West Central Reporter

City of Greenville City Council met Feb. 10.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The Regular Council meeting was called to order on February 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM by Mayor George Barber.

1. ROLL CALL 

Council Present: Mayor George Barber, Council Member Ivan Estevez, Council Member Kyle Littlefield, Council Member Lisa Stephens, and Council Member Blake Knox

Council Absent: 

Staff Present: Jo Hollenkamp, Jody Weiss, Michelle Liggett, Patrick Schaufelberger, Joel Bemis

Public Present: Ty Sexton, Chad & Brandi Sexton, Roger Sanders, Carol Knight, Sandy Krober, Rebecca Sponsler, Laura Miller, Dora Mann, Laura Stone, Robyn Florian

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

3.1. Update on Rezoning: 

We want to take a moment to address recent concerns regarding the upcoming rezoning initiative in our community. We understand that changes to zoning regulations can raise questions, and we want to reassure you that this process has been carefully considered with your best interests in mind.

Let’s quickly run through the questions/comments/rumors heard so far:

∙ What is the purpose of the rezoning – The current zoning does not fit with a city of our size and has uses such as barracks, airports, bus terminals, heliport facilities, rooftop parking, etc. that do not apply. Also, the urban neighborhood zone allows for duplex structures, dorms, fraternities, and more. The proposal changes urban neighborhood to R-1 which has more restrictions and would not allow for any new construction of that type.

∙ Rezoning will lower my property value – This is not true, compare your existing permitted uses to the new permitted uses to see if there are any changes that negatively impact your property. The new zone generally has more protections than the old zone.

∙ Rezoning will raise my taxes – Property taxes are not determined by city zoning. Property taxes are based on property use and the assessed value of the property as determined by the county not the city.

∙ My property will be reassessed because of rezoning – Incorrect, the rezoning does not trigger a reassessment of property.

∙ Rezoning will mean that I need to get variances/special use permits etc. for things already in place – Incorrect. If it already exists, then it is "legal non conforming". This means that so long as there are no changes to the use, ownership, or structure, then there is no problem with what is currently there.

∙ I don’t trust government and this seems shady – The city has been extremely transparent with the rezoning initiative. We have sent direct mail pieces to those property owners impacted, advertised on Facebook, the city website, in the paper, on the radio and we are available to address any questions/concerns.

∙ The city is just doing this for the benefit of the college – Emphatically no, this was not put in place as a benefit to the University and has no correlation with the University.

∙ The city is going to start kicking people out of their houses – No basis whatsoever.

We want to emphasize that the rezoning will not have an impact on property taxes. Additionally, lot sizes will remain unchanged, ensuring that your current property dimensions and boundaries are preserved. Importantly, this rezoning effort is designed to align our city’s codes with the unique needs and characteristics of a community our size, without compromising property values.

Our goal is to create a framework that supports sustainable growth while maintaining the quality of life our citizens expect. We appreciate your ongoing support and engagement as we work together to enhance our city’s future.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jeff Ketten at jketten@greenvilleillinois.com or Jo Hollenkamp at jhollenkamp@greenvilleillinois.com.

3.2. Update on Birdies and Barrels from Architect: 

Green Tree Commercial Services has been excited to begin our work on Birdies & Page 2 of 12

Barrels, which will be a restaurant/lounge with multiple offerings. Birdies & Barrels will contain a fully functional kitchen for food services and will be accompanied by a bar with televisions so customers can watch their favorite events. Seating will consist of multiple tables in a dining area as well as seats at the bar. There will also be an addition to the front sidewalk to expand to a patio space. Since the name of the establishment will be Birdies & Barrels, we thought it would be fitting to install golf simulators. This will offer customers the ability to play a round of golf no matter how bad the weather conditions! Lastly, there will also be a space for gaming for those who are 21 and older.

Birdies & Barrels will be our primary focus for a timely completion, but we will also be building 5 apartments/lofts that will be on the second floor of the building. Later, we will have more information regarding leasing/occupation of the apartment units.

