City of Belleville City Council met August 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Mayor Mark Eckert called this meeting to order.
Mayor Eckert explained the disaster procedures. Mayor Eckert reminded anyone speaking this evening to step up to a microphone because the meetings are being taped and posted the next day on the website.
Mayor Eckert requested City Attorney Hoemer to call roll. Members present on roll call: City Treasurer Hardt and City Attorney Hoerner. Aldermen: Alderman Hazel, Alderman Kinsella, Alderwoman Puss, Alderman Randle, Alderman Tyler, Alderman Anthony, Alderman Ovian, Alderwoman Schaefer, Alderman Dintelman, Alderman Gan, Alderwoman Stiehl, Alderman Weygandt, Alderman Elmore, Alderman Wigginton, and Alderman Barfield.
City Clerk Meyer and Alderman Buettner excused.
Roll Call Department Heads:
Roll Call Department Heads: Police Chief, Bill Clay; Fire Chief, Tom Pour; City Engineer, Tim Gregowicz; Director of Maintenance, Ken Vaughn; Human Resource Director, Sherry Favre; Director of Public Works, Jason Poole; Director of Wastewater, Royce Carlisle; Director of Economic Development, Annissa McCaskill and Director of Library, Leander Spearman.
Director of Parks Recreation, Debbie Belleville and Health and Housing Director, Bob Sabo,
excused.
Pledge:
Mayor Eckert led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Hearing:
Public Hearing Open: 7: 12 pm
Appeal on denial of Smart Home Pros' applications for solicitors licenses pursuant to Section 115.07 of the City's Revised Code ofOrdinance.
No one present.
City Attorney Hoerner stated there were thirty-seven application submitted for solicitors licenses. The Clerk's office, consistent with Chapter 115 of the Revised Code of Ordinances, and following an investigation conducted by Jim Rokita the City Clerk's office denied the application consistent with Section 115. 07 ofthe code. The City provided a Notice of Hearing.
City Attorney Hoerner advised he followed up email from him including a copy of the report to the appellant.
Jim Rokita, with the Belleville Police Department was released since his testimony was not necessary.
Public Hearing Closed: 7:05 pm
Public Participation:
Alicia Bradley-
Regarding Communications 12-A and 12-B on the agenda. Two years ago in August neighbors on South 27th Street sent a letter to the mayor voicing their concerns regarding their neighborhood safety. During that same month the neighborhood was changing and the neighbors were not included or considered when the city leaders made a decision to rezone the neighborhood to ensure the LindenwoGd neighbors could use single/multi residential property for dormitory dwellings.
It was at that time the neighbors felt devalued, unimportant and excluded all in the name of community redevelopment that has never led to positive possible gains for the average taxpaying citizens on South 27th Street. What they gained was priceless i.e. great neighbors with great intentions and dreams. The neighbors on South 27th Street who have sacrificed to raise their families, enjoy visits from their grandchildren and maintain their property values. With their empathic and respectful heat as loving nurturing parents to children who were 30 plus were always willing to compromise to ensure that the LUB partnership and student body investments were safe, fair and that the elected officials were being truthful with their intent of their commitment to rezone and redevelop their neighborhood to ensure that all people prosper in peace.
Needless to say, they endured much more than growing pains and were addressed as " you people" by those who were elected by "we the people". They never held a grudge nor committed to being self destructive. They were not included in "Imagine Belleville" conversations and because they believe in being the example they expect to see in the world they live in they have been diligent and engaged like never before.
They plan to strive to support their positive neighborhood initiate ideas to build bridges and tear down walls for all citizens through positive communication and inclusion.
Tonight they hope the elected officials understand that agenda topics 12-A and 12-B Block Party request is their attempt to build bridges to heal beyond 2015.
Stewart Lannert-
The Fred J. Kern Building should be changed in the spirit of politically correctness since Fred J. Kern was a racist that oversaw a lynching in 1970. ( Mayor Eckert stopped this line ojcomment).
