O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
August 21, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham, who then led “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: Nila Grogan, present; Mary Schmidt, present; Ed True, present; Becky Henry, present; 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.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2006, meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
RESIDENTS:
Mayor Graham invited any residents of O’Fallon who would like to speak to the Council to step to the microphone. Lisa Lilly, a 25-year resident of O’Fallon, addressed the Council. She stated she is the granddaughter of a WWI veteran, daughter of a Korean and Vietnam veteran, and mother of a Marine who just returned from Afghanistan. Ms.~Lilly asked the Council to not allow the fundraiser being proposed by the VFW to go through for this coming Saturday, and she asked the VFW to consider choosing a fundraiser that would fit the service and sacrifice offered by our military and their families. She stated she would be happy to support any honorable fundraising effort that would be proposed in counter to the “Chippendale”-type fundraiser currently being proposed.
Marilyn Dawson, a member of the First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, voiced her objection to the VFW fundraiser, as well. She stated it did not fit in with the family-type atmosphere that drew her family to O’Fallon. She noted the City embraces upright standards and family values, and she was concerned with the precedent this type of fundraiser might set.
Mayor Graham said the City wholeheartedly supports our men and women overseas. In fact, for the past two years, the City has paid the postage for every item that has been mailed to our military by the VFW. He said the City’s position in this matter is that the VFW would be in violation of three City ordinances if this fundraiser takes place, and they have been notified of this in writing.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Phil Goodwin presented four requests:
1. Request from the Hearts ‘n’ Hands Quilt Guild to conduct a raffle from August – December 12, 2006
Motion was made by R.~Reckamp and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the request. All ayes. Motion carried.
2. Request from Miller Music, Inc., which is sponsored by the Charles Fricke, VFW Post 805, to conduct a raffle from August 21, 2006 – September 30, 2006
P. Goodwin said this raffle is for a new piano.
Motion was made by R. Reckamp and seconded by E. True to approve the request. All ayes. Motion carried.
3. Request from the O’Fallon Kiwanis Club to conduct a roadblock on September 30, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the intersections of State and Smiley, and State and Lincoln
4. ~Request from the Dania Shrine Club to conduct a roadblock on September 15, 2006, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the intersections of State and Smiley, and State and Lincoln
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve both requests. Ayes – 12; Nays – 2 (N. Drolet and R. Reckamp).
Mayor’s Report:
Fire Chief Brent Saunders read a Proclamation declaring August 21, 2006, as Terri Ettling-Shell Day in honor of her lifesaving skills. Ms. Ettling-Shell administered CPR to revive six-year old Dylan Miller after he slipped into the deep end of a pool on
May 27, 2006. A Lifesaving Award plaque was also presented to Ms.~Ettling-Shell from the Fire Department.
Mayor Graham said this month’s Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors is Thursday, August 24, 2006, at 6 p.m. in Swansea. ~
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by R.~Reckamp and seconded by J. West to approve Resolution Item~1. All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEM 1 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Non-Exclusive Utility Easement at the Community Sports Park
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N.~Grogan to approve Resolution Item~2.
ITEM 2 – Resolution Approving and Accepting a Subdivision of Land known as the Minor Subdivision of Lot 22C of Central Park Plaza, 2nd Addition, 2nd Amendment
ROLL CALL: M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; B.~Henry, 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; N.~Grogan, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve Resolution Item~3.
ITEM 3 – Resolution Approving and Accepting an Amendment to the Preliminary Plat for the Parcs at Arbor Green ~
ROLL CALL: E. True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, present; 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; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye. Ayes~–~13; Present –1. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES:
1st Readings
Motion was made by E. True and seconded by J. Mouser to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 4.
ITEM 4 – Ordinance Rescinding Title III, Chapter 32, Section 32.17, Regarding Educational Requirements for Police Officers
E. True added that Chief Betten believes the City has lost some highly qualified candidates in the past because they were required to have an associate’s degree for hiring. This ordinance will allow some latitude in hiring a more experienced officer without an associate’s degree.
Mayor Graham pointed out that the officers would still be required to reach certain education levels to be eligible for promotions.
R.~Reckamp said he would not vote for watering down the requirements for the City’s police officers.
M.~Bennett asked if an analysis has been conducted to determine how much more this will cost the City in future education expenses for these officers. Chief Betten said a study has not been conducted on this matter. His suspicion was that if the City does hire an officer without an associate’s degree, the individual will most likely have had some continuing education; therefore, the City would not be responsible for the entire cost of the officer’s associate’s degree. Chief Betten said the City would continue to strive to hire the most highly educated officers possible.
E.~True raised discussion regarding the possible conflict in FPC Rules and Regulations. Chief Betten said the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (whom the Council appoints to hire, test and promote the police officers) has a set of rules and regulations that outlines police officer requirements. The Board voted to amend their rules of this educational standard; they want to eliminate the need for the associate’s degree and recognize the experience or credit hours as their new standard. However, they will be in conflict with the City’s ordinance if tonight’s ordinance does not pass.
D.~Renner commended Chief Betten for the outstanding job he has done for the City and expressed his confidence in Chief Betten’s judgment in this matter.
ROLL CALL: B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay; 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; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye. Ayes~_~13; Nays –1. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item~5.
ITEM 5 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of the Illini Trails Subdivision
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; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D.~Renner to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 6.
ITEM 6 – Ordinance Amending the City Zoning Code, Article XIII, Landscaping and Riparian Corridor Requirements
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; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 7.
