Ed Escobedo

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.

The meeting agenda included routine items such as roll call, recognition of guests, emergency procedures, and public participation guidelines, which limit comments to three minutes per speaker and prohibit disorderly conduct. New business focused heavily on financial appropriations and agreements related to infrastructure projects, specifically the Freeburg Ave. Roundabout (including local fund appropriation and a Joint Funding Agreement with IDOT), land acquisition services for the W Main project, bridge inspection proposals, a Stormwater Sampling Agreement, an archaeology survey for Cool Valley Dr., and professional services for a CDBG Application. Other new business items involved approving an Addendum for a Jurisdiction and Maintenance Agreement and installing a new streetlight on S. 38th Street. Old business referenced the 15-Year Pavement Management Report. Aldermanic discussion covered the sidewalk along Carlyle Ave. and a presentation on the MS4 Stormwater Permit. The committee reserved the option to enter executive session to discuss probable or imminent litigation.

The committee meeting included a report from the Director of Public Works detailing the completion status of the second round of the Oil/Chip Program, mentioning specific road segments treated, and outlining preparations for festival season and snowplow maintenance. New business involved the approval of a Design Engineering Supplement of $90,681.00 to Lochmueller Group for the Downtown West side resurfacing project. The committee also approved Oates Associates to prepare the 2026 BUILD Grant Application for West Belleville Improvements, not to exceed $30,000.00. Furthermore, they approved an estimate of $18,500.00 to Hank's Excavating & Landscaping, Inc. for constructing a modular block retaining wall at 221 Columbus Drive. Approval was also granted for TWM to provide On Demand Engineering and Surveying Services up to $9,500.00, and approval was given to accept ownership and payment responsibility for 18 streetlights along Old Collinsville Rd from St. Clair County. In old business, an overview of the TWM Pavement Management 5-10-15 Year Plan was presented.