Below, I’ve provided a few bullet points that outline the preliminary steps we’re working through so we can begin construction. It’s been a tedious process gathering information for the multiple parties involved, but it’s very important to take our time to get things right on the front end. This will be helpful in mitigating complications throughout the build.

∙ GTCS is finalizing the remaining demolition so that construction can begin. While we try to work quickly when demolishing, we have been very careful to ensure historic infrastructure isn’t damaged.

∙ The first of our subcontractors will begin work this week to install fire suppression.

∙ We’ve reached out to all subcontractor candidates to request quotes. I hoped to have work orders signed by now, but we are still waiting on final quotes to be submitted to us.

∙ I’m currently working with Ameren to schedule the necessary utility upgrades. They’ve requested a list of information from me that I’ve been putting together and should finalize by end of this week. As of right now, our timeline is fairly dependent on the upgrade recommendation and timeline of Ameren. I can provide another update once Ameren provides a recommendation and service date.

3.3. Zach from Green Tree Commercial called in to give an update on the Birdies & Barrels building. Estevez asked about an opening date, and Zach said they are at the mercy of Ameren to do their work. They would like to shoot for spring.

Hollenkamp reminded everyone the Re-Zoning Meeting will be held during the Planning Meeting on Monday, February 24 at 6 PM at the Municipal Building. Estevez asked why this was being done and Hollenkamp said beside it being a goal that the council set for her two years ago. She also stated that in early summer we will be updating the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Existing Building code (IEBC) as required by the state. New state requirements are that we adopt the 2018 or newer code.

4. COUNCIL OR MAYOR COMMENTS 

5. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE 

5.1. Carol Knight from the Character Education group spoke to the council regarding the bricks that are being considered. She said her board may be able to help fund a portion of the bricks with their Wes Pourchot Cookout on May 16. Littlefield asked how will it make the plaza more successful to have these bricks, and Laura Miller responded that when things are visible in a city, it sends a message about what your community is about. It reinforces what the community is about and good for our children to see. Barber added it will trigger generational conversations. Character Education Council focus on Citizenship, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Compassion.

6. ENGINEERING REPORT 

6.1. Milano & Grunloh

∙ SRTS (Phase 2) The City was successful on this application receiving $250,000. A public meeting was held on July 2nd. The plans have been submitted to IDOT for final review. The bid letting is April 26th. It should be awarded in June with construction in July/August.

∙ The IEPA has funded the water plant project in the amount of $21,404,770.96 at an interest rate of 0.93% with $1,250,000.00 in loan forgiveness. The city also applied for a DCEO RIPI grant which was announced and the City received a 2 million dollar grant. The City awarded the All Service Contract for Filter Installation for $119,995.00 and Contract for Filter Supply for $2,043,820.00. Construction began the last week of September 2023. They are working on finalizing all aspects. Additional trades (electrical, plumbing) are working on interior items. The building shell is complete and the interior work is being finalized. Construction is being finalized. Start-up should be in March/April. Pay Estimate #17 for $922,876.26 from Grunloh Building is presented for approval.

∙ DCEO Applications were due January 19, 2023. Attached is the Elm Street water main project exhibit and budget. The project was funded at $1.5 million. We have the IDOT and Railroad Permits. The bid opening was on September 5. The low bidder was Haier Plumbing & Heating. A pre construction meeting was held on December 9th at 1:00 at City Hall. The start of construction will be dependent on the weather; tentatively in March/April.

∙ ITEP -- Preliminary Engineering for the sidewalk hwy corridor project area has started. The NOFO is out with applications due September 30th. A public meeting was held. The application has been submitted. Announcements are expected in March/April.

∙ OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development) The application for Buzzard Bay improvements has been submitted. The City of Greenville received a $600,000 grant. See the attachments. The grant agreement has been received. The grant agreement has been executed and design has begun. The project area has been surveyed and design has started. A meeting was held to review the plans. Plans are 90% complete with a bid advertisement planned for the 1st quarter of 2025. We are finalizing electrical needs.