ITEM 7 – Ordinance Adopting an Official Comprehensive Plan, Official Map and Standards Governing the Development
N.~Drolet clarified his comment from the last Council meeting regarding an overpass at Green~Mount.
Motion was made by N.~Drolet and seconded by R.~Reckamp to add another policy to the Comprehensive Plan to state, “All subdivisions will be designed to connect to adjacent subdivisions. Every effort should be made to include a single ingress/egress to the subdivision.”
Mayor Graham noted several existing subdivisions that would not comply with this addition.
A.~Medford recommended this discussion be returned to committee so everyone could gain a better understanding of the Comprehensive Plan document before it is amended. Mayor Graham said a vote first had to be taken on the current motion. If that motion failed, there would be no need to send it back to committee. M.~Bennett reminded Council members that the document could be adopted now as is, and amendments could be made to it any time in the future.
R.~Reckamp said he agreed with N.~Drolet that the guidelines should include interconnectivity between subdivisions and the elimination of long, unnecessary cul-de-sacs. However, he stated the Comprehensive Plan is suggested language, and each case will stand on its own.
B.~Henry said Community Development always seeks to have interconnectivity between subdivisions. Sometimes, however, the land prohibits interconnection.
Regarding the motion to amend the Comprehensive Plan:
ROLL CALL: T.~Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, nay; M.~Bennett, nay; D.~Renner, nay; J.~Boone, nay; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, nay; J.~Albrecht, nay; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, nay; B.~Henry, nay; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, nay. Ayes~–~3; Nays – 11. Motion failed.
Motion was made by J.~Mouser and seconded by D.~Renner to reword Section 3.5 to strike “single-family attached villas” as a planned use.
ROLL CALL: A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Albrecht and seconded by D.~Renner to reword the section regarding electric utilities to say “will be buried” instead of “should be buried” to make a stronger statement.
T.~Shekell said the City cannot instruct Ameren what to do, and there was a lengthy discussion regarding the vast cost difference in having the utilities below ground as opposed to above ground. He also said that in the Subdivision and Land Development Control Ordinance, all power lines are required by code to be buried in all new subdivisions. However, the City has little or no control over the large transmission lines.
D.~Renner withdrew his second, and the motion died for a lack of second.
Motion was made by M.~Bennett and seconded by D.~Renner to remove the portion of Ashland Avenue between Hartman Lane and Old Collinsville Road from the list of development items for the City.
ROLL CALL: M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, nay; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, nay; J.~Albrecht, nay; N.~Grogan, nay; M.~Schmidt, nay; E.~True, nay; B.~Henry, nay; R.~Reckamp, nay; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, nay; A.~Medford, nay. Ayes – 3; Nays~– 11. Motion failed.
Motion was made by J.~Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 7, as amended.
ROLL CALL: D.~Renner, nay; J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, nay. Ayes – 12; Nays~_~2. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 8.
ITEM 8 – Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Creating a New Article IX Regarding Planned Uses
ROLL CALL: J.~Boone, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by J.~West to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 9.
ITEM 9 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 52, Section 52.080, 52.081, 52.082, and 52.083 Regarding Water Rates
ROLL CALL: N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEM 10 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of the Savannah Hills Annex Subdivision (Placed on hold.)
ITEM 11 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, PUD known as “Shoppes at Green Mount – Lot 6” (Placed on hold.)
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated they met on August 14, and the minutes were included in the packets. Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D.~Renner to consider the Omnibus Rule for the five motions coming out of the Community Development meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve the five motions coming out of the Community Development meeting.
1. Motion to approve the Special Event Request from Jack Schmitt Chevrolet for an Off-Site Automobile Sale on September 21 – 23, 2006, at Sam’s Club
2. Motion to approve the Special Event Request from St. Clare Catholic Church to conduct an Oktoberfest event in the St. Clare School parking lot (they also request approval to conduct a raffle from August 21 – September 30, 2006, and request approval to sell alcohol during the event on September 30, 2006
3. Motion to approve the Special Event Request from New Enterprise Academy 5K Run/Walk on October 14, 2006, starting at 206 W. Adams
4. Motion to approve the Special Event Request from Dog Wash and Pet Carnival on August 27, 2006, at 1701 W. Hwy 50
5. Motion to approve the general concept plan for the Scott Hesse Minor Subdivision on Lakeview Lane
M. Bennett asked how the dogs would be controlled during the Dog Wash and Pet Carnival. J. Mouser said they would have a fenced area, as well as cages in which to contain the dogs.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting will be held August 28, 2006, at 6~p.m.
Public Works: Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by D. Renner to Purchase a Reel Sprinkler in an amount under $12,000.
ROLL CALL: J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, 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. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next will be August 28, 2006, at 7~p.m.
Public Safety: E. True stated they met on August 14, and Item 4 came out of that meeting. Their next meeting will be September 11, 2006, at 7~p.m.
Finance/Administration: J. West stated they met before tonight’s meeting to discuss Warrant~118.
Motion was made by J.~West and seconded by R.~Reckamp to approve Gifts for Individuals in the amount of $442.08.
ROLL CALL: J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; T.~Bequette, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; J.~Boone, aye; N. Drolet, abstain; J.~West, aye. Ayes~–~13; Abstains – 1. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve Warrant 118 in the amount of $582,670.07.
ROLL CALL: N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; B.~Henry, 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. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2006, at 5:30 p.m.
Parks/Environment: J.~Albrecht stated they met on August~14 at the new Family Sports Park. He encouraged everyone to go look at it when the road is completed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by R.~Reckamp and seconded by J.~Albrecht to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Sharon L. Wisely, Transcriptionist
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