Peoria Standard

Village of Bellevue Board of Trustees met June 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Village of Bellevue Mayor called the Village of Bellevue meeting to order at the Village Hall. He indicated that an audio tape recording was made of all discussions during the Regular Session.

The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Mayor Merriman asked for Roll Call Attendance to be taken by Mrs. Pesch.

Present: Trustee Aaron Lannert, Trustee Judith Wight, Trustee Sandra Cooper, Trustee Leroy Wiseman

Absent: Trustee Martin Schuettler

Also in Attendance: Mayor Dean Merriman; Lane Alster, Village of Bellevue Attorney; Steve Wilson, Village Public Works; Matthew Raible, Village Zoning Officer; Theresa Noel, Village Treasurer; Susan Pesch, Village Clerk; Deputy Cogdal, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department

III. ACTION ITEMS

A. Trustee Cooper moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes held on May 24, 2022. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion. There was no further discussion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion Passed

B. Trustee Lannert moved to approve the Bills for June 14, 2022. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion. Mayor Merriman stated that two bills were added for payment. He commented that he had tried to contact Trustee Cooper and the call would not go through. Trustee Cooper asked Mayor Merriman to check and make sure that he had the correct phone number. Mayor Merriman responded that he called the phone number that she had listed with the Village Hall.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

IV. PRESENTATION FROM THE AUDIENCE

Mayor Merriman thanked the visitors in attendance and gave them an opportunity to address the Village Board.

A resident of the Village of Bellevue stated that she was at the meeting in regards to the liquor license for IR Here. Another resident stated that she and her husband were there to show support for Jimmy to keep his 4:00 a.m. liquor license. Many other residents stated that they were there for the same reason.

Attorney William Atkins informed Board members that he was the Attorney for Rachel and Jim Johnson who own and operate IR Here. He then read a letter that was previously sent that day to Attorney Lane Alster.

A Realtor present from EXP Realty informed Board members that he is representing his client Ralph and his daughter in regards to a 36-acre property on Middle Rd. The Realtor stated that his client put in an offer to purchase the property and close on Friday, June 17th. The property is currently zoned residential. His client put in an offer thinking that it was zoned agriculture to park his RV and enjoy the property. There is no intention of building a house on the property. The Realtor stated that he was present to receive recommendations from the Village Board. Mayor Merriman stated that the Village annexed the property in 2016 and rezoned it residential because it was intended to be developed. The Realtor stated that they were told the two buildings currently on the property needed to be removed if a home was not built in a reasonable amount of time. He asked Board members if there would be any exceptions. Attorney Alster commented that the current property owner would need to petition the Village Zoning Board. The question was asked by the potential buyer if one of the parcels with the clover could be rezoned agriculture. Mayor Merriman said that it was a Village Zoning Board decision. The Realtor’s client stated that he would purchase the property to enhance it. Board members discussed that the Village had previous issues with properties zoned agriculture. Mr. Wilson informed Board members that he met with the current property owner to discuss structures without proper permits. It is a residential property and it was listed for sale as agriculture. The current owner should have been on the up and up. Attorney Alster stated that the Realtor’s client would need to submit pictures and plans with the petition. It was mentioned that the current owner advertised the property as agriculture and hunting. Trustee Lannert said that the Village has an ordinance against unlawful use of firearms. Hunting is not permitted on residential property. Attorney Alster reiterated that rezoning is a Village Zoning Board decision. A petition would need to be filed.

Homeowners that live at the top of Mine Hollow Road asked Board members for assistance with plowing the road. They would like to get help with maintaining and plowing the road with tree trimming. Mr. Wilson stated that it is a private road. It would cost the Village $100,000 to take it over. The homeowner commented that it is a private lane. Mr. Wilson said that Dr. Hoffman was going to develop the land. The homeowner said that Dr. Hoffman was not living and they are having difficulties getting in contact with someone from the Estate. Mayor Merriman stated that the Estate could develop it and fix the road. Possibly then would the Village consider taking it.

Mayor Merriman informed the audience that he was going to go around the room for comments and stated that the actual item of the liquor ordinance was tabled until the next Board meeting.