∙ Downtown Grant – The City received $1.9 million for the plaza project. Milano & Grunloh will assist with Administration. Plans are complete by Studio ARQ with a bid opening on August 15th at City Hall. The City has received reimbursements for $167,635 for Design/Engineering and $25,318.75 in contingenies. Construction should begin soon.

∙ There are items at the Waste Water Treatment Plant that will need addressed in the next five years. These are being evaluated to develop a plan for a timeline and budget. One clarifier was taken offline and inspected. It was in good shape, but will need work completed or deterioration will escalate. A funding application to the IEPA for a $3 million project was submitted. Preliminary, the City is eligible for 45% principal forgiveness. See the attached exhibit and plan. Milano & Grunloh has submitted the paperwork to the IEPA. Construction for this Phase I project should be in 2025. The project plan has been approved. IEPA has published the intended use plan. Greenville was on the funded list, but past the available funding. There is the possibility to receive bypass funding. An RFQ was completed for engineering. Milano & Grunloh was selected. If bypass funding is approved, construction should begin in 2025. Phase 2 is being planned to improve the intake and other items.

∙ Bond Madison Interconnect – An interconnection with Bond/Madison has been completed and is operational.

∙ Box Culvert – There is an existing box culvert on Main Street that has failed. Options for repairing it are being evaluated. The plan is to proceed with an arch type box. The City is going to bid the this out in the next fiscal year.

∙ Energy Transition Grant –The City should receive $97,890.11. This is being used for the plaza project. It is planned to be used as funding for the RDMS program. We are finalizing the paperwork with DCEO.

∙ The sludge permit for the water treatment plant has been renewed.

∙ Regional Site Readiness – This is a new grant program the City is evaluating to apply for infrastructure improvements to Kelsey Industrial Park. It was submitted on October 21st. See attached exhibit. This was funded!!

∙ Red Ball Trail – The County is looking at improving/reconstructing a new overpass across the railroad on Red Ball Trail. Enclosed is an exhibit for relocating the watermain. This is being navigated as to who’d financial responsibility this will be. It was determined that it is not necessary to relocate the watermain.

∙ Dewey Street – This is a new potential multi-family development. This would require street, sewer and water improvements. See attached exhibit. The City is meeting with the developer and will evaluate whether to proceed with a staged street installation.

∙ Completed Projects:

∙ Hena Street

∙ Dollar General and Fusion Dance

∙ Water Treatment Plant Sludge Permit

∙ DG Market Water Main Extension

∙ Energy Efficiency Grant

∙ Sunset Point

∙ Traffic Study

∙ Anthony Supply Storm Sewer

∙ Elm Street Overlay

∙ Source Water Protection Plan

∙ Idler Lane Water Main Replacement

∙ Buzzard Bay Sidewalk

∙ Survey on Spring Street

∙ Easements for Lights on College Avenue

∙ Survey on Pecan Street

∙ Patio at 102 N Second Street

∙ School Streets

∙ Chemical Feed Modifications

∙ SRTS Phase 1

7. CONSENT AGENDA 

7.1 Minutes of previous meeting

7.2 Financial Statements for the Month

7.3. Approval of Unpaid Bills

7.4. Administrative Reports

A) Police Department

B) Public Works Department

C) Sewer Department

Page 6 of 12

D) Water Department

E) Building Permits

F) Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

G) Fleet Report

7.5. Other Items:

A) Consideration of Resolution 2025-4 for the 2025-2026 Motor Fuel Tax.

B) Consideration of re-appointment of Crystal Gove to the Board of Adjustment through 2030.

C) Consideration of re-appointment of John Coleman to the Cemetery Board through 2030.

D) Consideration of re-appointment of Jo Keillor to the Planning Commission through 2029

E) Consideration of re-appointment of Chris Barth to the Police Pension Board through 2028.

F) Consideration of re-appointment of Gary Trudell to the Lake Committee through 2029.

G) Consideration of re-appointment of Laura Wall to the Tourism Committee through 2029.

