O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
May 7, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham. “Mayor for the Day” Jacob Lankford led the “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, swore in the newly elected aldermen: Michael Bennett, John Drolet, Steve Engler, Nila Grogan, Rick Reckamp, Ed True, and John West.
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: Nila Grogan, present; Mary Schmidt, present; Ed True, present; Dan Polites, excused; Rick Reckamp, present; Jerry Mouser, present; John~Drolet, present; Allen Medford, present; Michael Bennett, present; Dennis Renner, present; Steve Engler, present; Ned Drolet, present; John West, present; Jerry Albrecht, present. A quorum was declared present.
Mayor Graham introduced Jacob Lankford who was serving as “Mayor for the Day,” and he described their day together.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2007, meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: Pre-annexation agreement with Keith Beyersdorfer of Crest Estates, LLC and John and Peggy Barton for approximately 24 acres located near the northwest corner of Bowler Road and Bethel Road. Opened to the public at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Graham called three times for public input, but no one responded. The public hearing was closed at 7:10 p.m.
RESIDENTS: Mayor Graham invited any residents of O’Fallon who would like to speak to the Council to step to the microphone. Attorney Lori DaCosse of the Juliano Law Firm stepped forward and indicated she was present on behalf of the landowners of 784~Wall~Street and would be available to answer any questions the Council may have regarding Resolution Item 3.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Phil Goodwin presented three requests:
1. Request from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to conduct a raffle for a 2007 Harley-Davidson Street BOB from May 7, 2007 – September 8, 2007
2. Request from Hearts ‘n’ Hands Quilt Guild to conduct a raffle for a quilt from May 7, 2007 – October 6, 2007
3. Request from St. Clare Catholic Church to conduct a raffle for a quilt, gift certificates, wine, and cash from May 21, 2007 – October 16, 2007
Motion was made by R. Reckamp and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the requests. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Graham welcomed the new aldermen: John Drolet and Steve Engler. He expressed his appreciation to Jason Boone and Phil Gardner for their past service to the City.
The Mayor announced that the City’s new fire truck was on display in the parking lot. Fire Chief Brent Saunders encouraged everyone to stop by after the meeting to view it. He thanked the Council members for approving their request for this new apparatus, and he acknowledged the members of the Apparatus Committee who worked hundreds of hours over a two-year period towards obtaining the vehicle: Asst.~Chief Craig Schmidt, Lt. Frank Shewmaker, Apparatus Eng. Mike Kombrink, Safety Officer Scott Munie, Don Henson, Captain Brian Bailey, and Captain Tim Claxton.
Mayor Graham read a proclamation declaring the week of May 6 – May 12, 2007, as Building Safety Week. Jeff Stehman, Building and Zoning Supervisor for the City, announced the winners of the Fifth Annual Building Safety Week Art Contest as follows:
3rd Grade, 1st Place – Lars Reynolds (Moye School)
4th Grade, 1st Place – Laney Brown (Moye School)
4th Grade, 2nd Place Tie – Anne Britton and Anna Wagner (Laverna Evans School)
5th Grade, 1st Place – Abbey Cohlmeyer (Estelle Kampmeyer School)
5th Grade, 2nd Place – Lauren Reeves (Estelle Kampmeyer School)
1st Place Winners each receives a $75 savings bond; 2nd Place Winners each receives a $50 savings bond.
The Mayor read two additional proclamations: (1) A proclamation declaring the week of May 20 – May~26, 2007, as National Public Works Week, and (2) A proclamation declaring the week of May 20 – May~26, 2007, as Emergency Medical Services Week. He commended both departments for their hard work and exceptional service they provide to our city.
Mayor Graham said this month’s Southwestern Council of Mayors would be held Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Gateway Grizzlies Stadium in Sauget. ~Council members should RSVP to Jamie by Friday, May 18, if they plan to attend.
The Mayor announced the installation of names at the Veterans Memorial would be held on Memorial Day, May 28, at noon.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to consider the Omnibus Agreement for Resolution Items 1-3 and 5-7. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve Resolution Items~1-3 and 5-7 under the previous Omnibus Agreement.
ITEM 1 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Planning Design Studio, LLC for the Design Service Agreement for Greenway Design Services for the Trail within the Sports Park Site
ITEM 2 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Gateway Geospatial LLC for contractual services in an amount not to exceed $20,800
ITEM 3 – Resolution Approving and Accepting a Condominium of an Office Building to be known as the Condominium Plat of 784 Wall Street
ITEM 5 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Permit with St. Clair County for the Installation and Maintenance of Sidewalks along South Lincoln in County Right-of-Way
ITEM 6 – Resolution Authorizing the City of O'Fallon to Purchase Real Estate at the Southwest Corner of Green Mount and West State Street
ITEM 7 – Resolution Authorizing the City of O'Fallon to Purchase Real Estate Located at the Southeast Corner of North Green Mount and West State Street
M. Bennett raised discussion regarding the walking trail in the Family Sports Park costing $50,000. He noted that since this is being paid for with grant money, no funds are being taken from other projects in the City to pay for the trail. In addition, a number of restrictions come with the grant money, which contribute to the high price.
