Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met March 18

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By Philip Gonzales

Apr 23, 2024

Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees: Board President Michael Leopold, Village Clerk Tyler Thompson, Village Administrator Ben Schloesser, Trustee Jeff Parker, Trustee Matt Lanter, Trustee Richard “Rocky” McDonald Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Trustee Cary Lewis, Police Department Deputy Chief Keith Howard, Fire Department Chief Chris Tell, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, and Building and Zoning Director Joseph Iliff

Absent: Treasurer John Walter, Trustee Marilyn Neumeyer, and Police Department Chief Matt Blomberg

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Held 6:00 to 6:26

Chair: Trustee Neumeyer; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V, McDonald, Thouvenot

1. Executive Session: Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.” 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Motion to Enter: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lanter

Trustee Votes All ayes

Motion to Exit: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Request to Hire CPA - Jacqueline Jackson

The candidate withdrew her application.

3. Tuition Reimbursement For Deputy Chief Keith Howard In The Amount Of $1,322.40 For Course Completion Towards His Master’s Degree

Board President Leopold said Chief Blomberg is currently studying for his final exam tomorrow and that’s why Deputy Chief Howard is present.

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lanter

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Held 6:26 to 6:27

Chair: Trustee Lanter; Vice-Chair: Trustee Thouvenot Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Neumeyer, Parker

1. General Fund Analysis

Trustee Lanter had a list of questions for Michelle but he has not heard back. He said it is more positive than the last one but it needs another look to make sure it’s accurate.

2. Res. No. _____ A Resolution Urging The Illinois General Assembly And Governor To Protect The 1% Sales Tax On Groceries As An Important Revenue Source For Municipalities Or To Reimburse Municipal Governments For The Totality Of The Lost Revenue If It Is Eliminated

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald Members: Trustees Lanter, Neumeyer, Parker, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Held 6:27 to 6:40

Chair: Trustee Thouvenot; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Neumeyer, Parker

1. Ord. No. _____ An Ordinance Setting An Expiration Date Of Sixty Days For Demolition Permits

Trustee McDonald thought sixty days was fine but if asbestos is present it can take longer. He thinks it should be 90 days but once you start it becomes 30 days. Trustee Lanter said in the past the owner had to tell the municipality if there was asbestos when they got the permit. The Building and Zoning Director said that could be another way to address the issue. Trustee Lewis asked how that is determined. The Building and Zoning Director said there is an age range where asbestos is expected, so if asbestos is present and work needed to be done it could be done before applying. He suggested having the applicant submit the asbestos information at the time of application and then they have sixty days. He also said the building official can grant extension but it can’t go beyond 90 days.

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Ord. No. _____ An Ordinance Adopting The 2021 International Property Maintenance Code

Trustee Thouvenot said it’s a formality. The Building and Zoning Director said he wanted to have additional enforcement tools. The Village Administrator said back in 2015 the Village adopted the current code and took St. Clair County’s code at the time. Trustee McDonald said the Village subcontracted inspections to them at the time. Trustee McDonald asked if there is a minimum or maximum occupancy, or if there is one standard number now. The Building and Zoning Director said there is one standard number that the code council gives. He said every bedroom has to be 70 square feet, then the increase is incremental for every extra 50 feet. Trustee McDonald asked why it’s different for manufactured homes. The Building and Zoning Director said this one is not written for manufactured housing and the laws for those are different.

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

3. Proposed Rezoning of 1735 Llewellyn Road to C- Conservation District

Trustee Thouvenot was not able to attend the planning and zoning meeting, but there wasn’t any public opposition and it was unanimous. Board President Leopold said the owners want to open up a farm and raise animals for meat and milk, but they said there would be no large animals. Gene from the planning and zoning board said there used to be horses there and he doesn’t think they will have cows there. A member of the public said goats have milk. Gene said they want to stay a small farm. Trustee Thouvenot asked if they will bring the community there. Gene said they have some spots to sell produce but that’s about it and they could do some pumpkin picking too. Trustee Thouvenot asked why the owners weren’t present tonight. The Building and Zoning Director said they had a conflicting appointment. Trustee Lewis said they wanted to grow food for neighbors and restaurants but they also mentioned eggs and milk. Gene said they currently have a greenhouse, but they want to build a larger one and they can sell what they grow locally.

