Peoria Standard

Village of Bellevue Board of Trustees met Nov. 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: Mayor Dean Merriman, Trustee Sandra Cooper, Trustee Paul Eichhorn, Trustee Judith Wight, Trustee Leroy Wiseman, Trustee Ross Pesch

Absent: Trustee Aaron Lannert

Also in Attendance: Attorney Lane Alster; Steve Wilson, Village Maintenance; Matthew Raible, Village Zoning Officer; Theresa Johanson, Village Treasurer; Susan Pesch, Village Clerk

III. ACTION ITEMS

A. Trustee Cooper moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes held on October 24, 2023. Trustee Wight seconded the motion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion Passed

B. Trustee Wiseman moved to approve the Bills for November 14, 2023. Trustee Eichhorn seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

IV. PRESENTATION FROM THE AUDIENCE

*All public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person

A few residents in attendance were opposed to Ordinance 756. They were unhappy with the nuisance language and commented that the ordinance is stupid. Mayor Merriman stated that Ordinance 756 was created in 2018. They cannot pick and choose items out of the ordinance. The Board is trying to clean up Bellevue. There are motor homes on properties that do not even run. Mr. Raible stated that he is going around to notify individuals. Trustee Pesch explained that the amendment would be taking out the side yard language. This language would replace the existing ordinance language and be more understandable. Attorney Alster stated that current residents would be in compliance prior to the amendment. There was a homeowner that passed out information in regards to his home and his business. He explained that he does not have a backyard for his business trailers. Board members discussed that he would need to complete documentation for a variance. The variance would need to be approved by the Village Zoning Board. Mayor Merriman stated that most of the Village ordinances are driven by complaints which are viable.

V. NON-AGENDA BUSINESS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND VILLAGE EMPLOYEES Trustee Cooper thanked the visitors for attending the meeting.

Trustee Wiseman commented that the Board receives multiple complaints and they try their best.

Mr. Wilson stated that the Clark Company wants to take their shed down and place a shipping container. This would be used for storage behind their building.

VI. ACTION ITEMS

A. Trustee Pesch moved to approve to Amend Ordinance 756. Attorney Alster explained that Ordinance 756 is a current and active ordinance. Board members did not amend this ordinance.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 1

Nays: 4

Motion Failed

B. Trustee Pesch moved to approve the Waterway Projects, Repair and Equipment Rental for Bellevue Avenue, Bellevue Court, Johanson Road, Denver Court, Fox Den Court and including IronHustler Excavating Inc. Trustee Wight seconded the motion. Trustee Cooper asked if the retention ponds in the Hamptons subdivision were included in the project. Mayor Merriman confirmed that both retention ponds in the Hamptons would be included in the work.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

C. Trustee Wight moved to approve to Purchase Bobcat Equipment. Trustee Pesch seconded the motion. Mayor Merriman informed the Board members that the current machinery is not stable. Bobcat of Peoria was $80,000. Birkey’s was $86,300. The Village does not pay sales tax. Mayor Merriman said that he would like to stick with Bobcat because they are in the Village. The current equipment would be out for bids. Attorney Alster explained that the Village cannot trade equipment.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

D. Trustee Wight moved to approve the Demolition of Village Property at 307 S. Main St. Trustee Pesch seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

E. Approval of Ordinance Creating a Policy for Paid Leave of Village Employees-Attorney Alster informed the Board members that as of January 2024, all employees state wide are entitled to paid leave. Matt and Steve have a policy already in place. If the Village passes an ordinance, this will be sufficient. Board members agreed to give 4 days of paid leave per year for the part-time employees. Attorney Alster stated that he would create the ordinance for approval at the next meeting.

*Item removed until next meeting

F. Trustee Cooper moved to approve to purchase gutters for 414 S. Main St. Trustee Eichhorn seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Motion Passed

VII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Discussion of Levy-Attorney Alster informed Board members that the Board needed to vote on the tax levy at the next meeting. If the Board stays at 5% increase, they do not need a truth and taxation meeting. The Board needs to keep up with inflation. Trustee Cooper stated that it is something that the Village needs to do. The tax levy would increase 5% from $30,000 to $31,500 for the year 2024. Trustee Pesch commented that because the levy is only at $30,000, this is why the Village struggles. Mr. Menefee stated that the Village of Bellevue only received $30,000 from all residents for the year. They need to increase the levy. Attorney Alster said that the Village relies on other revenue sources. Trustee Wight stated that the gaming license fee needs to increase. Attorney Alster stated that they can increase the fees to $250 per machine. Mrs. Pesch informed Board members that the current gaming licenses expire in April 2024. The Board could review this in January.

B. Next Village of Bellevue Meeting – November 28, 2023

C. IL Funds-designated contact-Attorney Alster stated that the primary contact information had not been changed from Theresa Noel to Theresa Johanson, Village Treasurer. The Village needs to change the contact information. Mrs. Pesch asked Board members if they were fine with the Village Clerk as the primary contact for IL Funds. She asked for a show of hands. Board members were in agreement to make Susan Pesch, Village Clerk as the primary contact for IL Funds.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Merriman asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Pesch moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Cooper seconded the motion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion Passed

Meeting Adjourned @ 6:57 p.m.

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