Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met Aug. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees: Board President Jeff Parker, Treasurer John Walter, Village Clerk Gloria J. Collier, Village Administrator Ben Schloesser, Trustee Brian McGuire, Trustee Sherman Pochek, Trustee Matt Lanter, Trustee Natalie Jablonski, Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Trustee Cary Lewis, Police Chief Matthew Blomberg, Chief Doug Little, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, Attorney John Kurowski, and Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas

I) Call to Order - Mayor Jeff Parker called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

II) Pledge Allegiance to The Flag

III) Roll Call - Village Clerk Gloria Collier conducted the roll call.

IV) Mayor's Announcements/Correspondence

a. Oath of Office for Probationary Police Officer Branden Lawrence Mayor Parker announced that the oath of office had been administered to Probationary Police Officer Branden Lawrence. The Mayor expressed happiness about Lawrence joining the police department and asked the Chief to keep the Board advised of the young man's progress. The Chief confirmed he would do so.

b. Recognition of Det. Sgt. Jason Frank's completion of 20 years of service with the police department

Mayor Parker announced the recognition of Detective Sergeant Jason Frank's completion of 20 years of service with the police department. He noted that Sergeant Frank had parent duties that evening and would be recognized at the next meeting.

c. Resignation of Matthew Lynch from Park Board

Mayor Parker announced the receipt of Matthew Lynch's resignation from the Park Board. Charlie Pitts confirmed that Lynch would continue serving through the end of September.

V) Mayor's Appointments

a. Appointment of Johnny Cotter to Fire Pension Board

Mayor Parker announced his appointment of Johnny Cotter to the Fire Pension Board.

b. Appointment of Justin Chapman to Fire Pension Board Mayor Parker announced his appointment of Justin Chapman to the Fire Pension Board. c. Appointment of Justin Chapman to Police Pension Board Mayor Parker announced his appointment of Justin Chapman to the Police Pension Board.

Motion by Trustee Matt Lanter to approve the Mayor's appointments to the Fire and Police Pension Boards, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Trustee Votes -- All Ayes.

VI) Approval of Minutes

a. Board Minutes- July 21, 2025

b. Committee Minutes- July 21, 2025

Motion by Trustee Jablonski to approve the board minutes and committee minutes, seconded by Trustee Matt Lanter. Trustee Fotes - All Ayes.

VII) Acceptance Of Minutes of Advisory Boards/Place on File

Mayor Parker noted there were no advisory board minutes to place on file.

VIII) Park Board Chairman Report

Charlie Pitts presented the Park Board report, highlighting two items of interest. First, he reported that the newly formed Swansea Select Soccer Club for boys aged 8 to 10 years old had approached the Park Board about renting the soccer field at the park for their home practice sessions. Pitts explained they were negotiating with the group and that the Park Board supported the idea, planning to follow the same rules currently used for the baseball field rental to Wolf Branch.

Second, Pitts reported on an initial meeting held with Heartlands Conservancy regarding opening the contract for developing a master plan for the parks. He noted the next step would be putting together a specific group of people to provide oversight, with members to be selected by the Mayor.

Mayor Parker interjected that he wanted to get the park planning process going right away because they had many plans and ideas. He specifically mentioned his desire for Swansea to have a Fourth of July festival with fireworks, which he planned to explore further.

IX) Village Attorney/Village Administrator-Announcements/Comments

Treasurer's Report

Police Chief Bloomberg mentioned only the MOU with Desco for the Board's consideration later in the meeting.

Fire Chief Little noted only the surplus equipment item on the agenda.

Public Works Director Rick Tucker provided two updates. First, he reported excellent progress on the Kingsbury Gilbert Street reconstruction project, noting that despite only working for about a week, contractors had already completed significant sidewalk work and driveway aprons. Second, he announced that the new playground at Mel Price Park would be completed and open by the end of the following day, with mulch installation finishing that day. Mayor Parker added that he had seen positive comments on Facebook about the efficiency of the workers and that residents were very happy about the progress.

