FREEBURG
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
August
2, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: The Freeburg Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., on Monday, 08/02/04, in the Freeburg Municipal Center by Mayor Allen Watters.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Board members and those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: The Following Board Members were Present Trustee Rita Baker -here; Trustee Tom Gaby -here; Trustee Mary Krieg - here; Trustee Tony Miller - here; Trustee Paul Janssen - here; Trustee Tracy Coughlin - here; Mayor Allen Watters – here. The Mayor announced there is a quorum.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Motion made by Trustee Janssen and seconded by Trustee Baker approving the minutes on 07/19/04. Motion Carried. (6 ayes; 0 nay; 0 absent).
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING:
Trustee Paul Janssen Reporting
Held July 29, 2004 at 4:30 p.m.
Claims: Motion made by Trustee Janssen and seconded by Trustee Baker to approve payment of the claims in the amount of $367,139.07. Roll Call: Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby - aye; Trustee Mary Krieg - aye; Trustee Tony Miller - aye; Trustee Paul Janssen - aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin - aye; Motion Carried. (6 ayes; 0 nay; 0 absent).
CDs: Investments were reviewed and all moneys will be invested in Certificates of Deposit at a rate of 2.02%, for three months
TREASURER REPORT: next meeting
ATTORNEY’S
REPORT:
Attorney Greg Nold present:
Annexations:
Tadlock: Petition and ordinance is being prepared.
Range & Braeutigam: Preparing amendment to annexation agreement providing for maintenance of Turkey Hill Lane to annex property.
Forcade: Petition and ordinance is being prepared.
Borrenpohl is on hold.
ESDA REPORT:
Eugene Kramer not present:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Sue Moritz and Jim Lester wondering what is going to happen with the complaint she filed in June. The Board is waiting on Rich Dambacher to respond.
REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCES: none
RECOMMENDATIONS OR ACTIONS OF BOARD & COMMISSIONS: Motion made by Trustee Coughlin and seconded by Trustee Miller to accept the State of Illinois, Illinois Commerce Commission Stipulated Agreement No. 1101, with the State of Illinois acting by and through the Illinois Commerce Commission (“COMMISSION”), the Illinois Central Railroad Company (“COMPANY”), Freeburg Township (TOWNSHIP”), the Village of Freeburg (“VILLAGE”), and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation (“DEPARTMENT”) by title only. Roll Call: Trustee Rita Baker - aye; Trustee Tom Gaby - aye; Trustee Mary Krieg - aye; Trustee Tony Miller - aye; Trustee Paul Janssen - aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin - aye; Motion Carried. (6 ayes; 0 nay; 0 absent).
BIDS: none
CONTRACTS, RELEASES, AGREEMENTS & ANNEXATIONS: none
RESOLUTIONS: None
ORDINANCES: None
APPOINTMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
TRUSTEE
TONY MILLER REPORTING
Held
July 26, 2004 at 4:30 p.m.
Nuisance Violations: Notice has been sent to the owner of resident on East High St., to clean up their yard.
Officer Mike Schutzenhofer: Chief Woodruff would like to re-activate Mike Schutzenhofer, one of our part-time officer’s has been placed on the inactive list.
TRUSTEE
TOM GABY REPORTING
Held
July 26, 2004 at 5:30 p.m.
Dambacher Trucking: The Committee is considering placing Dambacher Trucking in the Industrial Park. Tabled until further review.
TIF: Ongoing negotiations are going on with Joe Koppeis.
Industrial Park Lots: A letter was sent to the applicable property owners of the lots who have not constructed their parking lots to bring them up to the Village code.
MARY
KRIEG REPORTING
Held
July 28, 2004 5:30 p.m.
Phil Sheets: Due to the numerous violation and moneys owed to the Village, the Committee suggested they place a lien on the properties he owns at, 301 W. Washington St., 108 N. Alton St., and 2 S. Monroe.
Dambacher Trucking: Sue Moritz and Jim Lester was wondering what is going to happen with the complaint she filed in June. The Board is waiting on Rich Dambacher to respond to the letter from the Village.