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Ord. No. _____ An Ordinance Amending The Official Zoning Map By Changing 1735 Llewellyn Road To C - Conservation District

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Held 6:40 to 6:43

Chair: Trustee Parker; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lewis V. Members: Trustees Lanter, McDonald, Neumeyer, Thouvenot 1. Trustee Parker invited the Deputy Fire Chief and thanked him for dealing with gas fumes. The Deputy Police Chief spoke about an incident where a traffic stop was done and the suspect had several guns and body armor. The suspect’s detention hearing is tomorrow and he is being charged with 6 class x felonies. Trustee Parker said great job. Trustee Thouvenot said this is why Swansea enforces all rules in the Village and the person could’ve done something very bad. Trustee McDonald said expired plates are not refutable. They are expired or not and he said great job. Board President Leopold congratulated Matt Lindley for stopping it.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Held 6:43 to 7:03

Chair: Trustee McDonald; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V. Neumeyer, Thouvenot

1. Res. No. _____ Resolution Authorizing The President Of The Board Of Trustees To Execute A Contract With Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc. 4940 Old Collinsville Rd, Swansea, IL 62226, For Professional Services Related To Boul/IL 159 Pedestrian Accommodations At A Cost Of $49,768.00

The Village Engineer said someone has to be out there all the time. It is a few months of full time work and the pre construction meeting should be done soon.

Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Project List

The Village Engineer said there are bids for the 2023 MFT program for subdivisions off Sullivan. Prices were wild last year and the bid date was last week. The estimate was around $1,000,000 but bids were less than that. It will be at the April 1st meeting for approval. There is continuing design on sewer jobs and the IGD sewer application got in. The paving for the park loop will be put down and TWM is working with staff on the dam leak. The Village Administrator said the Schranz Park equipment should be here in September. The Director of Public Works said the pickleball courts have had some issues about elevation so it’s not done yet. He said the loop trail rock is being put down but they are waiting for a weather change. Trustee Thouvenot asked about the zoning map. The Building and Zoning Director said he wants to make a current map with rezonings and there are changes with planned business districts being talked about. Trustee Thouvenot asked about the changes to zoning. The Building and Zoning Director said if an area had been annexed to Swansea then zoning type would need to be determined. Trustee Lanter said state law states they have to update the zoning map at least once a year so they are basically just changing the color on the map. The Village Administrator said changes to planned business have not been voted on yet. Trustee Thouvenot wanted to split the zoning map changes. A member of the public said Ravenell is zoned planned business. Board President Leopold asked if Trustee Thouvenot wants two maps. Trustee Thouvenot asked about the deadline. Trustee McDonald asked if they are talking about changing Ravenell’s zoning or undeveloped land’s zoning. The Village Administrator said both but it has to go through some more steps before it comes to the Board’s eyes. The Village Administrator said to make it efficient staff wanted to do it together but they could separate the maps. A member of the public said producing a current map is just changing some data items in a database and printing. The Director of Public Works said the thought process for putting them all together is that it needs to be brought up to current, but changing the planned zoning is something that needs to be discussed. He said if they made a current map then they would need to make another current map 2 to 3 months later. Trustee Thouvenot said that they would have to do noticing to property owners. The Village Administrator said it would be a big undertaking. Trustee McDonald asked why they would be doing it. The Village Administrator said the changes were a recommendation from legal and the map changes can be looped through or continue on the current path. Trustee McDonald wanted to know why they are changing the zoning. The Village Administrator said the synopsis will be at the next meeting and if the Board likes it it will go to planning and zoning then back to this Board. Trustee McDonald would like to see a synopsis.

3. Res. No. _____ A Resolution Accepting The Price Quotation Of $224,500 From Luby Equipment, 4375 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL 62305, For A Track Loader And Loader Backhoe For The Public Works Department

Trustee McDonald said it has been in the budget. The Director of Public Works said the backhoe is specifically listed in the budget and but replacement for the bobcat is not in the budget. He would like to trade some equipment that is not needed. Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Update From Village Engineer- Sheila Kimlinger

See Project List section.