He noticed Club Elusion had their metal chairs and metal tables blocking the sidewalk and the Belleville taxpayers spent millions of dollars installing sidewalk ramps. Club Elusion blocks anyone from using a wheel chair etc. They should move the tables and chairs when closed. Recently, aldermen complained about thrift stores having merchandise on display on the sidewalk and that was not allowed; however, the tables and chairs at a business are allowed to block the sidewalk. (Mayor Eckert stated there is not a Club Elusion and the sidewalk has been measuredfor ADA compliance)
When Don's Hardware moved out of Wade Square a fumiture store moved in and the mayor caused problems for this guy. The store owner went on the grim reaper show and stated he received no cooperation from the city.
Mr. Lannert stated he lives at 29th and Godfrey traffic runs the stop sign. He spoke to the police and they told him it was happening all over Belleville. There is a breakdown in law and order among the armed robberies, rapes etc.
Ralph Carr-
There has been a change over the last two years with Lindenwood. He welcomes it. They have their own patrol cars out and Belleville has a great police department. As far as Mr. Lannert's yard, what happened to Codes i.e. the grass is high, the signs. The fire and police department are number one and should be appreciated.
Presentations, Recognitions & Appointments:
Alderwoman Puss made to motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to appoint Sarah McQuillan as Administrative Assistant to the Mayor's Office.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
Approval of Minutes:
Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to accept and file the minutes of City Council August 7, 2017.
All members voted aye.
Claims, Payroll, and Disbursements:
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Anthony to approve claims and disbursements in the amount of$3,641, 195.82 and payroll in the amount of$856,715.83.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Posit, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gas, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
Reports:
Alderwoman Posit made a motion seconded by Alderman Randle to receive and file the City Treasurer's Report and Statement of Cash and Investment Report dated July 2017.
All members voted aye.
Oral Reports:
Oral Reports from Standing Committees, Special Committees and Any Other Oral Reports from the Elected Officials or Staff
Master Sewer Committee
Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve the Phase IV LTCP - 23rd Street CSO Lift Station and West E Street Sewer Replacement Project, awarded to low bidder, Baxmeyer Construction, in the amount of$7,394,377.00.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Puss, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gan, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
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Alderman Dintelman made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to approve the purchase of a new Vactor /Rodder truck. Awarded to the low bidder, Coe Equipment, in the amount of $402,397.85 including the NJPA discount( Contract# 022014- FSC).
Discussion...
Alderman Ovian asked if the city will keep the old truck; Director of Wastewater, Royce Carlisle, stated a decision has not been made. Alderman Ovian recommended selling the truck. Mayor Eckert stated this can be discussed at Master Sewer. Director of Wastewater, Royce Carlisle, stated once the truck is ordered it is a six month turnaround time for delivery.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
Finance Committee:
Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Pusa to approve Financial Advisory Agreement with Joy Howard, in order to solicit proposals for possible refinancing of some ofthe Belleville Crossing/Frank Scott Parkway Bonds.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gan, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 14)
Member abstaining on roll call: Randle. ( 1)
Streets and Grades Committee:
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderman Dintelman to approve Foumie Contracting in the amount of$ 944,759.59 for East' A' Street resurfacing project.
Members voting aye on roll call: Haul, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. (15)
Communications:
Alderwoman Pusa made a motion seconded by Alderman Haul to approve the following communications:
37 South 27th Street to 200 South 27th Street- 9/17/2017
Block Party Request from Michael and Alicia Bradley and Dr. Thomas Trice, Lindenwood University-Belleville to host a block party on September 17, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m.
2116 West 'A' Street to 2209 West ' A' Street- 9/ 17/2017
Block Party Request from Dave and Jane Puss and Dr. Thomas Trice, Lindenwood University- Belleville to host a block party on September 17, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All members voted aye.
