O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
September 2, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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, excused; 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.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to approve the minutes of August 18, 2008. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: None scheduled.
RESIDENTS: No one came forward.
Mayor Graham introduced the Homecoming Prince Al Scrivner & Princess Ella Bugger. He thanked them for having done a great job in raising $3600.00. They both received new bicycles for their prize.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Goodwin read the following:
1. Request from the Woman’s Club of O’Fallon to conduct a raffle for gift certificates from October 3 – December 18, 2008.
2. Request from the O’Fallon Band Boosters to conduct a raffle for chances for Trivia Night on September 6, 2008, for the Metro East Marching Classic on
September 13, 2008, and for the Craft Fair on November 1 – 2, 2008.
3. Request from the VFW Post 805 to conduct a Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
4. Request from O’Fallon Township High School to conduct a Homecoming Parade on October 9, 2008 from 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
5. Request from O’Fallon Rotary Club to sell alcohol at the Katy Cavins Community Center for the Rotary Auction on October 4, 2008.
Motion was made by R. Reckamp and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the requests. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Graham asked Chief Betten to come forward and introduce the Explorers in attendance. Chief Betten introduced the officers representing the Police Explorer Post – Diane Coppotelli and Eric Andrew. Officer Coppitelli introduced Brent Fincher (captain of the post), Brandi Rayborn, Ben Baldwin, and Quiandez McAfee who represented the Explorers in the national conference. She stated that they had won three awards against over 3,000 participants. Mayor Graham thanked them for their hard work.
Mayor Graham stated that Chip Shaefer’s son, Chas, was seriously injured in Iraq. He is recuperating in a hospital in Germany. Mayor Graham asked for a moment of silence for all the men and women in harm’s way.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to consider Resolution Items 1 - 3 under the Omnibus Agreement. All ayes. Motion carried. Mayor Graham read the following resolutions:
ITEM 1 – Resolution Establishing a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Consider a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Proposed Regency Park Redevelopment Project Area
ITEM 2 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Diversified Coatings for the painting of the Exterior of St. Clair Water Tank for a cost not to exceed $25,000
ITEM 3 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Diversified Coatings for Interior and Base Maintenance at the St. Clair Water Tank for a cost not to exceed $7,300
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve Resolution Items 1 - 3 under the previous Omnibus Agreement.
J. Albrecht inquired whether there was a competitive bid done on Item 2. D. Sullivan replied that they did not go out for bid on this project. He received a proposal, which he thought was exceptionally fair, so he took it directly to the committee. He also mentioned that the agenda should have stated that the exterior painting is at a cost not to exceed $25,500.
J. Albrecht made a motion which was seconded by R. Reckamp to amend Item 2 to include the correct amount of $25,500.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; Schmidt, aye; D. Polites, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; A. Medford, aye; J. Drolet, aye; N. Drolet, aye; S. Engler, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; J. West, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Roll call on motion with amendments:
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; Schmidt, aye; D. Polites, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; A. Medford, aye; J. Drolet, aye; N. Drolet, aye; S. Engler, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; J. West, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
.
ORDINANCES:
1st Readings
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. West to consider under the Omnibus agreement Items 4 – 6 on 1st Reading. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Graham read aloud the following resolutions:
ITEM 4 – Ord. Amending the City Zoning Code by Amending Several Sections of Article 12: Sign Regulations
ITEM 5 – Ord. Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 52, Section 52.088, Discontinuance of Water Service for Delinquent Accounts
ITEM 6 – Ord. Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 52, Section 52.089, Temporary Disconnection Service Charge
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve Item 4-6 under the previous Omnibus agreement.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; Schmidt, aye; D. Polites, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; A. Medford, aye; J. Drolet, aye; N. Drolet, aye; S. Engler, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; J. West, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
2nd Readings
No 2nd reading ordinances listed.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated his committee met on August 25th and the minutes are in the packet.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to consider the motions out of his committee under the Omnibus Agreement.
Special Event Permit request from Highland Animal Shelter for the “Tent Adoption Event” on September 13 and 14, 2008 at the PetsMart parking lot
Special Event Permit request from Frieze Harley-Davidson for their Open House
Stone Bridge Estates Building Elevations
R. Reckamp stated that he preferred the fist set of elevations that the Council was presented as they were superior to the current ones. He acknowledged that they do meet the standard.
M. Bennett questioned why they did not need an ordinance amendment since they were so different. T. Shekell said if the Council did not accept the second set of submitted elevations, it would have to go back through the process. M. Bennett stated the second set of plans look like they would cost significantly different. T. Shekell answered that the square footage is not much different, but the aesthetics is. R. Reckamp mentioned that the developer said $37,000. T. Shekell agreed that was for the exterior. M. Bennett questioned why they did not stay with the original plans. T. Shekell said the builder went bankrupt and the new developer does not carry the other elevations in his inventory. The original prices were too high for his clientele.
