O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
November 15, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham, who then led “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: David Horton, present; Nila Grogan, present; Ed True, present; Becky Henry, excused; Rick Reckamp, present; Jerry Mouser, present; Tom Bequette, present, Allen Medford, present; Michael Bennett, present; Dennis Renner, present; Jason Boone, present; Ned Drolet, present; John West, present; Jerry Albrecht, present. A quorum was declared present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2004, meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham asked if there were any objections to going to the Mayor’s Report first. He wanted to recognize the athletes and Halloween Costume winners first, since there were a number of public hearings on the agenda. There were no objections.
Mayor’s Report: Fire Chief Brent Saunders stated that his department, along with the Police Department, hosted the annual Halloween Costume Contest again this year. Fire Chief Saunders announced the winners as follows:
Ages 0-5 Nicholas and Andrew Boone were dressed as a bowling ball
and pin. They received a $50.00 gift certificate.
Ages 6-10 Anne Britton with Gus and Ben Dome were dressed as
“The Cat in the Hat” with “Thing One and Thing Two.”
They also received a gift certificate.
Ages 11-13 Haley Holton was dressed as Wednesday Addams from the
“Addams Family.” She received a radio and speaker set.
The Edward Fulton Junior High School baseball team came forward, and Mayor Graham announced they were victorious in their quest of the title of Southern Illinois Junior High Athletic Association 2004 State Champions. The Panthers finished the season with a record of 20 wins and 5 losses. The Panthers were also the champions of the Tri-County Conference, as well as regional champions. This is the third Fulton Junior High Baseball State Championship title. At that time Mayor Graham, on behalf of the City of O’Fallon, proclaimed November 15, 2004, as Fulton Junior High Baseball Day in O’Fallon. Coach Tracy Lauderdale thanked the Mayor for his remarks and presented the City of O’Fallon with a framed picture of the State Champions. The Mayor indicated the picture would be hung in City Hall. In conclusion, the team members each introduced themselves to the audience.
Mayor Graham announced he would go back to the public hearing and then finish the Mayor’s Report.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Special Service Area No. One (Shoppes at Greenmount). Opened to public at 7:12~p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:13 p.m.
2. Special Service Area No. Two (Greenmount Commercial). Opened to public at 7:13~p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:13 p.m.
3. Special Service Area No. Three (Central Park Plaza #1). Opened to public at 7:13~p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:14 p.m.
4. Special Service Area No. Four (Regency Extension). Opened to public at 7:14~p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:14 p.m.
5. Amended annexation agreement for approximately 51.0 acres located on the south side of Milburn School Road, referred to as Milburn Estates Subdivision. Opened to public at 7:14 p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:14 p.m.
6. Annexation agreement for approximately 5.11 acres located off of Bowler Road with Mark and Angela Musser. Opened to public at 7:15 p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one came forward. Closed to public at 7:15 p.m.
RESIDENTS:
Sharon Veale came forward representing the O’Fallon Homecoming and Fall Harvest Association. She stated there have been problems in the past couple years with staging the parade at the park while the OTHS Madrigal group is setting up for their production at the Katy Cavins Center. Their organization felt it might be better for everyone involved if they could move to the area of First Street and Oak Street to stage the parade. She explained that the parade would end at the park when the Madrigal production is already inside the Katy Cavins Center. They would also like to provide some activities at the end of the parade, including snacks, visits with Santa and caroling groups at the park.
N. Drolet asked if someone was present to represent the Madrigals, but no one came forward.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Phil Goodwin announced that he had the following two requests:
1. Request from Twisters Booster Club to conduct a raffle from November~20 to December 22, 2004. R. Reckamp made a motion, seconded by E. True, to approve the request. All ayes. Motion carried.
2. Request from the O’Fallon Homecoming Association to conduct the Homecoming Illuminated Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m., starting at First and Oak and ending at the City Park.
P. Goodwin indicated that if the parade is ending at the park around 6:30-6:45 p.m. when people are entering the Katy Cavins Center for the Madrigals performance, it might cause some confusion. He suggested starting the parade at the City Park and ending at First Street, and perhaps they could block off a section of First Street and hold the final activities there. He added that if the parade began at 5:30 p.m., the parade would be out of that area before the Madrigal performance began.