Impact Fee: The Committee is reviewing the possibility of charging an impact fee of $1,000.00 per lot for new construction. Tabled
Uncle Gary’s BBQ: Uncle Gary’s B-B-Que stand is no longer standing.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Electric Committee,
Wednesday, August 4, 2004, 4:30 p.m.
Street Committee, Wednesday. August 4, 2004, 5:30 p.m.
Commercial State Bank Open House, Thursday , August 5, 2004, 5:00 p.m.
Police Committee, Monday,
August 9, 2004, 4:30 p.m. cancel
Plan Commission (Tri-Rent),
Wednesday, August 11, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Regular Board Meeting, Monday August 16, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
VILLAGE
PRESIDENT’S AND TRUSTEE’S COMMENTS:
MAYOR ALLEN WATTERS: Pass
TRUSTEE RITA BAKER: Pass
TRUSTEE TOM GABY: Inquired on Coast to Coast? Attorney Nold responded that he is still working on them.
The Stop Light on Apple Street needs to be fixed
TRUSTEE PAUL JANSSEN: Pass
TRUSTEE MARY KRIEG: Pass
TRUSTEE TRACY COUGHLIN: Pass
TRUSTEE TONY MILLER: Pass.
JIM SNIDER, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Blighted area for the T.I.F. qualifies.
RON DINTELMANN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR: Streets outlining the Village will be oiled.
GREG NOLD, ATTORNEY: Pass
JOHN TOLAN, ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR: Pass
MEL WOODRUFF, POLICE CHIEF: Pass
PATRICK SMOKER, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Pass
BILLIE LOUTHAN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/DEPUTY CLERK: Pass
WAYNE FORCADE, TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR: Pass
ADJOURN:
Trustee Baker Motioned to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. and Trustee Gaby seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye, motion carried - meeting adjourned.
__________________
Mary Grau
Village Clerk
FREEBURG REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Monday, August 16, 2004
7:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Mayor Tom Gaby called the Regular Board Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., on Monday, August 16, 2004, in the Freeburg Municipal Center Board Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Those present and Board Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: The following Board Members were present: Trustee Paul Janssen – present; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – here; Trustee Rita Baker – here; Trustee Mary Krieg – here; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – present; Trustee Tony Miller – absent. Acting Mayor Gaby announced there is a quorum.
Village Clerk Mary Grau was unable to attend the Board Meeting and Deputy Clerk Billie Louthan assumed the Clerk’s duties.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to approve the minutes of August 2, 2004, as presented and Trustee Tracy Coughlin seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) All voting aye, motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT: For review only.
BALANCE SHEET: For review only.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report for June, 2004 and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) Motion carried.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Greg Nold reported that Coast to Coast annexation and Fortman annexation have been scheduled with the Plan Commission for the first part of September, as well as request from Weiss Trust to change zoning along Route 13/15 from Agricultural to Highway Business “B-2”.
Acting Mayor Gaby asked about the Barthel’s request. Mr. Nold stated they were going to divide the parcels into four parcels and now they are debating on whether to annex one or more than one. Just waiting to hear from the owner. They are not waiting for the Village to do anything.
ESDA REPORT: Mr. Gene Kramer will have a report at the next Board Meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Ms. Janet Baechle stated she has an open letter to the editor and it reads as follows:
“To The Editor:
‘An Open Letter to the Tom’s Supermarket owners, the Norrenberns,
‘When the Freeburg Village Board suggested that what Freeburg needed as a TIF, I was hesitant
about whether it was good for the Village or not. After some research about TIF’s, I told the
Trustees that I was against the TIF.
‘At every Village meeting I attended (and there were a lot) I told them one of the reasons was the
size of Freeburg would not be large enough to support 2 grocery stores or pharmacies and that
people would not come from miles around to shop at the new strip mall that Mr. Koppeis was
going to build. That, if given a choice, most people would drive into Belleville so that they could
shop at one place to buy everything that they needed at one time.