Village Administrator Ben Schloesser provided several updates. He reported that he and the Mayor had attended the Ever-Vella of Swansea ribbon cutting at the former Rosewood assisted living facility. He described the facility as impressive, with 129 beds and 107 employees, larger than he had anticipated, and immaculately clean. He recommended checking it out and offered to give tours to anyone interested. Schloesser also reported meeting with Mary Beth Bendick, the new president of the Greater Belleville Chamber. They planned to set up a meeting in the coming weeks to explore how to work with Belleville to help facilitate chamber needs for Swansea businesses, particularly since the Metro East Chamber was now defunct.

Regarding personnel matters, Schloesser noted Bobby Anglin's resignation and that he and Director Esten Price had conducted interviews the previous week. He thanked Trustees Jablonski and McGuire for their help in completing job descriptions.

Finally, Schloesser mentioned increasing conversations about community solar, noting that Trustee Swansea had asked him to perform due diligence after receiving notice from a vendor. He had begun conversations with the village's energy consultant and will continue research, hoping to have recommendations for the Board in coming months.

Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas provided several updates. He announced plans to roll out a new complaint intake system soon, though he couldn't specify exactly when. Mayor Parker requested that information about the change be included in the Swansea Report when it happened.

Thomas provided an update on the Royal's Market redevelopment at 159-161, noting visible movement at the site. He explained that interior demolition was complete to the point where proper plans could be rendered, with the owner and architect now working on those plans. Additionally, parking lot work was underway for underground fuel storage tanks and the canopy.

Thomas also mentioned being approached by an entity called Blue Wave regarding agrivoltaics solar development, which would involve leasing land from the village. He indicated they would continue to evaluate the proposal.

Mayor Parker added that he had spoken with the people at the old CVS location who showed him plans for a taco-type restaurant with both sit-down and drive-through service. They had shared their numbers from their St. Charles location, which the Mayor described as "quite impressive."

Before moving to committee reports, Mayor Parker addressed two additional matters. First, he clarified a vote from the previous meeting regarding fire department trucks that had resulted in a 3-2 vote with one abstention. After a gentleman in the audience had challenged the vote, the Mayor consulted the Attorney General's office, which confirmed that an abstention counts as present for quorum purposes and that the 3-2 vote was valid without requiring the Mayor to vote.

Second, regarding the upcoming group home votes, Mayor Parker acknowledged the difficulty of the decision for council members, outlining several considerations: the need to listen to and understand concerns of affected citizens; the need to consider the rights and lifestyle needs of handicapped citizens; the village's responsibility to consider all viewpoints without discriminating; the need to consider federal and state laws pertaining to protected classes; and the Board's responsibility to protect all Swansea citizens against potential litigation and lawsuits.

X) Public Comment

Mayor Parker opened the floor for public comment. Hearing none, he moved on to committee reports.

XI) Report of Committees

1. Personnel Committee - Comments

a. Resignation Letter- Sewer Clerk- Bobbi Anglin

Trustee Natalie Jablonski presented the resignation letter from Sewer Clerk Bobbi Anglin, effective July 25th. After some discussion about whether to accept or simply place on file, it was clarified that the resignation should be placed on file.

Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to place the resignation letter on file, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Trustee Votes -- All Ayes.

b. Travel Request- Dan Thomas- IML Conference Sept. 18-20, 2025

Trustee Jablonski presented Dan Thomas's travel request for the IML Conference September 18-20. She detailed the request: hotel at approximately $279 per night for three nights (arriving on the 17th and departing on the 20th), including tax and fees, plus train and meals, with registration comped, for a total cost not to exceed $1,500.

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to approve the travel request, seconded by Trustee Lewis. Trustee Votes - All Aves..

c. Request to Hire Sewer Billing Clerk- Amy Ohlendorf

Trustee Jablonski presented a request to hire Amy Ohlendorf as Sewer Billing Clerk, a full-time regular employment position, non-exempt hourly, with a starting wage of $21 per hour plus fringe benefits. The position included the opportunity to earn an additional 50 cents per hour after three months of continued employment and proof of growth and knowledge in the position. Expected hours would be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Trustee McGuire asked about the timing of the 50-cent raise review, and it was confirmed that a 90-day review would be conducted.

Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to extend the offer to Amy Ohlendorf, seconded by Trustee Brian McGuire. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

d. Request to Hire Paid on Call Firefighter- Elijah Hawkins

Trustee Jablonski presented a request to hire Elijah Hawkins as a paid on-call firefighter, a non-exempt hourly position at $15 per call or training.

Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to offer the position to Elijah Hawkins, seconded by Trustee McGuire. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

e. Approval of Job Description for Parks Foreman and Approval of Advertise

Trustee Jablonski presented a job description for a new position titled Parks Foreman in the Public Works Department, reporting to the Director of Public Works. The full-time salary position would have a pay classification range of $58,000 to $68,000.

Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to approve the job description and post the position, seconded by Motion carried by voice vote.

f. Approval of Job Description for Public Works Skilled Laborer Foreman and Approval to Advertise

Trustee Jablonski presented a job description for a position titled PW Skilled Labor Foreman in the Public Works Department, reporting to the Director of Public Works. This full-time regular position would be exempt and salaried, with a pay classification range of $58,000 to $68,000.

Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to approve the job description and post the position, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

2. Finance Committee Report - Comments

Motion by Trustee Matt Lanter to pay the bills in the amount of $515,852.02 and have the funds drawn from the proper accounts, seconded by Trustee McGuire. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

3. Judiciary Committee - Nothing Requested At Agenda Time a. Ord. No.

Ordinance Amending Section 70.01 and Creating Chapter 74 within Title VII: 'Traffic Code'

Trustee Cary Lewis noted that he might not be present at the next meeting and respectfully requested that the Board hold off on this ordinance so he could meet with the vice chair during the week to discuss it. He mentioned having some things to bring to their attention. Mayor Parker agreed it was not a rush and suggested holding off so Lewis could be present, and the group could discuss it together.

4. Community & Economic Development - Comments

a. 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

No executive session was held.

b. Ord. No.

Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Group Home at 2921 Bridle Ln

Trustee Matt Lanter made a motion to approve the ordinance with the revision that it would be for up to 6 residents. After some confusion about the proper procedure, it was clarified that they needed to suspend the rules to waive the requirement for two separate readings.

Motion by Trustee McGuire to suspend the rules on Ordinance 1993 and waive to move on to the second reading, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote. Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Ordinance 1993 by title only with the approved 6 residents at 2921 Bridal Lane, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Ordinance number 1993, ordinance granting a special use permit for a group home at 2921 Bridal Lane with 6 residents."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to declare Ordinance 1993 approved with the resident changes to 6, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by roll call vote: Trustee Lanter - Aye. Trustee Thouvenot - No. Trustee Lewis - Aye, Trustee Jablonski - Aye, Trustee Pochett - No, Trustee McGuire - Aye,

c. Ord. No.

Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Group Home at 3795 Winward Way

Following the same procedure as the previous ordinance:

Motion by Trustee McGuire to suspend the rules and waive the requirement for Ordinance 1994, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote. Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Ordinance 1994 by title only with the change to 7 residents, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote,

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Ordinance number 1994, ordinance granting a special use permit for a group home at 3755 Windward Way with 7 residents."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to declare Ordinance 1994 accepted and passed with 7 residents, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by roll call vote: Trustee Lewis - Aye. Trustee Jablonski - Aye, Trustee Thouvenot - No, Trustee Lanter - Aye, Trustee Pochett - No, Trustee McGuire - Aye.

5. Public Safety Committee - Comments

a. Ord. No.

Ordinance Declaring Personal Property Owned by the Village of Swansea and used by the Fire Department as Surplus: Specifically a Skid Unit with 250 Gallon Water Tank, Briggs & Stratton 18HP Vanguard Motor, and 250GPM Hale Pump; and a 20

Trustee Brian McGuire noted a correction needed in Section 2, which incorrectly referenced the Police Chief instead of the Fire Chief to carry out the directive.

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read the ordinance by title only with the correction from Police Chief to Fire Chief, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Trustee Vores - All Ayes,

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read the ordinance declaring surplus property including a skid unit with specifications and a 2014 maroon Ford Explorer with mileage of 74,437 and estimated total mileage including idle time of 167,034.

