City of Belleville

The agenda for this meeting includes several key discussions and possible motions. Unfinished business includes a potential amendment to Title XI (Business Regulations), Chapter 121 (Alcoholic Beverages), regarding the addition of Class "G" license classification. New business features discussions on amending Title VII (Traffic Code), Chapter 74 (Parking Regulations), to remove Parking Meter language from specific sections, and a discussion concerning Title XV (Land Usage), Chapter 162 (Zoning), specifically Section 162.028 regarding minimum floor area requirements for single and multi-family units.

The City Council meeting agenda for February 17, 2026, includes a public hearing concerning Special Service Area 4, property tax levies, and bond issuance. Key discussions include the presentation of 2025 Officer, Detective, and Civilian Staff of the Year awards, and the recommendation for the reappointment of Tom Bell to the Building Code Board. Financial matters involve approving claims, payroll, and treasurer/cash reports for December 2025. Motions from standing committees address the sale/conversion of surplus vehicles and equipment, approving design agreements for sewer rehabilitation projects (West Outfall Rehab and East Creek Sewer Separation), and waiving formal bidding for Koerner House Porch Project phases I, II, and III, funded by a DCEO Grant. The council will also consider authorizing a financial commitment for the FY 2026 Build Grant Program for West Main Street Revitalization. Other items include approving a server system upgrade for City Hall automation, amending the contract with Watts Copy Systems, extending audit services with CJ Schlosser & Company, closing the Parkway North business district tax, and opening/closing specific city funds (Mount Hope Future Care Fund and Tourism Fund). Communications detail several event requests requiring street closures, signage, and city services throughout February through November 2026. The council will also consider resolutions related to the Build Grant Program and Memorial Day Parade street closure requests, as well as ordinances concerning the rescinding of taxes for a dissolved business district and authorizing the sale/conversion of various personal property.

The City Council agenda for February 2, 2026, included presentations and recognitions such as the character word "Trustworthiness" and a proclamation for Black History Month. Key discussions involved approving claims and disbursements totaling over $1.35 million for claims and over $1.00 million for payroll. The Board of Fire & Police Commission recommended the hiring of a probationary firefighter. The Streets & Grades Committee brought forward several motions regarding agreements for appraisals, easement negotiations, annual bridge inspections, NPDES Stormwater Sampling, and professional services for a CDBG Application, as well as approving a streetlight installation. The Zoning Board of Appeals presented recommendations (mostly approvals) for several Special Use Permits, including one for a Class C Liquor License and convenience store, a Short-Term Rental, a Large Community Residence, and a restaurant with outdoor seating, alongside a denial recommendation for a Used Car Dealership request and an approval recommendation for a Text Amendment to the zoning code. The Ordinance & Legal Committee proposed amendments related to Animal Control, Burning regulations, and the Non-Emergency Medical Assistance Fee. The Administration committee moved to appoint an Assistant Chief of Police as Acting Chief during the current Chief's absence. Communications included scheduling future blood drives and event requests for block parties and sporting events.

The agenda for the meeting included call to order, recognition of guests, review of emergency procedures, and public participation guidelines. Key new business items involved motions for appropriations resolutions for the Freeburg Ave. Roundabout project, entering into agreements for land acquisition services and bridge inspection services with Lochmueller Group, Inc., securing a stormwater sampling agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC, approving an archaeology survey proposal, and approving agreements related to the North Douglas Ave. CDBG application and the Joint Funding Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Freeburg Ave. Roundabout construction. The committee also addressed a request for a new streetlight installation. Old business included a review of the 15-Year Pavement Management Report and discussion on a sidewalk along Carlyle Ave., alongside a presentation regarding the MS4 Stormwater Permit. The agenda also provided for the possibility of an executive session to discuss probable or imminent litigation.

The council meeting addressed public participation, including concerns regarding stray bullets and excessive fireworks, and significant issues related to property sales contracts conflicting with city requirements for occupancy permits, specifically concerning a crime-free addendum. A donation of $2,625 from the Belleville Improvement Group was presented to the fire department for a carbon monoxide detection machine. The council recognized integrity as the character word of the month and approved the reappointment of Laura Kelly to the Historic Preservation Commission. Financial matters included the approval of claims, payroll, and disbursements. The Streets and Grades committee brought forward motions to approve a culvert replacement contract and an agreement for construction inspections for the 2026-2027 motor fuel tax and TIP program. The Police and Fire committee tabled a motion for later discussion. Several communication items regarding banner requests for upcoming events (Home Expo, St. Teresa Parish Centennial, Memorial Day 5K, Thanksgiving 5K, Bobble Marathon) and a fire department blood drive were discussed. Two resolutions were approved: Resolution 3560 for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code with IDOT for FY 2026-2027, and Resolution 3561 for a joint funding agreement with IDOT for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Illinois 158 and Illinois 13, with discussion focusing on the city's financial appropriation language for this project.