‘In fact, the Mayor, some of the trustees, and I discussed it at so many meetings that I finally lost
count of meetings attended or times that I mentioned it. Every time that I mentioned it, they
ASSURED me that competition was good and there would be no problem with having more than
one grocery store or any other kind of store.
‘I told Mr. Koppeis that if he built a grocery store in Freeburg, I would not shop there or in any of
the other shops in his mall.
‘I told him that I shopped at Tom’s and at Freeburg Pharmacy, and I didn’t feel the need to shop
somewhere else. I would rather support businesses that were here and had been, rather than
shopping somewhere that was using Village money to help them AGAINST their competition.
‘Well, suddenly, you and Mr. Koppeis have reached the same conclusion, Freeburg can’t
support two grocery stores and you have decided that you wish to join forces with Mr. Koppeis
managing and eventually buying the NEW and IMPROVED grocery store in his strip mall.
‘Gentlemen, I consider it a slap in the face to all of people who have come to the Village
meetings to support your store and all of the other smaller established stores in Freeburg. They
cannot compete with a TIF, especially when the TIF will be getting OUR money to duplicate
stores that we have.
‘You certainly can move down the street to the new TIF; that is your right.
‘I will drive to Anderson’s, Freeburg Pharmacy, one of our gas stations, or into Belleville to
purchase what I need. I do not have to shop in your store; that is my right.
‘Thank you,
‘Janet Baechle”
Mr. Roger Mortiz wanted to know the disposition of a letter that was to be sent to him and his wife from Attorney Greg Nold. Administrator Snider talked with Mrs. Moritz and explained the process that was taking place regarding Dambacher. Mr. Dambacher had until August 16, 2004, to respond to the issues from Mr. Lester and Mrs. Moritz and the Village has not heard from Mr. Dambacher. The issue will be sent to the Building/Annexation/Zoning Committee Meeting to be held Wednesday, August 25, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. and you may attend the meeting.
Mr. Jim Lester reported he has sent three letters to Mr. Dambacher and his wife called and I told her if he did not tell him what he was going to do, I will turn the situation over to outside authorities. What he is doing is hazardous. He is running a business 40 years ago and you cannot do that anymore. It is a safety hazard for the whole neighborhood. Administrator Snider explained we have responded and had a representative from the Illinois EPA at the site in regard to the storm water issue and they did not have a problem with the operation there. Also, had a representative from the Corps of Engineers on site and he has requested Mr. Dambacher begin the process to be in compliance. The Bureau of Land has to determine the contamination of the land. The Village is working with these agencies.
Mr. Paul Anderson was concerned about the latest development of the TIF District. We need another grocery store because Tom’s had lost interest in this town and the grocery store was not up to power that it should be. Then I read in the paper Tom’s is being allowed to be the one that comes out and builds a new store, if he is not willing to take care of the one he already has, why would he care about this one. I would like for the Board to consider, if the Board thinks they are definitely right about the TIF District, please consider putting it on the ballot as a non-binding referendum and let the taxpayers in this town decide if they want a TIF in town.
Acting Gaby responded those agreements were made between Tom’s and Mr. Koppeis and Mr. Koppeis has retained some kind of power over Tom’s in terms of telling what he has to do in that store and it has to be operated. The Board has nothing to do with that.
Mr. Paul Anderson asked if the Village knew if anyone was going into Tom’s old building? Administrator Snider stated there was nothing to report.
Mr. Greg Vogel, Freeburg Fire Protection District, presented a letter to the Board members requesting the use of the intersection at Apple Street and State Street to collect monies for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Friday, August 27, 2004, with a rain date of Friday, September 3, 2004. Trustee Rita Baker motioned to allow the Freeburg Fire Protection District collect monies for Muscular Dystrophy at the intersection of Apple Street and State Street on Friday, August 27, 2004, with a rain date of Friday, September 3, 2004 and Trustee Tracy Coughlin seconded the motion. All voting aye, motion carried.
