O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
October 1, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham, who then led the “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: Nila Grogan, present; Mary Schmidt, present; Ed True, present; Dan Polites, present; 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 asked if there were any changes to the minutes of September 17, 2007. R.~Reckamp stated the vote taken on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 5 should read “Motion failed” instead of “Motion carried.”
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve the minutes of September 17, 2007, as amended. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
RESIDENTS: Mayor Graham invited anyone wanting to speak to the Council to step to the microphone. Mr. Gene McCoskey, a 13-year resident of O’Fallon who also served on the Park Board for 6 years, spoke in opposition to 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 2 – Ordinance for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at the Family Sports Park. Mr.~McCoskey stated he feels the ordinance puts the City of O’Fallon on the wrong side of public health. He pointed out various ways our City discourages drug and alcohol use, such as the support of the DARE, SADD, and MADD programs, and not allowing alcohol at school sporting events; and he suggested that selling alcohol at the Family Sports Park sends a conflicting message to our youth. Mr.~McCoskey noted additional liability and
responsibility will come with the approval of this ordinance. He encouraged the City Council to vote against the ordinance and keep the City of O’Fallon focusing on the positive health, safety, and welfare of our residents and our Community.
Mayor Graham recommended the ordinance be operated on a special permit basis and prohibit the sale of alcohol at events involving youth.
Mr. Skip Leininger, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, said he has been involved in recreational programs for many years and has seen the potential dangers of alcohol. He indicated parents sometimes get upset at their children’s sporting events without the use of alcohol, and using alcohol could certainly make those situations worse. He felt this could be a dangerous precedent.
Mr. Ron Van Horn, a resident of O’Fallon for over 25 years, stated he strongly agrees with the comments made by Mr.~McCoskey and Mr. Leininger. He then described a problem he has experienced with the water meter at his home, which began approximately 20~years ago. He described how the City moved the water meter from the street to his house and the various problems that has resulted over the years. Mr.~Van Horn said he noticed a wet spot in his yard last year, and the City determined there was a leak in the pipe line. He described the problems associated with the repair of this pipe line and the moving of the meter back out to the street, and he stated there was a tremendous lack of communication that resulted throughout the entire ordeal.
Mr. Stewart Drolet asked if alcohol would be advertised via signage at the Family Sports Park. Mayor Graham said they have no intent of advertising the sale of alcohol. Mr. Drolet said his daughter plays t-ball at the park, and he would prefer alcohol not be sold at this type of event.
M. Schmidt said the Boosters do not allow alcohol or tobacco use at their sporting events.
J. West raised discussion regarding the City possibly losing tournaments if the City does not allow the sale of liquor.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Phil Goodwin presented five requests:
1. ~ Request from the VFW Post 805, to conduct the Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. commencing at the Community Park and ending at the corner of West First Street and Oak Street. ~Chief Betten has approved the parade route.
2. ~ Request from Jeffrey Bryce to sell alcohol at the Katy Cavins Community Center at the cash bar for his wedding reception on October 20, 2007, in the amount of $46,303.
3. ~ Request from the O’Fallon Rotary Club to sell alcohol at the Katy Cavins Community Center for the O’Fallon Rotary Club fund raiser on October 13, 2007, in the amount of $60,000.
4. ~ Request from Moye Elementary PTO to conduct a raffle for various prizes from October 31 – November 9, 2007, in the amount of $10,800.
5. ~Request from Moye Elementary PTO to conduct a raffle for various prizes including a cash prize on November 17, 2007, in the amount of $28,772
Motion was made by R. Reckamp and seconded by E. True to approve the requests. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Graham stated Texas Roadhouse had a “Make a Wish” night last week and donated 10 percent of all proceeds to the Make a Wish Foundation. EMS employees, Police Department employees, and various elected officials served food during the event. He thanked everyone who came out for the event.
Mayor Graham congratulated St. Clare Church on the dedication of their new church building.
The Mayor recommended the re-appointment of Brian Keller and Julie Spengler to the Historical Preservation Commission. Motion was made by J.~Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the re-appointments. All ayes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to consider the Omnibus Agreement for Resolution Items 1-5. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to approve Resolution Items~1-5 under the previous Omnibus Agreement.
ITEM 1 – Resolution Approving and Accepting a Subdivision of Land to be known as the Minor Subdivision of Shoppes at Green Mount Lots 5 and 6
ITEM 2 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Kruep Construction for Construction of a new roof on Fire Station #1
ITEM 3 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Preferred Tank and Tower for Painting of 500,000 gallon Ground Storage Tank
ITEM 4 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Liberating Solutions Corporation for Dumpster Enclosure
ITEM 5 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Gonzalez Proposal for Electronic Valves and SCADA Calibration for Water System
ROLL CALL: M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True; aye; D.~Polites, 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.
Mayor Graham stated the cell tower being erected out past Crown Pointe subdivision was approved by the county and not by the City. He stated even though state laws give the county the authority to erect this cell tower, the City had hoped it would at least be a flagpole-type tower to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
ORDINANCES:
1st CityplaceReadings
Motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J. West to place on 1st Reading Ordinance Item 6.