Comments were made in regards to the Village punishing IR Here. Police did not respond to the accident in question until 5:40 a.m. Minutes on March 22nd reflect that the Village needs revenue and they are considering a Dollar General. By reducing the liquor license, it was stated that the Village could lose 196 hours of potential business. Comments were made that the Village is trying to punish Jimmy. Other residents agreed with the statements. It was mentioned about a previous accident. People feel like the Board is picking on Jimmy. Show proof from other bars getting into trouble and proof from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. from IR Here. What is a good reason to take this away from Jimmy after 25 years in business. It was asked if other bars lose their license if there is trouble between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. The Village gets a good percentage from the gambling machines at IR Here. A homeowner made a statement that IR Here is in his backyard. If there are problems from 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., pull the reports. IR Here has cleaned up over the years. There are no issues now. Jimmy Johnson stated that people are lying about his bar. A homeowner stated that things could happen at midnight. The gentleman that was in an accident made a choice. Why should Jimmy be punished for this. Jimmy stated that he wanted the bar to stay open an extra hour on New Year’s Eve and Dean would not let him. Mayor Merriman stated that he was unsure if other bars were open until 4:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Mayor Merriman said that he told Rachel that New Year’s Eve fell on a normal 4:00 a.m. operation day. They could stay open only until 4:00 a.m. Rachel stated that they complied and closed at 4:00 a.m. They were only open until 4:00 a.m. People were cleaning at that time in the building. Attorney Atkins stated that comments from the public demonstrate there are a lot of questions to be answered. It is a transparent attempt of challenging his client’s property rights. A homeowner had concerns of Mayor Merriman voting on the liquor ordinance because of having relatives in the Village that have liquor licenses. Mayor Merriman stated he only votes if there is a tie. An individual responded to the Board members that having family with liquor licenses was a conflict of interest. Attorney Alster said that it is not a conflict of interest because Mayor Merriman does not hold the liquor license. Trustee Wight said that she was told that she cannot vote on anything that pertains to White Rose Food Pantry due to a conflict of interest. Other comments were made that the Village is hiding something because minutes have not been posted from the last two meetings. The Village Clerk stated that the minutes were updated that evening. Mayor Merriman stated that liquor licenses would be done either June 26th or June 27th and he would hand them out.

V. NON-AGENDA BUSINESS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND VILLAGE EMPLOYEES

Mayor Merriman asked if there was any non-agenda business to be brought before the Board from either Village Trustees or the Village Employees.

Ms. Noel informed Board members that the CD in Morton was going to mature on the 15th of July. The percentage rate is .17% currently. If we roll it over it will be .11%. It is my recommendation to cash it out and put the funds in the general reserve account. We are insured up to 50 million dollars. Ms. Noel stated that the CEFCU statement came to the Village in Staci Raker’s name. Her name is still on the statement. Mayor Merriman said that he would call around in regards to the best rates. Ms. Noel responded that CEFCU and Better Banks currently have the best rates. Ms. Noel said that it could be discussed at the next Board meeting.

Mr. Wilson, Board members, and Attorney Alster discussed building permits within the mobile home properties. The Village has the right to enforce all building permits, but has not in the past due to the request of Deluxe Lake Estates. Deluxe Lake Estates property owner has questions in regards to a structure built at the clubhouse. It appears to be unsafe. The property owner would like the Village to look into it. Attorney Alster and Mr. Wilson discussed a stop work order on the deck of the clubhouse.

Attorney Alster stated that the property at Hi Way Ct. was purchased by Peoria County for back taxes. They are willing to sell it to the Village for $807. The Village has already paid more than that to demolish the home.

Mr. Wilson stated that the tree at 535 Main St. was not removed last year at the request of the homeowner who wanted to save the tree. The tree is on Village property. It will cost around $4,000 to remove the tree. It is an imminent threat to the power lines and other properties around if it falls.

VI. ACTION ITEMS

A. Ordinance Amending Ordinance 446 Liquor Control Ordinance

*Item was removed from the agenda. Mayor Merriman stated that this item would be tabled until the next Village meeting.

B. Trustee Lannert made a motion to approve to Purchase Bobcat Milling Head Equipment. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion. Trustee Lannert stated that it is a good idea to purchase the equipment. The Village would not have to rent it again. Mr. Wilson informed Board members that it is $7,900 to purchase the equipment. It is $2,000 to rent the equipment.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

C. Trustee Cooper made a motion to purchase cameras. Trustee Wight seconded the motion. Mayor Merriman informed Board members that the ATV riders managed to hook on the barriers and move them. He stated wanting to spend some money to secure the barriers to the ground. Trustee Lannert stated that the cameras are intended to catch people. Deputy Cogdal stated that it is an issue to deal with the ATVs. There is a potential for them to get into an accident. They are getting more and more reckless. Peoria County is going to place cameras around. Jimmy Johnson stated that riders go through his parking lot at IR Here. It is an issue. Deputy Cogdal commented that calls need to be made. Mr. Pesch informed Board members that the railroad provided the barriers to the Village. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Raible placed the barriers. Mr. Wilson has been in contact with the railroad. The railroad wants the barriers secure and violators prosecuted. It is destruction of Federal Government property. It was stated that they want people prosecuted. Mr. Wilson said that they will be secured. The ATV issue affects all Village homeowners and their property value. Trustee Wight inquired about the cost of the cameras.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

D. Trustee Lannert made a motion to secure the barricades. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

E. Trustee Lannert made a motion to purchase Earl’s property on Hi Way Ct. Trustee Wight seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

F. Trustee Lannert made a motion to remove the tree on 535 Main St. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 4

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

VII. INFORMATION / DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Mayor Merriman reviewed the Mayor’s Report.

1. Building Permits – Deluxe Lake Estates

2. Purchase of Property – Hi Way Ct./Feucht

3. Tree Removal – 535 Main St.

4. Next Village of Bellevue Meeting – June 28, 2022

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Merriman asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Lannert moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Wight seconded the motion. There was no further discussion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion Passed

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:23 p.m.

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