Mayor Graham asked Mary Jeanne Hutchison what facilities would be available in the park, since the Katy Cavins Center would be unavailable. She responded there are no restroom facilities in the park, but that could be handled with porta-potties. She expressed her concern with people going into the Katy Cavins Center to use the restroom facilities or to warm up when the Madrigal performance is starting.
Mayor Graham asked Fire Chief Saunders if the fire trucks would be coming through the park, and he responded that the fire trucks could be rerouted if necessary.
E. True expressed his concern with Santa being located on the float since his “hut” is not located in the City Park. It could be a safety issue with children getting up on the float to see him.
N. Drolet suggested the activities held at the end of the parade might be a disturbance to the Madrigal performance if they were held in the park.
J. Boone asked Ms. Veale if the activities she mentioned earlier could be held on First Street if it were blocked off. Ms. Veale responded that perhaps they could be, but she questioned why the Madrigals could not perform at the high school instead. Mayor Graham stated the Madrigals have booked the Katy Cavins Center a year in advance. Ms. Veale noted the reason for having the parade downtown was because the merchants were supposed to stay open and have something downtown for people to do, but they do not stay open. E. True suggested some coordination could be possibly done with the Main Street organization to have merchants stay open late that night.
Medford suggested the parade begin at the high school and utilize their parking lot. J. Mouser suggested staging the parade from Second or Third Street.
N. Drolet made a motion and it was seconded by E. True to amend the parade route to start at City Park and end in the downtown area, maintaining the same parade route as in past years. ROLL CALL: N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A. Medford, aye; M. Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J. West, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; D. Horton. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve the parade. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report (Continued): Mayor Graham stated residents of the Braeswood subdivision have requested a review of the City’s tree policy, so he asked the developers to temporarily suspend planting while the staff takes a look at right-of-ways and all the things discussed in the past on how this should be done. He would like the staff to make a recommendation to the Community Development Committee since the new ordinances are in the process of being written.
Mayor Graham has received a number of emails about the precincts in the City of O’Fallon with regard to the last election. He stated the City does not establish the precincts; that is done by the County. There were over 4,000 voters in a couple of the precincts during this last election. The Mayor indicated his staff is contacting the County Board reps, but they have up until June of next year to reorganize the precincts. It will most likely not be redone by the April elections, but the City will continue to work with the County to solve this problem so all of our residents can vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by J. Albrecht and seconded by A. Medford to approve Resolution Item 1 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Bonus Building Care for Professional Commercial Cleaning Services for City Facilities in an amount not to exceed $9,360.00 per month.
E. True noted there was no length of the contract stated. Mary Jeanne Hutchison said the contract will be for one year, and it will be renewed annually. This will be stated in the contract the Mayor signs. Mayor Graham asked if there was a cancellation clause on the City’s part, and M. Hutchison said “yes.”
ROLL CALL: E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M. Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve Resolution Item~2 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Revised Agreement with Wisper, Inc., Wireless Internet Service.
ROLL CALL: R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve Resolution Item~3 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Pre-Annexation Agreement with Mark and Angela Musser located at 2168 Bowler Road. All ayes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES:
1st Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to consider Ordinance Items 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 under the omnibus rule. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to place on 1st Reading Items~4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham read the items as follows:
Item 4 – Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Special Service Area One, Shoppes at Greenmount, 2004A, Unlimited Ad Valorem Tax Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Direct Annual Taxes on Taxable Property
Item 5 – Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Special Service Area Two, Greenmount Commercial, Series 2004B, Unlimited Ad Valorem Tax Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Direct Annual Taxes on Taxable Property
Item 6 – Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Special Service Area Three, Central Park Plaza #1, Series 2004C, Unlimited Ad Valorem Tax Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Direct Annual taxes on Taxable Property
Item 7 – Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Special Service Area Four, Regency Extension, Series 2004D, Unlimited Ad Valorem Tax Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Direct Annual Taxes on Taxable Property
Item 8 – Ordinance Adopting the 2003 International Building Code, 2003 International Fire Prevention Code, 2003 International Mechanical Code, 2003 International Property Maintenance Code, 2003 International Residential Code, 2003 International Existing Building Code, and the 2002 National Electrical Code
ROLL CALL: J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J. Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by E. True and seconded by J. West to place on 1st Reading Item~9 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 137, Weapons and Explosives, regarding bow and arrow use.
