrew Carruthers. He thanked him for attending and administering the oaths.

Judge Andrew Carruthers administered the Oath of Office for Mayor Art Risavy.

Judge Andrew Carruthers administered the Oath of Office for Ward 2 Alderman Adam Hanna.

Judge Andrew Carruthers administered the Oath of Office for Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison.

Judge Andrew Carruthers administered the Oath of Office for Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Warren.

Mayor Risavy recognized Chancellor Minor, Dr. Patrick Shelton, Janet Harioan, Ben Dickmann and Tim Harr for attending the meeting.

Council meeting paused to allow for pictures with newly elected officials and their families. Mayor Risavy resumed council with roll call. Council members Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Warren and Grant answered present on roll call. Alderman Farrar was absent-excused.

Mayor Risavy asked if any citizens wished to address the council. No public comment was made or submitted.

Mayor Risavy nominated the following for Aldermanic Committees:

ALDERMANIC COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

Jennifer Warren, Chair

SJ Morrison

Adam Hanna

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Andrea Miracle, Chair

Will Krause

Chris Farrar

ADMINISTRATIVE & COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

Elizabeth Grant, Chair

Will Krause

Andrea Miracle

Motion by Morrison, second by Warren to approve the Aldermanic Committee Appointments.

Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Warren and Grant voting aye. Motion carried.

Mayor Risavy nominated the following for City Officials:

Appointments of City Officials

DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION HEADS

Executive and Administrative

City Administrator -Eric Williams

Director of Finance -Jeanne Wojcieszak

Legal Department

City Attorney -Jeff Berkbigler

Department of Human Resources

Director -Amanda Tucker

Department of Police

Director -Mike Fillback

Department of Public Works

Director -Ryan Zwijack

Fire Department

Chief -Brendan McKee

Parks & Recreation Department

Director -Nate Tingley

Information Technology & Communications

Director -Devin Gray

Motion by Miracle, second by Warren, to approve the City Official Appointments. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Warren and Grant voting aye.

Motion carried.

Mayor Risavy thanked all employees.

Motion by Morrison, second by Miracle to approve the appointments of the board and commissions. Roll Call: Six Ayes, with Aldermen Hanna, Miracle, Morrison, Krause, Warren and Grant voting aye. Motion carried.

Mayor Risavy thanked all members of boards and commissions for their time and talents.

State of the City Address:

Mayor Risavy gave a State of the City address highlighting the ongoing, completed and upcoming projects for the City of Edwardsville and the vision going forward. Mayor Risavy has completed one term in office. The Mayor provided arecap of 2024 and provided insight into the coming year.

Public Works - Building Department. Mayor Risavy outlined the violations administered and citations issued. He provided examples of properties with issues. He outlined the many projects and improvements made by the Public Works Department. Mayor Risavy reviewed Envision Edwardsville 2044. The objectives will be presented later this month.

Human Resources Department. Mayor Risavy provided a recap regarding employees and job postings. He reviewed the payroll system upgrade, Employee Excellence Awards, new Fire Chief Brendan Mckee, new City Administrator Eric Williams, new Director of Public Works Ryan Zwijack and new Sports and Recreation Coordinator Sara Thomas.

City Attorney/Corporation Council. Mayor Risavy reviewed contracts negotiated and land/property acquisitions.

Finance Department. Mayor Risavy recapped 2024 statistics and city utility bill payment options.

Information Technology and Communications Department. Mayor Risavy reviewed Cyber Security updates, help desk support statistics, city property security, Spotlight Edwardsville videos, Excellence in Edwardsville awards, communication channels (website/social media posts), website update, Wildey Theater website update, various press releases and an enewsletter.

Edwardsville Public Library. Mayor Risavy commented on the Memory Digitization Program, book club kits and the many activities our library offers in the community.

Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Risavy presented the many accomplishments of the Parks and Recreation Department including Plummer Family Park usage, tournament usage, leagues, concession revenue, rental income, RP Lumber review, special events, Route 66 Festival, partner events, the Wildey Theatre, Tree City USA award, and the Governor's Cup award.

Police Department. Mayor Risavy provided insight into the many activities of the Police Department. These include: National Night Out, various parades and activities, new police department employees, service to the community (review of calls/checks), outreach programs, new load-bearing vests and tasers and charitable events.

Public Safety Building. Mayor Risavy presented the New Situational Awareness Room (SAR).

He reviewed the many uses of the building including the open house events and field trips.

Fire Department. Mayor Risavy outlined the changes and accomplishments of the Fire Department. These include: addition of assistant chief, new work schedule, training and new equipment.

New Business in 2024. Mayor Risavy reviewed new business to Edwardsville. He commented on relocated and anticipated new businesses. Mayor Risavy commented on other new large projects both commercial and road improvements.

Education Institution Updates. Mayor Risavy provided information on collaborations with SIUE, Lewis and Clark and Edwardsville District 7.

Mayor Risavy provided information/update on Main Street Community Center, Glen-Ed Pantry Edwardsville Children's Museum, Edwardsville Arts Center, 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House for their contributions to the city.

Mayor Risavy reviewed grants received. He provided an overview on the Build Downtowns and Main Street Capital Grant, Goshen Commons Grant, and the RAISE Grant.

Mayor Risavy review Plummer Family Park Phase 2.

Edwardsville Enhancement Plan. Mayor Risavy provided a review of the purchases and ongoing efforts.

Mayor Risavy thanked all of the elected officials. He outlined many of their accomplishments.

He thanked Desiree Gerber for her dedication to the city and the help she always provides.

Mayor Risavy thanked Eric Williams for his expertise and guidance to the City. He feels honored to work with such great people with the city employees! He also thanked the citizens of Edwardsville and they are what makes this community great! Mayor Risavy thanked his family for their support. Mayor Risavy commented the City will have a great transformation in the next four years!

There being no further action required, Council adjourned at 8:24 p.m. with a motion from Miracle.

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05062025-3719