O’FALLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
July 20, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Gary Graham who led the Council in “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Philip Goodwin, City Clerk, called the roll: Nila Grogan, present; Gene McCoskey, 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; Jerry Albrecht, present; David Cozad, present. A quorum was declared present.
Motion by J. Mouser and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the minutes of
July 6, 2009. All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING – Mayor Graham called the Public Hearing open at 7:05 for
the annexation agreement with Joseph Maskal for properties located at 8701
Shiloh Valley Township Line Road and 8971 Shiloh Valley Township Line Road.
He called three times for public input, but no one came forward. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:07.
RESIDENTS: Dick Glogowski stepped forward to speak about his support of Fontebella. His key points were that he believes that the home values would not be adversely affected; security is not an issue; they have prepared for this during the past six years; and that they request the zoning as MR-2 for a group home. He continued that Fontebella is not technically a group home facility. He added that Similac will donate baby formula.
Mark Jasper lives across from the proposed facility and adamantly supports it. He said that the land has been donated for the purpose of building Fontebella. Since 1 -3 pregnancies are aborted; they would like to offer an alternative.
Samantha Grodecki delivered a passionate testimony about her life in an abusive relationship and how this type of facility would have helped her.
Percy Menzies continued the discussion on his support of the proposed facility. A pediatrician stood up and voiced his support. James, a Caring House volunteer, gave his support and applauded Susan and Bob’s background.
Susan Hoff stated that she feels like she has been called to help the women in need. She told several stories of pregnant women who needed assistance. She hopes that she can help them improve their lives. She will provide accessibility to volunteers, doctors and jobs and help them continue their education. She has been working on this project for seven years. She stated that the City is her home, and she would not bring anything in that would harm the City in any way.
The president of the Stone Bridge Villas said that a land use restriction agreement was submitted. However, it would not hold up in court.
Vince Drexilius stated that he also is opposed to the zoning change for Fontebella.
J. Drolet questioned Mr. Drexilius about his intent to go commercial with his property. He answered that he has not spoken to anyone about commercial use. His main concern is about lowered property values.
Mayor Graham stated that the zoning for Shiloh is residential and that their comprehensive plan for the area is the same as ours.
Ken Williams said he does not believe that the area needs this type of facility because St. Louis also will accept Illinois residents and the three facilities that he contacted had openings. He added that Belleville also has a facility. He added that he would not have moved to Stone Bridge if there was a group home there.
Mayor Graham thanked everyone for the courtesy that everyone extended to one another in that it is a very emotional issue. We have spent a lot of time on the property owners’ rights versus the social good and the things that people need.
REPORTS:
Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Goodwin read a request from the Rotary Club to conduct a Children’s Parade on Friday, July 24th.
Motion by R. Reckamp and seconded by N. Grogan to approve the parade request from the Rotary Club. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Graham announced the reappointment of Bill Kuzma to the Police Pension Board. Motion by J. Albrecht and seconded by R. Reckamp to approve. All ayes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to consider Resolution Items 1 – 3 under the Omnibus Agreement. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by J. Mouser and seconded by E. True to approve Resolution Items 1 – 3 under the previous Omnibus Agreement.
Mayor Graham read the following resolutions:
ITEM 1 – Resolution Ascertaining the Prevailing Rate of Wages for Laborers, Workmen, and Mechanics Employed by Contractors or Subcontractors in the Performance of Public Works Contracts from June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010
ITEM 2 - Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Annexation Agreement with Joseph Maskal for 8701 Shiloh Valley Township Line Road and a portion of 8971 Shiloh Valley Township Line Road
ITEM 3 – Resolution Approving a Joint Resolution with the City of O'Fallon, City of Fairview Heights, City of Collinsville, Village of Caseyville, St. Clair County, Village of Swansea, and the City of Belleville, Illinois for and in support of, the Proposed I-64 and Union Hill Road, Fairview Heights Interchange
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; McCoskey, aye; True, aye; Polites, aye; Reckamp, aye; Mouser, aye; Drolet, J., aye; Medford, aye; Bennett, aye; Renner, aye; Engler, aye; Drolet, N., aye; Albrecht, aye; Cozad, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES:
Mayor Graham stated that it will take a “yes” vote on both Item 4 and 5 to change the zoning.