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

CULTURAL COMMITTEE: Held 7:03 to 7:06

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald Members: Trustees Lanter, Neumeyer, Parker, Thouvenot 1. Trustee Lewis asked if the Village reached out to the person he invited to the last meeting as he is excited to work with the Village. Trustee Lewis said the Village is excited to work with him. Board President Leopold asked if the person reached out to the Director of Public Works. The Director of Public Works said he and Kristina met with him and the program seems interesting. He said the group will pay the majority if the Village employs the workers. They are also developing a CDL license program. A member of the public said he and some people from Castle Acres believed the Village Engineer was supposed to look at the sinking pipe in their neighborhood. The Director of Public Works said the Village Engineer hasn’t been out yet, but he and Dave Sager went out to take a look. He said nothing is wrong with the culvert but the curbing and street need some work, and he will have to meet with Jeff Reis. The Director of Public Works said he will meet with the Village Engineer tomorrow.

SWANSEA REPORT COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Neumeyer; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Parker, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

Absent: Treasurer John Walter, Trustee Marilyn Neumeyer, and Police Department Chief Matt Blomberg

I) Call to Order

II) Pledge Allegiance to The Flag

III) Roll Call

IV) Approval of Minutes

1. Board Minutes- March 4, 2024

2. Committee Minutes- March 4, 2024

3. Executive Session Personnel Committee Minutes- March 4, 2024

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

V) Acceptance Of Minutes Of Advisory Boards/Place On File

None

VI) Mayor’s Announcements/Correspondence

Board President Leopold said the Village Administrator got engaged over the weekend and stuck in a snowstorm at a gas station. The Rotary Club auction made 3 times what they normally make and was extremely successful. Board President Leopold thanked them for everything they do. The Village Administrator spoke to the owner of Soulcial Kitchen and on April 19th they are starting food truck Friday parties. The owner would like to start a pop up concept.

VII) Village Attorney/Village Administrator-Announcements/Comment

1. Department Head Reports

a. Public Works/Sewer

There was an incident at Lake Lorraine. The water company was making repairs and dropped concrete on a pipe and put a big hole in it. Several pipes are shot now and they are excavating the road to get to the pipes. The Director of Public Works said Trustee McDonald suggested relining. The Director of Public Works said that method wouldn’t work but slip lining would work. The Director of Public Works had someone come out to get some pricing. 30 inch smooth wall pipes will line the existing pipe. They believe it would eliminate tearing up the street and the water company can replace what they tore out. The Director of Public Works will talk to the water company, but he doesn’t know how to put a monetary value on the pipe. He said the hole they put in won’t have to be fixed if the Village slip lines it. It is not going to be a cheap fix.

b. Police Department Stats

Nothing further. Board President Leopold thanked Matt Lindley.

c. Fire Department Monthly Stats

He will be on vacation starting Thursday for his wife’s c-section. Next Wednesday he and Kody Kodelka will drive up to South Dakota because Spartan wants to do their final inspection. He thanked the street department because they poured a pad to practice auto extractions on. They will pour another pad for a rehab area.

d. Building & Zoning Department

Repair work at 1810 North Illinois is visible where the car hit the building. There were disconnects for utilities at three buildings that will be demolished.

VIII) Park Board Chairman Report

The Chairman couldn’t be here because he has some health issues. Board President Leopold said he has no real report but it’ll be awhile before the Board sees him.

IX) Public Comment

None

X) Report of Committees

A) Personnel Committee – Comments

2. Request to Hire CPA - Jacqueline Jackson

She withdrew her application. Board President Leopold asked if they are down a CPA. The Deputy Chief said they are down one and need one part time.

3. Tuition Reimbursement For Deputy Chief Keith Howard In The Amount Of $1,322.40 For Course Completion Towards His Master’s Degree

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lanter

Trustee Votes: All ayes

B) Finance Committee Report – Comments

1. Approval of Bills

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. General Fund Analysis

Done during committee.

3. Res. No. 1-2610 A Resolution Urging The Illinois General Assembly And Governor To Protect The 1% Sales Tax On Groceries As An Important Revenue Source For Municipalities Or To Reimburse Municipal Governments For The Totality Of The Lost Revenue If It Is Eliminated

Board President Leopold thinks they will get rid of the tax. Trustee Lewis said no legislation has been brought before them yet. He said it does not mean the 1% tax will go away. The Village Administrator said home rule communities can impose it but non home rule ones cannot. Only 10% of communities are home rule.

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Lanter, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

C) Judiciary Committee – Nothing Requested

D) Community & Economic Development – Comments

1. Ord. No. 1954 An Ordinance Setting An Expiration Date Of Sixty Days For Demolition Permits

The Building and Zoning Director said they can do it as is and update it separately.