Mr. Lee Sauzek asked if Tom’s is going to move out there and does that mean it is a done deal? Acting Mayor Gaby explained that Mr. Koppeis has met with them and they have reached an agreement. The Village has not voted on the TIF District yet.
REPORTS
AND CORRESPONDENCE:
St. Joseph Church Request for Annual Church Picnic: Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to grant St. Joseph’s request as outlined in their letter and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motioned. All voting aye, motion carried.
Commercial State Bank Thank You: Commercial State Bank sent a thank you note for the plant the Village sent for their grand opening.
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Plan Commission Recommendation – Tri-Rent Development (Sauzek): Trustee Mary Krieg asked for the reason of agreeing to waive the sidewalk. Zoning Administrator Pat Smoker reported that sidewalks are not along Route 15 now and no future plans for sidewalks. Trustee Rita Baker motioned to accept Tri-Rent Development’s Preliminary Plat and waive the need for a sidewalk and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion. All voting aye, motion carried.
CONTRACTS,
RELEASES, AGREEMENTS AND ANNEXATIONS:
ICC Stipulated Agreement No. 1100, Phillips Street Railroad Crossing: Public Works Director Ron Dintelmann reported that this was the railroad contract that the Village pays 10% of the cost for the gate across Phillips Street. The work should begin in 2005. Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to enter into the agreement by having the Mayor sign and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) Motion carried.
BIDS:
LUMINAIRES: After the previous bids for luminaires and poles, it was discovered the luminaire (lamp) was not the luminaire the Village was to receive. So, a new bid for the luminaires is being scheduled. Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to proceed with the bid for luminaires with a call date of Thursday, September 2, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – no; Acting Mayor – Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent) Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS: None
ORDINANCE:
Ordinance No. 1151: An Ordinance Amending A Section Of The Revised Code Of The Village Of Freeburg, St. Clair County, Illinois (No Parking) Discussion was held where the no parking sign would be placed and what days it would affect. Probably should come under Limited Parking. No action taken. Ordinance No. 1151 will be resubmitted at the September 7, 2004 meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
APPOINTMENTS: None
COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES:
Electric Committee Meeting: Chairman Tracy Coughlin reported on the Electric Committee Meeting held Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at 4:30 p.m.
Chairman Coughlin reported the Committee reviewed the electric expansion progress and discussion of the selection of the generation needs we are going to install. The Committee recommends that we go forward with the initial plan of the single 2500kW generator that the permit says and if there is additional growth before we put the generator in, we will address it at that time. BHM&G has proceeded to prepare specifications for that at their own risk.
We are waiting to approve the engineering contract with them for the work at the North Substation Power Plant.
BHMG – Hughes Supply, Inc. Payment: Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to pay Hughes Supply $9,300.00 for work completed and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) Motion carried.
BHMG – J. F Electric Payment: Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to pay J. F. Electric $107,000.00 for work done and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) Motion carried.
Electrical Project Summary: Trustee Coughlin reported the Village has one contractor that has two parts of the project and hoping to get the project moving a little faster by working simultaneously. Public Works Director Dintelmann reported the company has sent their personnel to Florida for a week to ten days. The contract will be reviewed. There is a completion date listed.
Loss Control Report: No action taken. We have a generator that is nearing its life expectancy.
Administrator Snider remarked about the letters sent to the individuals that annexed on the north end of town about Village electric service being available for their use. The Village has heard from a couple of the individuals.
Street Committee Meeting: Acting Chairman Tom Gaby reported on the Street Committee Meeting held Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at 5:30 p.m.
Blomenkamp Billing: Blomenkamp’s Excavating did the sidewalk work on Edison Street and there was a balance of $11,510.00. The amount will be submitted to the Finance Committee for payment.
Hill Mine Road Railroad Crossing: Nothing to report.
IDOT Subordinations for Route 13/15 Project (#8019050 and #8019056): Public Works Director Ron Dintelmann reported they are for easements for the Route 13/15 Project. Trustee Rita Baker motioned to approve the Mayor signing the IDOT Subordinations for the Route 13/15 Project and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion. Roll Call: Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – no; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent) Motion carried.