1st Readings - Motion by J. Mouser and seconded by J. Albrecht to consider Item 4, an Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map, 1033 Hartman Lane.
M. Bennett said that as an alderman for Ward 5, he had 50 – 1 residents in opposition to the zoning change. He has to respect the wishes of the residents. D. Renner agreed and said that he has received calls from the parishioners of the church that reside in Ward 5 and do not want it.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, no; McCoskey, no; True, no; Polites, no; Reckamp, aye; Mouser, no; Drolet, J., aye; Medford, no; Bennett, no; Renner, no; Engler, aye; Drolet, N., aye; Albrecht, no; Cozad, no. Ayes – 4; Nays - 10. Motion failed.
Motion by J. Mouser and seconded by R. Reckamp to consider Item 5, an Ordinance amending Ord. 623, Zoning, and Chapter 155 for a development at 1033 Hartman Lane, Fontebella Maternity Shelter.
N. Drolet commented that there is “a not in my backyard syndrome”, working here, so he is not convinced that this would not be a benefit to O’Fallon. He cited a reference to a similar situation to the “Camp Bow Wow” proposal and its success in Fairview Heights.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, no; McCoskey, no; True, no; Polites, no; Reckamp, aye; Mouser, no; Drolet, J., aye; Medford, no; Bennett, no; Renner, no; Engler, aye; Drolet, N., aye; Albrecht, no; Cozad, no. Ayes – 4; Nays - 10. Motion failed.
Meeting was delayed for about five minutes, so people could leave the Chamber; Mayor Graham resumed the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
E. True motioned for a Point of Order regarding the need for a vote for Item 5. Mayor Graham said that under the advice of the attorney, both items needed to be voted on.
2nd Readings – No second readings listed.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Community Development: J. Mouser stated he had one motion out of his committee. Motion by J. Albrecht and seconded by D. Renner to approve the Special Event Permit request from the VFW Post 805 and Auxiliary “Street Festival” on August 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.
The next scheduled meeting is Monday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m.
Public Works: A. Medford stated that he had no report. Dennis Sullivan clarified that the committee will meet on July 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Graham welcomed A. Medford back from his extended illness. A. Medford appreciates the cards and letters that were sent to him during his hospital stay.
Public Safety: N. Drolet stated that the next meeting is scheduled for August 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Finance/Administration: Motion by M. Bennett and seconded by A. Medford to approve Warrant #188 in the amount of $729,242.87.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; McCoskey, aye; True, aye; Polites, aye; Reckamp, aye; Mouser, aye; Drolet, J., aye; Medford, aye; Bennett, aye; Renner, aye; Engler, aye; Drolet, N., aye; Albrecht, aye; Cozad, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
M. Bennett stated that the next scheduled meeting is July 27th at 5:30 p.m.
Parks and Environment: D. Renner announced they had a motion out of his committee. J. Albrecht made the motion seconded by R. Reckamp to approve the low bidder All Star Bleachers, Inc. for the Transportable Bleachers in the amount of $27,300.
ROLL CALL: Grogan, aye; McCoskey, aye; True, aye; Polites, aye; Reckamp, aye; Mouser, aye; Drolet, J., aye; Medford, aye; Bennett, aye; Renner, aye; Engler, aye; Drolet, N., aye; Albrecht, aye; Cozad, aye. All Ayes. Motion carried.
M. Hutchison stated that the next meeting is in September.
Mayor Graham mentioned that he had sent a letter to Mr. Mark Kern advising him that we will terminate our agreement on the St. Ellen Park because of the cost of maintenance.
J. Mouser said that during the Family Sports Park tournaments, that they sold two cars to visitors from surrounding cities.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None scheduled.
Mayor Graham announced that he was hosting a reception for 35 mayors and their guests at the Regency Conference Center. They are IML Board of Directors.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by D. Renner and seconded by R. Reckamp to adjourn. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 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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