2022/12/12 - Mayor's Column: Approval Processes
“AN OPEN DOOR TO O’FALLON”
A WEEKLY NOTE FROM MAYOR HERB ROACH
Last week I mentioned that I would explain the process that the City of O’Fallon uses before a new development is approved.
It starts with a company or individual submitting a plan for a new business or development that would like to be in O’Fallon. The project is reviewed by our Community Development Department, where the project is evaluated based on the 2040 Master Plan and additional information is requested until City Staff feels that they can give a professional opinion about the project to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Once the project has been evaluated, the project is presented to our 11-member Planning Commission that is made up of men and women from across the city and of different backgrounds for their review. This takes place in a Public Open Meeting (#1) where Staff, Commission Members, Developer and Citizens are allowed to voice opinions and ask questions. The Commission then takes an advisory vote on the project and refers it to the Community Development Committee (made up of 6 City Council Members) with a recommendation for or against the proposal.
Next, the Community Development Committee, in an Open Meeting (#2), thoroughly reviews the project and again questions and statements are allowed by Staff, Committee Members, other council members that are present and Citizens on the project. After the discussion, the Committee can recommend amendments, table the project for further review, or take a vote to recommend for or against the project to the entire City Council.
When it comes to the full City Council it is again in an Open Meeting (#3) and every one can ask questions, present concerns, or show support for the project. The City Council will then vote on the project, or it can be sent back to committee for additional information or suggested changes. If the project is voted on, the project is referred to the Community Development Committee for a second reading.
The Community Development Committee will again review the project and listen to any comments from the Developer and/or Citizens. This is at least the 4th Open Meeting on the project. Typically, if there are no changes to the plan from the first City Council meeting, the project is moved to 2nd Reading for the City Council. If there are changes or new information provided by the developer or citizens, the Committee can vote to defer it for another Committee meeting for further clarification or to get additional information. If it is not held in committee it goes to the Full Council for a final decision.
Once the project is in front of the City Council for the second time (5TH OPEN MEETING) the vote is for final passage. To approve the project, the project must receive an approval from at least a majority of the City Council Members holding office. If the project does not receive the minimum affirmative votes, the project is denied. Additionally, the City Council can still table the project or refer it back to the Community Development Committee.
So, as you see it is a very OPEN process with a minimum of at least 5 Open meetings and sometimes many more.
We have been complimented by new businesses that have dealt with other communities for having a straightforward path that every project must follow. They are also complementary that we have standard guidelines that we expect of each type of development, and it does not vary based on who submits it or what the project is proposing. There is heated debate at times because people get passionate about their view or opinion, but it is done openly and not in any back room dealing.
I tip my hat to the members of our Planning Commission and our Community Development Committee for their dedication and the time they spend both at meetings and before meetings to review these projects and for listening to citizens and making changes that are warranted after getting everyone’s input.
All of these meetings and the subject matter or posted on the City’s Website at least four days in advance of the meeting.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open.