Acting Mayor Gaby reported the Village was low on funds for mosquito spraying, but the Committee advised PWD Dintelmann to continue spraying for mosquitoes.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting: Chairperson Rita Baker reported on the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting held Friday, August 13, 2004, at 5:30 p.m.
Swimming Pool Staff: Trustee Rita Baker motioned to dock the salary of our pool manager, Mrs. Kim Towers, for seven (7) days and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion. Roll Call: Chairperson Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Acting Mayor Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) Motion carried.
Chairperson Baker also stated that Mrs. Tammy Schwartz, who lives in Manors at Woods Edge, would like to do research projects that may dress up the swimming pool. Mrs. Schwartz is to contact Chairperson Baker once she finds information regarding swimming pools.
UPCOMING
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
Water and Sewer Committee Meeting, Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 4:30 p.m.
Street Committee Meeting, Wednesday, august 18, 2004, 5:30 p.m.
Board of Appeals, Thursday, August 19, 2004, 8:00 p.m.
Police
committee Meeting, Monday, August 23, 2004, 4:30 p.m.
CANCELLED
Industrial
Park/Economic Development Committee Meeting, August 23, 2004, 5:30 p.m. CANCELLED
Electric Committee Meeting, Monday, August 23, 2004, 4:30 p.m.
Building, Annexation, Zoning Committee Meeting, Wednesday, August 25, 2004, 5:30 p.m.
Plan Commission (Faus/Fortman/Weiss), Wednesday, September 1, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 2, 2004, 4:30 p.m.
Board Meeting, Tuesday, September 7, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
VILLAGE
PRESIDENT’S AND TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS:
Acting Mayor Tom Gaby: Wanted to know if anything could be done about the traffic light at West Apple Street and Belleville Street. PWD Dintelmann stated he would call Mr. Darrel Cates and possibly IDOT might have a controller mechanism. The light is owned by the county. Mr. F. X. Heiligenstein needs to be contacted. The Police Department could possibly direct traffic, if needed.
Trustee Paul Janssen: Hope we have a great homecoming. People need to turn out and need plenty of volunteers.
Trustee Tracy Coughlin: Have concerns about the TIF District. From the onset, one of the things I was really concerned about the TIF District is promoting and encouraging competition with the different stores here in town. Not creating a blighted area in one part of town to sacrifice for another, as well as, the use of our sales tax revenue for funding the TIF. These are issues that are going to be important and I still intend to support that decision and if things change, I will act accordingly. I am not disagreeing with some of the issues you brought up tonight. Have a good homecoming and everyone go to the fireworks show on Sunday, because it is one of the best displays in the area.
Trustee Rita Baker: Nothing.
Trustee Mary Krieg: I would like to echo what Tracy said about the concern of Tom’s moving out there. I was amazed that that was happening. It obviously was not the first thing we wanted, but believe me, I knew we would be pulverized because of Tom’s going out there and I agree that that is not the best thing, but this was one way that you could help ensure the success of a TIF District is you take a store that people like and move out there. The other thing is Mr. Koppeis will maintain the control of the store. If it does not measure up to cleanliness standards, Mr. Koppeis will address that. I have been to the store that he is going to replicate; it is going to be a great addition to our town. It will be a very nice shopping experience. So, just to let you know, we won’t let it become something less than what we deserve in Freeburg. We will keep after it and monitor it, because that is, in deed, what he has told us and what he has agreed to do for us. At the end of the day, come to the Rotary Peach Stand at the Homecoming.
Administrator Jim Snider: Pass
PWD Ron Dintelmann: Nothing
Attorney Greg Nold: Nothing
Zoning Administrator Pat Smoker: Nothing
APWD John Tolan: Nothing
Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk Billie Louthan: Nothing
Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. and Trustee Tracy Coughlin seconded the motion. All voting aye, motion carried.
Billie Louthan
Deputy Clerk