Regarding Item 5, N. Drolet said he is pleased to see sidewalks will be installed along S.~Lincoln and said he would like to see sidewalks along N.~Greenmount Road also. Mayor Graham reminded everyone that when N. Greenmount Road was improved, the County would not give the City right-of-way in order to build sidewalks at that time.
ROLL CALL: M. Schmidt, aye; E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, 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~4.
ITEM 4 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Annexation Agreement with Crest Estates, LLC and John and Peggy Barton for a Development known as Crest Estates
R.~Reckamp objected to this subdivision because it has a cul-de-sac that is over ¼~mile~long.
ROLL CALL: E.~True, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay; J.~Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay. Ayes – 10; Nays~–~3. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES:
1st Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to consider the Omnibus Agreement for 1st Reading Ordinance Items 8-11 and 14-15. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Items 8-11 and 14-15 under the previous Omnibus Agreement.
ITEM 8 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, development known as “Body of Christ Christian Church”
ITEM 9 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 52, Water, Section 52.090, Regarding Temporary Hydrant Meter Change
ITEM 10 – Ordinance Authorizing the City of O’Fallon to Borrow Funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program
ITEM 11 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 77, Traffic Schedules Regarding Windsor Creek
ITEM 14 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of Savannah Hill Park
ITEM 15 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 52, regarding Water Rates, Section 52.080, 52.081, 52.082, and 52.083
M. Bennett raised discussion regarding the method of calculating the water consumption rates. D. Sullivan explained how the rates were determined and said the goal is to eventually have only one or two rates. Discussion ensued regarding how many different rates there should be, how the rates should be calculated, and how the rates may discourage a large company with considerable water usage from coming to O’Fallon.
Regarding Item 10, S.~Engler recommended the public be made aware of the interest that will be paid in addition to the $5 million borrowed. D.~Rich said all the documents on this loan would disclose the principal and interest amounts.
ROLL CALL: R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 12.
ITEM 12 – Ordinance Annexing Crest Estates Subdivision
M.~Bennett said he originally agreed the cul-de-sac in this subdivision was too long. However, after talking with the Planning and Zoning Department and reviewing the topographic map, he concluded there is no other way to develop this land.
N. Drolet said the Crest Estates Subdivision would be an isolated community with only one access and no way to connect to a future development. He felt these isolated communities cause problems on the major thoroughfares.
ROLL CALL: J.~Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, nay; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay. Ayes – 9; Nays – 4. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by A. Medford to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 13.
ITEM 13 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of Crest Estates Subdivision
ROLL CALL: J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, nay; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye. Ayes – 11; Nays – 2. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to consider the Omnibus Agreement for 2nd Reading Ordinance Items 16-19. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Items 16-19.
ITEM 16 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of the GCS Subdivision – As Amended
ITEM 17 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 78, No Parking, Regarding Moye School Road
ITEM 18 – Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of O’Fallon Professional Park, Lot 2
ITEM 19 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 623, Zoning, Walker Storage Units
ROLL CALL: A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated they met on April 23, and the minutes are in the packets. Their next meeting is May 14, 2007, at 6 p.m.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by A. Medford to keep the Frieze Harley-Davidson Wind Turbine issue in committee for an additional two weeks. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham suggested it be considered as a planned use so a precedent is not set regarding wind turbines in the City. However, he said that, given the size of the Frieze Harley-Davidson building and the fact that it is a state-of-the-art energy efficient structure, the wind turbine certainly merits consideration. The Mayor also recommended the Council look at the possibility of a wind turbine at the new park.
Public Works: A. Medford said the minutes from their last meeting are included in the packets. Their next meeting will be May 29, 2007, at 7 p.m.
Public Safety: E. True said they have not met since the last Council meeting. Their next meeting will be May 14, 2007, at 7 p.m.
Finance/Administration: J.~West stated they met before tonight’s meeting to discuss Warrant~135. He said the portion of “Gifts Paid to Individuals” in the amount of $26.00 would be deducted from the warrant amount. Motion was made by J. West and seconded by R.~Reckamp to approve Warrant~135 in the amount of $1,084,390.89.
ROLL CALL: M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Parks/Environment: J. Albrecht stated their next meeting is scheduled for May~14, 2007, in the new park pavilion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
R.~Reckamp raised discussion regarding the numerous reader board signs that are being displayed in the City. He described them as “trashy,” especially the ones that are primarily red in color. He recommended a committee discuss whether or not these reader board signs should continue to be allowed in the City. The Mayor noted that the City already requires those signs to be approved by the Council.
A. Medford commended City staff for the excellent manner in which they prepare the agenda packets.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by J.~West and seconded by E. True to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Sharon L. Wisely, Transcriptionist
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