This was confirmed as the first reading, requiring a second reading at the next meeting.

b. Res. No. Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Village of Swansea and the PSDC Group to Allow the Village to Affix Temporary Solar-Powered Cameras on Utility/Light Poles at the Swansea Schnucks Complex

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Resolution 1-2696 by title only, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Resolution number 1-2696, resolution approving a memorandum of understanding between the Village of Swansea and the Desco Group to allow the village to affix temporary solar powered cameras on utility light poles at the Swansea Schnucks complex."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to approve Resolution 1-2696 and declare passed, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion passed by voice vote with one abstention- Trustee Jablonski.

5

6. Public Works Committee -

a. Res. No.

Resolution Accepting the Low Bid of $202,366.25 from DMS Contracting, Inc., PO Box 122, Mascoutah, IL 62258, for the Village's Annual Oil and Chip Program

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Resolution 1-2697 by title only, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Resolution number 1-2697, resolution accepting the low bid of $202,366.25 from DMS Contracting Incorporated PO Box 122, Mascoutah, Illinois 62258 for the village's annual oil and chip program."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of Resolution 1-2697 and declare passed, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

b. Res. No.

Resolution Accepting the Low Bid of $392,036.50 from NuSewer of Missouri, LLC, 7895 St. Clair Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62203, for the Village's PCY Paved A Street Sewer Rehabilitation Phase I

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Resolution 1-2698 by title only, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Resolution number 1-2698, resolution accepting the low bid of $392,036.50 from NuSewer of Missouri LLC, 7895 Saint Clair Avenue, East Saint Louis, Illinois 62203 for the village's IGDPY 2024 H Street Sewer rehabilitation phase 2."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of Resolution 1-2698 and declare passed, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

c. Res. No. Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New 2024 Ford F-250 4X4 Super Duty from Broadway Ford Truck Sales, Inc., 812 E. Taylor Street, St. Louis, MO 63147, for the Swansea Public Works Department at a Purchase Price of $44,450.00

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Resolution 1-2699 by title only, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Resolution number 1-2699, Resolution authorizing the purchase of a new 2024 Ford F-250 4 by 4 super duty from Broadway Ford Truck Sales incorporated 812 East Taylor Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63147 for the Swansea Public Works Department at a purchase price of $46,450."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept Resolution 1-2699 and declare passed, seconded by Trustee Lunter. Trustee Votes - All Aves.

d. Res. No.

Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New 2024 Ford F-600 Chassis 4x4 Super Duty from Broadway Ford Truck Sales, Inc., 812 E. Taylor Street, St. Louis, MO 63147, for the Swansea Public Works Department at a Purchase Price of $69,785.

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read Resolution 1-2700 by title only, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Motion carried by voice vote.

Village Clerk Gloria Collier read: "Resolution number 1-2700, Resolution authorizing the purchase of a new 2024 Ford F-600 Chassis 4 by 4 Super Duty from Broadway Ford Truck Sales Incorporated 812 East Taylor Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63147 for the Swansea Public Works Department at a purchase price of $96,785."

Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of Resolution 1-2700 and declare passed, seconded by Trustee Lanter. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

7. Cultural Committee - Nothing Requested at Agenda Time

No discussion occurred on this agenda item.

8. Swansea Report Committee - Nothing Requested at Agenda Time a. Draft September Swansea Report. Articles due to

sproffitt@swanseail.org by August 21st

The committee had nothing additional to report at this time.

XII) Old Business

No unfinished business was presented.

XIII) New Business

Trustee Brian McGuire inquired about the corner of Huntwood and 159, the old Rockman property where a house had been torn down. Village Administrator Schloesser explained that the land had been donated to the Belleville Humane Society, which had long-term plans to build a large facility there, though it would be years down the road pending funding.

Mayor Parker added that he had spoken with the Humane Society, who had been given the option to sell or develop the property. They liked the central location, and since the home was in significant disrepair, they decided to tear it down. He estimated they were "a few years" away from development and would need to do major fundraising before coming to the Board for permission.

McGuire noted that many people living around the area had questions when they saw the demolition. He had stopped by and informed neighbors it would not be a QuikTrip, and that two surrounding neighbors were actually in favor of the planned use. Mayor Parker added that it would generate much less traffic than a QuikTrip.

The discussion included confirmation that the demolition was not done by the Village but by the Belleville Humane Society, with Hanks performing the work.

XIV) Announcements

No announcements were made.

XV) Adjournment

Mayor Parker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes - All Ayes.

 https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08042025-123