D. Renner felt this was a “knee-jerk” reaction over an isolated incident. He said he would like this tabled because, for one reason, it would prevent OTHS from teaching its archery class. Even if there was a waiver for the high school, there are still other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, that would be prevented from participating in this sport as well. He recommended sending it back to Committee for further research.
D. Horton compared it to other ordinances that regulate firearms and yet allows supervised facilities, such as shooting ranges, to permit these activities. He suggested similar language to accommodate the schools would take care of the problem and recommended this not be sent back to Committee. R. Reckamp noted it was already in the ordinance.
E. True stated the arrow was shot across the street and actually broke the window of a house. The homeowner did not have the actual arrow but one similar to it, and it was steel and very sharp – the type used to kill deer. R. Reckamp stated he had a complaint this past summer from a resident in Southview Gardens whose neighbor was target-shooting and arrows were going into their yard. J. Boone said the ordinance allows for permission from the Mayor to be granted in his discretion on where it is safe. Although it may be a “knee-jerk” reaction, he felt it is a problem and should be addressed quickly so it could be resolved before deer season.
Mayor Graham acknowledged Ray Kirkman, who confirmed the arrow was shot into his living room window at 3:00 p.m. on a school day with cars and buses passing. He described the arrow as having razor edges and a sharp point.
Police Captain Scott Battoe stated there was an ordinance at one time that prevented use of bows and arrows in the City. He went on to say this isn’t the first incident that has taken place involving a bow and arrow, but he felt it was the most serious.
M. Bennett asked, with the way the Ordinance is worded now, how would the high school get permission to proceed with their archery classes. Mayor Graham responded that the Superintendent would need to present their request in a letter to him, and he would consult with the City Attorney.
ROLL CALL: T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to consider Ordinance Items~10-13 under the omnibus rule. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to place on 2nd Reading Items~10-13.
ROLL CALL: A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham read the items as follows:
Item 10 – Ordinance Authorizing the City to Purchase Real Estate consisting of 49.74~acres that is situated between Porter Road and Venita Drive
Item 11 – Ordinance Authorizing the City to Purchase Real Estate consisting of 50~acres that is situated between Porter Road and Venita Drive
Item 12 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, Planned Use Development known as “Mark Feltman”
Item 13 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of the First Phase of Cobblestone Ridge
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated they met on Tuesday, November 8. The next meeting is Monday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Public Works: A. Medford indicated they will meet Monday, November 22, at 7:30~p.m.
Public Safety: E. True said they met on November 8 and discussed Item 9 above under Ordinances, 1st Reading. Their next meeting will be December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Finance/Administration: J. West stated they met before the meeting to discuss Warrant 76. He noted the insurance was not included on the Warrant, but it was discussed in committee. J. West made a motion to approve Warrant 76 in the amount of $1,304,877.53, which includes the insurance. R. Reckamp seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T. Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
J. West said their next meeting will be Monday, November 22, at 5:30 p.m.
Parks and Environment: J. Albrecht stated they met on November 8. One of the items was covered earlier. A motion was made by J. Albrecht and seconded by J.~Mouser to approve the repair of Diamond 1’s roofing. They received four bids, with the lowest bid coming from Shay Roofing in Belleville for $9,682.00.
ROLL CALL: D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Executive Session: At 7:55 a motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J.~Albrecht for the City Council members to go into Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real estate.
ROLL CALL: J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; D. Horton, aye; N. Grogan, aye; E. True, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
At 8:20 p.m. City Council members returned from Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Sharon L. Wisely, Transcriptionist
Proper notice having been duly given
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