Peoria Standard

Village of Bellevue Board of Trustees met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Mayor called the Village of Bellevue meeting to order at the Village Hall @ 6:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Ross Pesch; Trustee Sandra Cooper; Trustee Paul Eichhorn; Trustee Aaron Lannert; Trustee Judith Wight; Trustee Leroy Wiseman; Attorney Lane Alster; Theresa Johanson, Village Treasurer

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Regular Session Minutes – August 27, 2024.

B. Approval of Bills

Trustee Wight moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Eichhorn seconded the motion. Approved with the following roll call vote:

Yes: 6

No: 0

Abstain: 0

V. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Socrates Aviles informed the Board that he is the owner of the 50/50 Restaurant in Bellevue. He mentioned that the plan is to expand his restaurant with a banquet facility. Mr. Aviles inquired about a liquor license in addition to the expansion of the business. Mayor Pesch stated that he is meeting with Mr. Aviles with Attorney Alster after the meeting to discuss TIF funds and the Business Development District. Mayor Pesch explained that the addition would not be a bar. It would be an addition to the restaurant with a banquet facility. The Village currently does not have any more liquor licenses. Details will be given for the Board to discuss a possible liquor license for the restaurant.

VI. *NO ACTION ITEMS

VII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION

A. Sheriff’s Report

B. Streets Superintendent and Maintenance Report – Mr. Raible stated that he has been mowing and completing projects while Steve is on vacation.

C. Zoning and Code Enforcement Report

1. Tickets - Mr. Raible informed the Board that he has been giving out tickets. He stated being told by one of the Board members that the Limestone Fire Department ordinance was expired and has confirmed that it is not expired. It is good forever until they change it.

2. Work Time – Mr. Raible commented that he received a phone call that he is stealing time from the Village, and he does not appreciate it. He informed the Board members that he is submitting a FOIA request on a few things. Mayor Pesch responded that the Board has discussed cleaning things up within the Village. If we are going to move forward with the Business District to beautify the area, we must hold residents accountable to the Village ordinances. This will increase property values, raise revenue for the Village, and entice new residents to come here. This is our goal as a Village Board.

D. Treasurer’s Report – Mrs. Johanson informed the Board that she has been working with the new auditor. Forms have been filed from 2021 and 2022 that were not received by the IRS. The funds were received, but not the form. Mayor Pesch stated that Theresa was able to recreate the forms that were missing and submit them on a timely basis. She has done a great job taking care of this. Trustee Lannert asked if the payroll from the past was cleared up. Mr. Raible commented that he thinks it was 5 years ago. Employee wages were not reported to Social Security. Mrs. Johanson recalls the discussion but is not sure if it was resolved. She suggested that the employees contact the Social Security Department and check for the W-2 copies to be submitted.

E. Mayor’s Report

1. Discussion of Appropriations Worksheet

2. Grocery Tax – Mayor Pesch informed the Board members that he has asked Attorney Alster to discuss the 1% grocery tax. Attorney Alster said that it will begin January 01, 2026. Illinois will repeal the 1% grocery tax. Mayor Pesch said that the Board will have to discuss creating an ordinance so the Village can get some of the funds back. Attorney Alster explained the details of the grocery tax and the ability for the Village to implement a municipal grocery tax.

F. Trustee’s Report

1. Trustee Cooper

2. Trustee Eichhorn

3. Trustee Lannert inquired about permits for a side-by-side. He stated being concerned about individuals not having insurance on them. Mayor Pesch commented that Bartonville had the same issue and now issues a permit with proof of insurance, only for a side-by-side or golf cart, no 4 wheelers. Attorney Alster stated that generally the places that have done this, have police officers. He is not sure what the process would be with the Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Winder stated that side-by-sides must be registered. There would be a process for the Village. Some municipalities do punch cards or license plate stickers. Trustee Lannert said that it is something the Board can discuss. Mayor Pesch said that currently, the Village has an ordinance with language reflecting no side-by-sides, 4 wheelers, golf carts, and 3 wheelers. If Matt or the Deputy sees individuals riding, they will be ticketed.

4. Trustee Wight

5. Trustee Wiseman

G. Attorney’s Report – Board members discussed the appropriations worksheet with Attorney Alster.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Cooper moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Wiseman seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote @ 7:25 p.m.

https://villageofbellevueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Minutes-09-10-2024.pdf