D. Renner stated that he had problems from the beginning with the project. He prefers the original plans because of the surrounding neighbors concerns.
D. Renner made a motion and seconded by J. Albrecht to remove the motion on the Stone Bridge Estates Building Elevations from the omnibus agreement. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by D. Renner to approve the Special Event Permit request from Highland Animal Shelter for the “Tent Adoption Event” on September 13 and 14, 2008 at the PetsMart parking lot. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve Special Event Permit request from Frieze Harley-Davidson for their Open House. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by J. Mouser and seconded by M. Schmidt to approve the Stone Bridge Estates Building Elevations.
M. Bennett asked if they vote “no”, do they have to come back through the Planning Commission with a better understanding of the elevations. T. Shekell said that they will need to provide the answers to your questions. D. Renner said he would like to them go back to the Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, no; Schmidt, aye; D. Polites, no; R. Reckamp, no; J.~Mouser, aye; A. Medford, no; J. Drolet, no; N. Drolet, no; S. Engler, no; M.~Bennett, no; D. Renner, no; J. Albrecht, no; J. West, no. Ayes – 2; Nays - 11. Motion failed.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on September 8, 2008.
Public Works: A. Medford stated that the next scheduled meeting is September 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
M. Bennett stated that he still has concerns with the secondary emergency access drive at Central School. It was approved as a secondary access, so it could have a gravel-packed drive and be gated and locked. The gate is open all day. Furthermore, a traffic impact study or safety analysis was never done and kids are walking up the drive. There are no sidewalks and it is dirt, so they will be walking on the same road that the administrators and janitors are using. He believes that there is a true safety issue.
M. Bennett made a motion seconded by R. Reckamp that contingent on verification of city right-of-way to authorize the installation of a City operated gate to control access on the secondary emergency access drive of Joseph Arthur Middle School.
Mayor Graham stated that he was not comfortable with the motion off the floor without having a legal opinion. He added that schools fall under different rules from the State. Gravel roads are not permitted in our city, though.
T. Shekell added that the school is under the superintendant’s jurisdiction, but the City has a say whether the road needs to be paved or not. We can ensure that they pave it or restrict access to it. D. Funk agreed.
Mayor Graham said that he received letters from two Board members that are opposed to the road being open. M. Bennett added that we have to have some control of where the access points are located.
Chief Saunders interjected that the school has been given a form to order a Knox-Box, but he also gave them a form to order a Knox padlock where only the fire department would have a key to it. The padlock is actually cheaper for them. The owner has to order it. The company builds the lock to fit our key. Mayor Graham supports the padlock, as long as the City is the only one with possession of the key.
R. Reckamp added that the Central School Board should approve to pave the road, since it appears the road has become useful.
J. Mouser stated that the committee’s approval was based on the school’s contention that it was a restricted road for emergency vehicles. A. Medford added that the road should be paved and sidewalks added, if the school is going to continue to use it.
M. Bennett added that a traffic study needs to be done before any decision is made on paving the road.
D. Renner added that he was informed that the Board voted 4 to 2 to keep the gate open during the day time. They felt it was needed for emergency purposes.
Mayor Graham recommended that the motion be tabled until the committee meets. D. Funk added that we should have some direction from the Council before we proceed.
Motion by M. Bennett and seconded by J. West to table the motion on the floor until the next Community Development committee meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.
Public Safety: D. Renner thanked Chief Betten and his staff for the good work they are doing in his ward and helping the senior citizens. A. Medford said that the next meeting is September 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Finance/Administration: J. West said that the minutes of the August 25th meeting are in the packets. The finance committee met before the Council meeting to review Warrant #167.
Motion was made by J. West and seconded by R. Reckamp to pay Warrant #167 in the amount of $1,396,097.16.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; Schmidt, aye; D. Polites, aye; R. Reckamp, aye; J.~Mouser, aye; A. Medford, aye; J. Drolet, aye; N. Drolet, aye; S. Engler, aye; M.~Bennett, aye; D. Renner, aye; J. Albrecht, aye; J. West, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
The next meeting will be September 8th at 5:30 p.m. They are switching meeting dates with Parks and Environment.
Parks and Environment: J. Albrecht stated that the next meeting is scheduled for September 22nd at 5:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by A. Medford and seconded by J. Albrecht to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Submitted by,
__________________________
Philip A. Goodwin, City Clerk
Minutes taken by
Maryanne Fair, Deputy City Clerk
Proper notice having been duly given
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