Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
April 24, 2008
Here is a summary of Monday’s City Council meeting items. The items are listed in the order as they appeared in the agenda. Click here to see the full texts of the resolutions, ordinances, and staff reports. As a reminder, resolutions and motions only need to be approved once to become official. Ordinances are required to be approved in two readings (over two meetings) before they become official.
1. Resolution to Support Transportation Enhancement Program and Green Streets Program Grants: The area surrounding I-64 interchanges at Hwy. 50 and Green Mount are unsightly and not well maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). One of the priorities of the City Council is to improve the “gateways” into O’Fallon to enhance the City’s economic development opportunities. The resolution allows the City to apply for federal grants to improve the landscaping and appearance at the two interchanges. The grants would provide 80% of funding with the City paying a 20% match out of our Motor Fuel Tax revenues. The grant submittal for Hwy. 50 (Exit 14) is for $1,000,000 and the submittal for Green Mount (Exit 16) is $1,500,000.
2. Resolution for a Lease of Real Estate at 1305/1307 W Hwy 50: The City owns a small piece of property adjacent to the former American Freedom Mortgage at 1309 W. Hwy. 50 that has been leased and maintained by the business. The lease with the mortgage was not renewed and this lease will be extended in the name of the property owner.
3. Ordinance Regarding Limited Parking on West Fifth Street and Cherry Street (First Reading): The absence of parking regulation in the area has caused conflict for the business located at 120 W. Fifth. Some neighborhood residents park adjacent to the business for extended periods, making it difficult for clients to access the building. The ordinance is for a two-hour time parking for those portions of the roadway directly adjacent to the building at 120 W. Fifth St.
4. Ordinance on Fees for Solicitor Permits (First Reading): The fees for solicitor permits have not been increased for several years. The ordinance raises Annual Solicitor Permit fees from $25 to $50 and eliminates the $5 daily fee.
5. Ordinance Adopting the 2003 International Building Code (Second Reading): Since the Property Maintenance Code was first implemented several years ago, there have been several updates that have resulted in a complicated and confusing set of regulations. This ordinance is a complete rewrite that should be more user-friendly for both citizens and inspectors. In addition, the ordinance includes the recent state law requiring Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all buildings.
6. Ordinance Approving the Final Plat for Cobbleston Ridge Subdivision (Second Reading): This is the plat for the second addition of the subdivision consisting of 49 lots.
7. Ordinance Approving the 2008-09 Annual Budget (Second Reading): This is the formal approval of the City’s annual budget. Click here, here, and here to read more on the budget.
8. Ordinance Approving Stop Signs in Hearthston Subdivision (Second Reading): As the Hearthstone subdivision is built out, new stop signs are required to be installed.
9. Special Event Permit for Cinco de Mayo at Chevy’s Fresh Mex on May 3 and May 5: This is an annual event at Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurant in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The event will include a tent in the parking lot with live music.
10. Special Event Permit for Mayfest from May 16-18: This is an annual event at Community Park sponsored by the O’Fallon Booster Club, including food, drinks, parade, carnival rides, and live music.
11. Motion Opposing the Proposed Billboard on Scott-Troy Road: A billboard has been proposed on Scott-Troy Road across from the Rock Springs Trailer Park. The property is not in the city limits, so the proposal was submitted to St. Clair County for approval. The County Board will consider the billboard proposal on April 28, and the City Council approved a motion to formally oppose the installation of a billboard at that location.
Now you’re up to date. Next Monday night, committee meetings will be held for Finance and Administration at 5:30 p.m., Community Development at 6 p.m., and Public Works at 7 p.m.
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