City of Greenville Planning Commission met Aug. 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order on August 15, 2023 at 6:00 PM by Chairman Jack Chism.
1. ROLL CALL
Committee Members Present: Planning Commission Member Brent Shaw, Planning Commission Member Chance Vohlken, Planning Commission Member Dennis Warren, Planning Commission Member Jack Chism, and Planning Commission Member Jane Nelson
Committee Members Absent: Planning Commission Member Eugene Holt
Staff Present: City Manager Jo Hollenkamp, City Clerk Jody Weiss, Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Ketten
Public Present: JoEllen Vohlken, Susan Chism, Kyle Littlefield, Tom Theiss, Jeff Leidel, Bill Johnston, Rebecca & Bryson Buehrer, Blake Knox, Chris Dussold
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE
3.1. Minutes of:
A) Minutes of April 17, 2023
Motion by Chance Vohlken, seconded by Dennis Warren, to approve April 17, 2023 Planning Commission Minutes
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Chance Vohlken
SECONDER: Dennis Warren
AYES: Brent Shaw, Chance Vohlken, Dennis Warren, Jack Chism, and Jane Nelson
ABSENT: Eugene Holt
4. MATTERS OF CONSIDERATION
4.1. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 6:04 PM: A request from the City of Greenville to amend the Use Matrix, Table 153.0202(A) of the Unified Development Code, to make bars, taverns, and nightclubs a Permitted Use in the (D) Downtown zoning district.
Bill Johnston asked about the verbiage "nightclub". It was explained that is just terminology from the UDC Code. Definition is any business that sells less than 51% food and more alcohol. Johnston was concerned this seemed to come up very fast. City Manager Hollenkamp said this was noticed in the Advocate for the required 15 days, on our website, and also posted at the Municipal Building.
City Manager Hollenkamp explained there is a business who wants to purchase Watson's and turn into a sports bar with 51% sales in food, along with 2nd floor luxury apartments and in the basement a bar. There would be 3 levels, and outside seating would also be available. She added that atmosphere and administration has changed and this code has been a stumbling block to bringing in businesses. She also noted that there is a pub that could possibly be located in the downtown zone, but not directly on the square.
Chance Vohlken read an emailed statement from Kayla Curry: "...I am writing this email to voice my support to allow bars, taverns and nightclubs in the downtown zoning districts. Nobody is forcing someone to go to a bar, tavern or nightclub downtown if they don't want to, but allowing them the option shouldn't be discouraged."
Vohlken also read this emailed statement from John Gillard: "Be careful what you wish for. I personally think it would be nice to have a place to eat like maybe a sports bar or pub and grill. Would you also be happy with a marijuana dispensary, tattoo parlor which seems to be very popular around younger people or maybe some type of gaming venue? I will not be at the meeting tonight because of a prior commitment."
Vohlken then read an emailed statement from Heather Edwards: "Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be heard even though I cannot attend. As someone who has lived here 15 years and has owned a business for 19 and now owns property on the square, I'm very invested in this community. I believe the laws need to change to allow for an establishment to open. Many years ago we had an interest in opening a brewpub, but we stopped once we learned of the rules surrounding liquor.
Our community needs to grow. Young and middle aged folks want to go out and meet friends, or have a date night. We cannot attract businesses if they have looming liquor laws that make it difficult for them.
I'd like you to consider changing this to make Greenville grow and be a place people come to and get our square alive again."
JoEllen Vohlken said Greenville needs a change. We need to have something people will stay in town for. She understands people are concerned with peoples actions under the influence, but FourthFest has proved that people can control themselves. She added the City needs to move forward with the times.
PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 6:15 PM
Chance Vohlken has supported this idea for a long time. He feels the public can handle themselves. He suggested the police department drive by the square a few more times if needed. He added that there is an establishment serving alcohol 20 miles in any cardinal direction of Greenville, and they have a lively downtown that is inviting and people want to stay for a while. Other businesses in their downtowns are thriving as well. He felt we need to do what we can to entice people to come to Greenville.
Brent Shaw asked about neon signs in the windows. Jack Chism said we have sign ordinances that would solve that issue.
Dennis Warren said the school district has done their part in bringing high quality facilities for the sports teams, and Greenville should do their part for the adults in the area.
Janie Nelson did not like the verbiage, but that is just a "category" in the UDC.
C Vohlken added that in order for someone to get a liquor license, they must go in front of the City Council for approval.
Jack Chism said Greenville used to be a dry town and a safe place to be. This is not a brand new idea. The horse has left the barn. Do we have the citizens demand another referendum to allow this? Continuing, Chism said he still feels safe and the liquor sales did not change his feelings of safeness. He said maybe it is not plausible to stay away from these kind of establishments.
Motion by Chance Vohlken, seconded by Dennis Warren, to consider approving amending the Use Matrix, Table 153.0202(A) of the Unified Development Code, to make bars, taverns and nightclubs a Permitted Use in the (D) Downtown zoning district.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Chance Vohlken
SECONDER: Dennis Warren
AYES: Brent Shaw, Chance Vohlken, Dennis Warren, Jack Chism, and Jane Nelson
ABSENT: Eugene Holt
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Brent Shaw, seconded by Dennis Warren, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 6:25 PM.
RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brent Shaw
SECONDER: Dennis Warren
AYES: Brent Shaw, Chance Vohlken, Dennis Warren, Jack Chism, and Jane Nelson
ABSENT: Eugene Holt
https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/11523/
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