***
Alderwoman Schaefer made a motion seconded by Alderman Gaa to approve City Hall Rededication - 10/21/2017 Request to hold the City Hall rededication event on Saturday, October 21st. Request to close IL State Route 159 between Washington and Lincoln Street starting at 7:00am and to reopen at 4:00pm. Rededication Ceremony to be held outside at 10:00 am followed by an Open House from 11: 00am to 2:00pm.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Puss, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
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Alderwoman Stiehl made a motion seconded by Alderman Wigginton to approve Pre- Dedication Cocktail Reception sponsored by Art on the Square - 10/20/2017 Art on the Square is requesting to host a private cocktail reception to showcase development to developers on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 p.m. Location will be City Hall. Food from area Belleville restaurants along with alcoholic beverages will be served, subject to any required permit/ license.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
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Alderman Kinsella made a motion seconded by Alderman Gas to approve Annual Pedal for Pooches Bicycle Run (Seven) and Paws for a Cause (Belleville Humane Society)- 9/24/2017 Block Party Request from Sevens requesting permission to close the first block of South High Street between the intersection at East Main & High Street and South High & Washington on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 8: 00 pm for Pedal for the Pooches event.
Discussion...
Alderman Elmore stated his question is for safety first so it is a successful event and asked if Ben's is the only business open during that time. Alderman Elmore suggested to barricade the puking lane on the west side of High Street for the bikers; Mayor Eckert stated the Humane Society will have an area for adoption of pets, band etc.
Alderman Elmore asked if there have been any complaints from downtown business owners regarding this event; Mayor Eckert stated he has not received any complaints.
Stephanie Gain, from Seven, stated they decided to partner with the Humane Society and are trying to grow the event and she has a list of vendors offering dog treats, craft bbq treats, Ralston Purina, Tito's vodka will be matching dollar-for-dollar.
Ms. Gain advised they do not use the sidewalk that is along the side entrance of Ben's; therefore, their entry way to their parking lot is open.
Alderman Wigginton stated he is all for economic growth and new business exposure; however, the council needs to be cognizance when closing streets for charitable events. Mayor Eckert stated he does not disagree; however, an event like this can bring a large amount of people downtown on a Sunday.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Puss, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gan, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 13)
Members voting nay on roll call: Randle, Ovian. ( 2)
All members voted aye.
Petitions:
None.
Resolutions:
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer to read Resolution 3309 and 3310 by title only.
All members voted aye.
Alderman Wigginton made a motion seconded by Alderwoman Pusa to approve the following Resolutions:
Resolution 3309
A Resolution of support for submission of a St. Clair County Parks Grant Commission Grant Application.
Resolution 3310
A Resolution requesting permission from IDOT to close Route 159 between Washington and Lincoln Street for City Hall Rededication- October 21, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
Ordinances:
None.
Unfinished Business:
None.
Miscellaneous& New Business:
Alderman Randle made a motion seconded by Alderman Kinsella to approve Motor Fuel Claims in the Amount of$42,139.46.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gas, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. (15)
Executive Session:
Alderman Randle made a motion seconded by Alderman Pusa to discuss personnel, litigation, workers' compensation, property acquisition, transfer ofproperty, appeals.
All members voted aye.
Entered executive session at 7:50 p.m.
Resumed from Executive Session at 7: 58 p.m.
Alderman Randle made a motion seconded by Alderman Wigginton to affirm the City Clerk's denial if the solicitor application of Vivint/Smart Home Pros' for the reasons set forth therein and further direct the Mayor to notify the appellant in writing that this decision.was rendered in their absence.
Members voting aye on roll call: Hazel, Kinsella, Pusa, Randle, Tyler, Anthony, Ovian, Schaefer, Dintelman, Gaa, Stiehl, Weygandt, Elmore, Wigginton and Barfield. ( 15)
Adjournment:
Alderman Randle made a motion seconded by Alderman Gaa to adjoum at 5: 00 pm.
All members voted aye.
http://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08212017-1501
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