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Truste Lanter

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Ord. No. 1955 An Ordinance Adopting The 2021 International Property Maintenance Code

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

3. Proposed Rezoning of 1735 Llewellyn Road to C- Conservation District

Done during committee.

4. Ord. No. 1956 An Ordinance Amending The Official Zoning Map By Changing 1735 Llewellyn Road To C - Conservation District

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Public Safety Committee – Nothing Requested

5. Public Works Committee – Comments

1. Res. No. 1-2611 Resolution Authorizing The President Of The Board Of Trustees To Execute A Contract With Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc. 4940 Old Collinsville Rd, Swansea, IL 62226, For Professional Services Related To Boul/IL 159 Pedestrian Accommodations At A Cost Of $49,768.00

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Project List

Done during committee.

3. Res. No. 1-2612 A Resolution Accepting the Price Quotation of $224,500 from Luby Equipment, 4375 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL 62305, for a Track Loader and Loader Backhoe for the Public Works Department

Motion to Read Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

3. Cultural Committee – Nothing Requested

4. Swansea Report Committee – Nothing Requested

XI) Old Business

Board President Leopold wanted the Swansea Report to talk about the Rotary Club auction. Trustee McDonald had a paper with some properties and wanted them to be a priority. He gave out pictures. Board President Leopold asked if 211 Bracket was inhabited. The Building and Zoning Director said he will look into it. Board President Leopold asked if they have anything on it. The Building and Zoning Director said they have an active case with a deadline of April 3rd. Trustee McDonald asked about lot 28 in the mobile home park by the PD. The Building and Zoning Director said there is a deadline for that one. Trustee Lewis said he spoke to the residents there and management is pushing it on the residents even though the issues were there before the residents. Trustee McDonald said nobody is living in that trailer. The Building and Zoning Director said March 22nd is the deadline for that one. At 208 Anna Trustee McDonald said there’s a car with 2001 plates. The Building and Zoning Director said 208 Anna does not have active code case but he will look into it. Trustee McDonald said there is a house by 23 Gilbert with issues that he doesn’t know how a code enforcer missed it. The Building and Zoning Director said he will look into it. Trustee McDonald said at the storage units by the root beer stand a vehicle is parked with expired plates. The Building and Zoning Director will look into it. Trustee McDonald asked when the demolition permits for 23 and 112 Gilbert run out. The Building and Zoning Director said August 9th because they got them on February 9th with a 6 month expiration date. Board President Leopold asked if Carl and Eric are looking for these. The Building and Zoning Director said he can come back with all the information and deadlines. He said the code enforcers meet with the mobile home park owners every week. Trustee McDonald said in November he asked about 23 and 112 Gilbert and the Building and Zoning Director told him they had demolition permits. Trustee Lewis said he mentioned two of the addresses and they are waiting for something with asbestos. The Building and Zoning Director said both properties have got asbestos service and they will move forward with demolition. Board President Leopold asked if they can ask for an extension. The Building and Zoning Director said they could. Board President Leopold asked if the Village give them extensions. The Building and Zoning Director said he has not granted extensions for those permits. Board President Leopold said they are not getting this done and he agrees with Trustee McDonald. Board President Leopold wants to clean it up. Trustee McDonald asked about properties the Village has listed for sale. The Building and Zoning Director said they have got interest from one property owner but it was not acceptable so they are checking with others. Trustee McDonald asked about the Rural King parking lot. Board President Leopold said the Village Administrator has reached out to them for the fourth time but they won’t show any interest. The Village Administrator said he gave them the application papers and names of vendors but there is only so much he can do for them.

Trustee McDonald asked about Schnucks and the old rock area. The Village Administrator said he met with their Director of Communications who gave a contact for the Schnucks property, but not the Desco property because they are intentionally difficult to work with. Trustee McDonald asked if there are any incentives and said the Village needs to do something to get people to stay. He said the Village lost Outback. Trustee Thouvenot said the planning and zoning board has a special meeting coming up. The Building and Zoning Director said it’s cancelled. Trustee Thouvenot said a property on Thouvenot lane got broken into which is further evidence that people break into vacant homes. Trustee McDonald asked if utilities are turned off for homes the Village is tearing down. The Building and Zoning Director said yes.

XII) New Business

None

XIII) Announcements

None

XIV) Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee Lewis, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03182024-37

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