Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
February 18, 2010
Here is a summary of Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda 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, motions, and special event permits 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.
Here are the items that were approved by the City Council:
Resolutions to establish the Green Mount/Carr Tax Increment Financing District: The City has been working on a Tax Increment Financing District along Green Mount Road north of the Regency Conference Center. A TIF plan and TIF ordinance received first reading approval but have been on hold due to legal considerations. The developer recently submitted a new proposal that significantly changes the TIF plan, so the process needs to be restarted. The state TIF statute is very specific on the procedures for establishing a TIF District, and four resolutions were approved pertaining to this new TIF:
- Resolution to approve a contract with Development & Municipal Initiatives (DMI) to manage the TIF process and develop the necessary TIF documents for City Council consideration (not to exceed $19,000).
- Resolution Providing for a Feasibility Study on the Designation of Areas as Redevelopment Project Areas.
- Resolution Providing for Inducement of Tax Increment Financing.
- Resolution Authorizing the Establishment of Tax Increment Financing “Interested Parties” Registries and Adopting Registration Rules for these Registries.
Resolution for professional services to establish the Rasp Farm Tax Increment Financing District: Not to be confused with the TIF described above, the Rasp Farm TIF is the expansion of an existing TIF District along Hwy. 50 and Scott-Troy Road. The Rasp Farm is located on South Lincoln behind the Schmitt Music building. The resolution is to approve a contract with Development & Municipal Initiatives (DMI) to manage the TIF process and develop the necessary TIF documents for City Council consideration (not to exceed $25,000).
Resolution for the allocation of Motor Fuel Tax funds: IDOT requires the City Council to pass a resolution to support the use of MFT for maintenance of streets and highways by a municipality. The resolution allows use of $98,999.76 in MFT funds by in-house personnel for the maintenance of City streets.
Resolution for a minor subdivision of Parkway Lakeside Apartment Homes: The 232-unit Parkway Lakeside Apartment Homes were recently approved by the City Council. This minor subdivision splits the commercial part in the front of the property from the apartments in the back.
Ordinance increase the Peddler’s License fee (First Reading): The City Council recently increased the Solicitor’s License from $25 to $50, and this ordinance increases the Peddler’s License to $50 to be consistent.
Ordinance creating a Freedom of Information Officer and complying with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (Second Reading): Last year, the state legislature approved substantial changes to the Freedom of Information Act. One of the new requirements is for the City to designate an official “Freedom of Information Officer,” which will be our Deputy City Clerk.
Special Event Permit for Happy Day Tropical Sno #1 at 222 Hartman Lane: This is the snow cone stand as last year at the same location and will operate from April through October.
Special Event Permit for Happy Day Tropical Sno #3 at 300 E. Hwy. 50: A snow cone stand was at this location last year, but this year will also include a portable mini-golf course. The stand may operate for six months and the mini-golf may only operate during daylight hours. The location must also comply with Illinois accessibility requirements.
Motion to approve water tower door replacement: This is to install a new security door at the St. Clair water tank for $27,503.
ON HOLD Ordinance establishing the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program: Following first reading approval on December 7, the Community Development Committee deliberated the ordinance at their December 14 meeting. Several landlords were present with questions and concerns, and the committee decided to hold the ordinance in committee for one month so staff could address landlord concerns. Special Community Development Committee meetings were held on January 26 and February 9. The final draft will be considered at the February 22 Community Development Committee meeting.
ON HOLD Tax Increment Financing Ordinances: Five Second Reading ordinances dealing with the proposed Regency Park Tax Increment Financing District are on hold for legal review.
Now you’re up to date. Next Monday’s committee meetings will be Finance and Administration at 5:30 p.m., Community Development at 6:00 p.m., and Public Works at 7:00 p.m.
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