ITEM 6 – An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 131 Offenses Pertaining to Property, Section 131.08, Hunting
M. Bennett asked how hunting would be restricted when City workers are present. D.~Sullivan said the property belongs to the City, and he will control who is allowed to hunt on this property. He stated hunting will be limited to City employees. He explained there is an overpopulation of geese at the wastewater treatment plant, which has resulted in an illegal amount of fecal coli form being present in the water. Therefore, the City needs to reduce the geese population in that area. J. West asked how other municipalities have handled this problem. D.~Sullivan said Southern Illinois University experienced the same problem, and they tried every other possible method of controlling the geese and failed. Discussion ensued regarding how best to handle this issue administratively.
ROLL CALL: E. True; aye; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, nay; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, nay; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M. Schmidt, aye. Ayes~–~12; Nays~_~2. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
Regarding Item 4, M. Schmidt said since the school is requesting the four-way stop, if the school were to ever vacate that property, she would like to see the four-way stop removed.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 2.
ITEM 2 – Ordinance Affirming the Creation of the City of O'Fallon Fire Department
ROLL CALL: D.~Polites, 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; M. Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham said a celebration party will be held sometime in the near future for the Fire Department, and Council members will be notified of that date when it is set.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 3.
ITEM 3 – Ordinance Annexing Certain Property containing 9.18 Acres
S. Engler said he does not feel the property taxes should be waived. Mayor Graham said the property taxes are less than $30 per year, and the City initiated the annexation of this property for its benefit.
ROLL CALL: R.~Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, nay; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M. Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; D.~Polites, aye. Ayes~_~13~; Nays – 1. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 4.
ITEM 4 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 77, Yield Intersections and 3-4 Way Stop Intersections regarding Cherry and Adams Street
ROLL CALL: 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; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay. Ayes~–~13; Nays – 1. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance Item 5.
ITEM 5 – Ordinance for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at the Family Sports Park
N. Drolet said the residents who spoke earlier against this ordinance posed some very valid points to be considered, and he recommended Item 5 go back to committee for additional review and to allow the Council more time to consider this ordinance.
Motion was made by N. Drolet and seconded by J. West to send Item 5 back to committee for further consideration.
ROLL CALL: J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, nay; M.~Bennett, nay; D.~Renner, nay; S.~Engler, aye; N. Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, nay; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, nay; J. Mouser, nay. Ayes~–~8; Nays – 6. Motion carried.
D. Renner objected to alcohol being allowed at the Community Park but not at the Family Sports Park.
Mayor’s Report (Continued): Mayor Graham recommended the appointment of Brent~Saunders as Fire Chief of O’Fallon. Motion was made by R. Reckamp and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the appointment.
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; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham commended Brent Saunders for the outstanding job he has done as the City’s part-time Fire Chief. He said our part-time Fire Department has been rated as high as many of the full-time fire departments in the state of Illinois and the nation. Chief~Saunders said this month marks his 25th year of being involved with the City’s Fire Department, and he stated he is proud to be continuing that involvement.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated they met on September 24 and have one motion coming from that meeting. Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D.~Renner to approve the Special Event request from St. Clare Catholic Church to conduct an Oktoberfest 5-K Renner and Weg (5K Run/Walk) on October~20, 2007, from 7:15~a.m. to 3:00~p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.
The next Community Development meeting will be October 8 at 6~p.m.
Public Works: A. Medford presented two motions from their last meeting.
Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by J. West to approve the work by Lil Rock Electrical in the amount of $9,750.00 for the directional bore.
M. Bennett raised discussion regarding the fact that the Council has still not been told how this building will be utilized. D. Sullivan said this work is only for the boring to eventually install the fiber optics required to link that building to the existing City Hall. Mayor Graham added that there still has been no decision made as to how this building will be utilized.
ROLL CALL: M.~Bennett, nay; D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, nay; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, nay; E. True, aye; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye. Ayes – 11; Nays~_~3. Motion carried.
Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by J. Mouser to approve the E.J.~Equipment forklift proposal in the amount of $10,200 for a used forklift.
.
ROLL CALL: D.~Renner, aye; S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
The next Public Works meeting will be October~22 at 6 p.m.
Public Safety: E. True stated they had not met since the last Council meeting. Their next meeting will be held October~8 at 7 p.m.
Finance/Administration: J. West stated they met on September 24, and the minutes are included in the packets. Motion was made by J. West and seconded by J. Albrecht to pay Warrant~145 in the amount of $728,526.59.
ROLL CALL: S.~Engler, aye; N.~Drolet, aye; J.~West, aye; J.~Albrecht, aye; N.~Grogan, aye; M.~Schmidt, aye; E. True, aye; D.~Polites, aye; R.~Reckamp, aye; J. Mouser, aye; J.~Drolet, aye; A.~Medford, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D.~Renner, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
Their next meeting will be October 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Parks/Environment: J. Albrecht stated they will probably not be prepared to meet on the regularly-scheduled date of October 8. Therefore, the meeting will be delayed and the date announced when it has been set. D. Renner asked that certain information be provided to him prior to the meeting. Mayor Graham asked him to email his requests to the City.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by D. Renner and seconded by J. Mouser to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Sharon L. Wisely, Transcriptionist
| 
