Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Village Committees met April 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committees:

Attendees: Board President Michael Leopold, Treasurer John Walter, Village Clerk Tyler Thompson, Trustee Brian McGuire, Trustee Jeff Parker, Trustee Matt Lanter, Trustee Richard “Rocky” McDonald, Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Trustee Cary Lewis, Police Department Chief Matt Blomberg, Fire Department Chief Doug Little, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, and Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas

Absent: Village Administrator Ben Schloesser

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Held 6:00 to 6:07

Chair: Trustee Parker; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V, McDonald, Thouvenot 1. Request to Hire Paid-on-Call Firefighters – Gabrielle Siekmann

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Request to Hire Paid-on-Call Firefighters – Marty ‘Leo’ Montanez

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

3. Swearing-In Probationary Police Officer George Atanasov

Chief Blomberg said George is from Brooklyn new York and he is a veteran. He said Jackson was born in St Louis. Chief Blomberg said they were highly sought after so he is thrilled to have them. The academy starts on May 19th ad they won’t be on their own until January. Board President Leopold administered the oath to them both.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Swearing-In Probationary Police Officer Jackson Belt

See above.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

5. Travel Request for New Clerk Training

Board President Leopold said he doesn’t know the amount so they can hold off.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Held 6:07 to 6:12

Chair: Trustee Lanter; Vice-Chair: Trustee Thouvenot

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, McGuire, Parker

1. General Fund Analysis

Trustee Lanter said it is a million in the positive. He said there were a fair amount of expenses in the last two months so it is looking good financially. The sewer fund was also in the positive by $893,000. Board President Leopold asked if they have expected sewer expenses. The Director of Public Works said not before the end of the fiscal year except for $30,000 in parts for lift stations.

2. Discussion Item- Swansea Tax Levy History 10-Year Comparison

Trustee Lanter said it is information that he and the Finance Manager talked about. The Finance Manager put together a comparison of the last 10 years of tax levy history. He said in 2015 the total evaluation was $265 million and the tax levy was $1.7 million so the tax rate was .6449. He said today the evaluation is $382 million and the tax levy is $2.6 million so the tax rate is .68. He said it has been higher than that especially during Covid but in general the tax rate is inexpensive compared to most. Trustee McDonald thanked them for doing it. He said one year there was a $109,000 increase in property taxes while they had a surplus. He wants to look at surpluses before they look at increasing taxes. He said in 21-22 they had a surplus and had a tax increase. Board President Leopold asked if they know the surplus before hand. Trustee Lanter said they don’t know what the surplus is until May or June. Board President Leopold asked if they could estimate. The Finance Manager said it depends on the year if they get additional revenue. Trustee Lanter said the state drags out payments drastically. The Finance Manager said sometimes expenses don’t get spent too. Board President Leopold said it sounds almost impossible. The Finance Manager said she can project what its going to be but a lot can affect it. Trustee McDonald said when they go from 2.3 to 6 million the Board needs to set what it expects. He said it’s nice to look 10 years back and he doesn’t think $2.3 million is sufficient reserves.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald

Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Parker, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Held 6:12 to 6:27

Chair: Trustee Thouvenot; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, McGuire, Parker

1. 148 Huntwood Proposed Lease Extension For Cell Tower

Trustee Thouvenot said they are asking for abatement for rent because they don’t have a current tenant. It is $18,000 a year. They want to abate it for 3 years. They also want a 25 year lease extension. Trustee Thouvenot didn’t like it because they have a tenant. Board President Leopold asked why they want that. The Building and Zoning Director said they are looking for tenants to sub lease to and longer terms are desired by tenants so that’s why they are asking the extension. Board President Leopold asked if the Village could kick it back on when they get a tenant. The Building and Zoning Director said what he provided in the memo is the extent of his conversation with them and they don’t want to discuss decommissioning of tower because they think a tenant will come soon. Trustee Thouvenot said if they think it’ll be leased soon they shouldn’t ask the Village to abate it. Trustee McGuire asked if the Village has radio equipment there. The Building and Zoning Director said yes. Trustee Lanter said part of the agreement is that the fire department can use it. The Building and Zoning Director said he and then Fire Chief looked at the initial contract and there are provisions that the Village needs to be properly notified if there was termination of the tower taking place. Fire Chief Little said nothing spells out the fire department however if they abandon or decommission the tower they sign it over to the Village or erect a similar tower for the Village to use. He said verbally in the past it was emergency use in the Village but nothing spells out the fire department specifically. Board President Leopold said if they don’t abate it what will they do. The Building and Zoning Director said probably nothing right now. The Building and Zoning Director said if they want any specific information he can get it. Board President Leopold said he’s not inclined to let them off the hook for the monthly fee and he is sure they are looking for another user and they will recoup the fees. He said maybe they could allow abatement until they get another user but they don’t know when that will happen. Trustee McGuire asked when the contract is up. Trustee Thouvenot said 2031. The Building and Zoning Director said the email he included is what they sent him. Trustee McGuire said if the Village lets them off the hook they won’t be in a hurry. Trustee Thouvenot said the Village has no interest in abating and they wish them luck. The Building and Zoning Director said he will pass it on. Trustee Parker said that’s probably what they expected to hear. 2. Request For Motion To Approve The Change Of Use At 1718 Helen St

Trustee Thouvenot said it is for purposes of a bar and gaming facility. The Building and Zoning Director said it is change of use from a restaurant or ice cream store to a bar or lounge and all are permitted uses but any use change has to be approved by the Board. Board President Leopold said they want a liquor license and gambling license. The Building and Zoning Director said yes they have filled that out. The Building and Zoning Director said he had to do digging with legal. Board President Leopold said it is a small facility. The Building and Zoning Director said it’s tiny and he went through it and it didn’t warrant special procedures because there are no alterations exceeding 15% of area, so the only code thing is the use change. Board President Leopold asked how many people will be in there. The Building and Zoning Director said not many because it’s tiny. Board President Leopold said if they are putting in five slot machines they probably wouldn’t have room. The Building and Zoning Director said they scooted the bar but that’s what they chose. Trustee Thouvenot said he has been in there as an ice cream shop and it seems small and it would be the fifth place in that area for gaming. The Building and Zoning Director said they took measurements for code for gaming and it didn’t violate the minimum distance. Trustee Thouvenot said the former CVS may have gaming too. The Building and Zoning Director said that might be problematic. Trustee Thouvenot said they approved the license for the CVS. Board President Leopold said it’s a lot of liquor stores and slot machines in a half mile radius. The Building and Zoning Director said he understands but at least they are making a vacant building occupied again. He said all the code requires is the use change. Board President Leopold asked if it’s Jon Michel. The Building and Zoning Director said yes he is the owner. Trustee Lanter asked if the parking there is enough. The Building and Zoning Director said parking is adequate. Trustee Thouvenot said he imagines they will be parking at other places. The Building and Zoning Director said they haven’t specifically said but it probably will take place. Trustee Thouvenot asked if they can put a crosswalk there. The Building and Zoning Director said there was some discussion with Jon Michel about a dedication to make it safer but that was before him so that’s probably the intention to have some type of indicator. Chief Blomberg said that would bring IDOT into it so he and Rick will have to do research. He said they should probably do something. The Director of Public Works said an ITEP grant would allow for a sidewalk so that might come into play. Trustee Lewis wants to get that done first before they move forward with this. Board President Leopold asked if they have gaming in the restaurant. Trustee Thouvenot said he doesn’t think so. Trustee McGuire said it’s behind the bar in the back room. Trustee McDonald said they have a banquet room. Board President Leopold said he thought it was back there. The Building and Zoning Director said he can find the answer.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Parker; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lewis V.

Members: Trustees Lanter, McDonald, McGuire, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Held 6:27 to 6:36

Chair: Trustee McDonald; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker

Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V. McGuire, Thouvenot

1. Res. No. _____ A 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 Engineering And Construction Observation Services On The Rosewood Subdivision Reconstruction, On An Hourly Basis Not To Exceed $78,250

The Director of Public Works said for Rosewood they have a map that outlines proposed streets to be redone for this resolution. The Director of Public Works said it is standard to get TWM to get started on the project. Trustee McDonald asked if it’s city engineer work or needs to go out to bid. The Director of Public Works said they consulted with TWM about it in the past and have been waiting for the money to get started and it wouldn’t get the Village very far so this would allow them to get more done. The Finance Manager said this would be for the design of everything and half of construction oversight while they wait. Trustee Thouvenot asked if it’s asphalt overlay. The Director of Public Works said asphalt. Trustee Lewis said he understands where Trustee McDonald is coming from but the people of Rosewood have been suffering so they should move forward with this half then send out a bid for the other half. Board President Leopold said Chris Belt called him and the Village should have the money soon but they have been waiting two years so he doesn’t know what soon means. The Finance Manager said in her last conversation with the DCO office they could see it so they are hoping July. Trustee McDonald said they are doing engineering for everything. A member of the public said he was under the impression the streets would be concrete. Board President Leopold said that would be far more money. The member of the public said it was one pour and they have spray painted low areas. He said a minimum of two inches of black top but there is no room so will they remove the concrete. Board President Leopold said he doesn’t know and that’s TWMs work. Trustee McGuire said they could mill out some inches of the slab. The member of the public said he could bring some pieces and asked for a map of the phases. Board President Leopold said absolutely and asked the Director of Public Works to give him one. The member of the public asked if there is a resolution. Trustee Lanter said for engineering. Trustee McDonald asked if they put it in the budget for phase 1. The Finance Manager said yes and this includes bidding it out. A member of the public asked if they will pull the culvert out of his yard. Trustee McDonald said that is specifics for the engineers and TWM will make sure it is done properly and safe.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Res. No. _____ A 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 Construction Observation Services And Staking On The Gilbert Street Phase I Project, On An Hourly Basis Not To Exceed $98,750

Trustee McDonald said they have been working on it a long time. The Finance Manager said they got the easements and this is higher. Trustee McDonald said it has been worked on forever.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

CULTURAL COMMITTEE:

Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald

Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Parker, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

SWANSEA REPORT COMMITTEE: Held 6:36 to 6:37

Chair: Trustee McGuire; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Parker, Thouvenot

1. Finalize May Report- please email any changes to sproffitt@swanseail.org by April 24th

Trustee McGuire said they got information from the young lady about the eagle scout project. Trustee McGuire said they did a synopsis of the soulcial kitchen as well. Board President Leopold asked for something about the new officers. Chief Blomberg said they got that in there as well.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04212025-104