H) Consideration of Ordinance #3350 to rezone Parcel #05-30-14-102-059 commonly known as 815 Fairground Drive, from Neighborhood Urban (NU) to Commercial General (CG).

Note: This parcel does not change with the zoning changes; if approve to be commercial general, it will stay commercial general.

I) Ratification of city credit cards for Elaine McNamara and Jes Adam. Elaine's card replaces Bill Walker's card and Jes' card is needed due to event expenses. Elaine's recommended limit is $1,000 and Jes' recommended limit is $5,000.

J) Ratification of Pay Application #17 for the water plant in the amount of $922,876.26 payable to Grunloh Builders.

7.6 Approval of consent items

Approval of consent agenda items (<--this text will not show on output document; motion/recommendation will show)

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to approve Consent Items 7.1 - 7.5. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Lisa Stephens SECONDER: Ivan Estevez AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION 

8.1. Consideration of TIF request from RGM (Justin Manley) of $130,000.

This is a win-win on all accounts. The business does not need to be visible from the highway, but will still be a valuable addition to the community. They do not do a ton of advertising, but their customers always find them. In addition to plumbing, they will sell swimming pools, which means more sales tax created. There is also an easement that goes through the parcel and it will be a great location to display the pools, as they can moved if needed.

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with a TIF Agreement with RGM in the amount of $130,000. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Lisa Stephens SECONDER: Kyle Littlefield AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.2. Discussion of amending the City of Greenville tobacco code prohibiting purchase and possession of E-Cigarettes by minors. Also, changing the entire tobacco code to be 21 years versus 18 years to match state statutes.

SRO Taylor Hill was in attendance at the last meeting to discuss the vaping, e cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products that kids at the junior high and high school are using. Our ordinance applies to the sale of the products, but not the possession, and would like to see that expanded with consequences and age minimums. The schools have their own consequences. Hill would like to see as many kids get off these devices as he can.

He said rather than have the parents pay for a fine, they should have the students do a "Station House Adjustment Program". The minimum age is the big question. Do we follow the state and stay at 21, or lower the minimum to 18 years of age. Stephens feels 18 is more appropriate, as kids that age are old enough to fight in a war so why can they not choose to smoke. She would like this to be more focused on school aged children. It is really tough to decipher if a person is 18-21. Perhaps we could use verbiage "if on school property and the student is 18 or still enrolled in high school."

A straw pole was taken at the last meeting and it was a tie, with Mayor Barber being absent from meeting. Hollenkamp is going to bring an ordinance back to the council at the February Council Meeting using 21 to buy or sell and 18 to possess along with the vaping language.

Discussion ensued at this meeting and it was confirmed that the ordinance matched the intent of the last meeting.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve Ordinance #3345 amending section 116.32 of the city code. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Blake Knox SECONDER: Kyle Littlefield AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.3. Consideration of Ordinance #3349 granting a sewer easement to SG Solutions (Mike Sheeley and Scott Gaffner) for the installation and maintenance of a sanitary sewer easement over city property.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to approve Ordinance #3349 granting a sewer easement to SG Solutions for the installation and maintenance of a sanitary sewer easement over city property. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kyle Littlefield SECONDER: Ivan Estevez AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.4. Consideration of Ordinance #3348 granting a landscaping easement for the installation and maintenance of landscaping located on city property (old Fusion Dance).

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve Ordinance #3348 granting a landscaping easement for the installation and maintenance of landscaping located on city property. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Lisa Stephens SECONDER: Kyle Littlefield AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.5. Consideration of Business Dev. agreement with Ty Sexton for the remodel of 4th Street Lanes (bowling alley) in the amount of $106,000.

Sexton is purchasing the bowling alley from John Helige. He has literally grown up in the bowling alley, and wants to freshen it up with paint, a new roof, add a small kitchen, new balls and shoes. All work will be done by local contractors. His plans are to continue to grow the business for many years to come.

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with a TIF/Business Dev. Agreement with Ty Sexton for the remodel of 4th Street Lanes (bowling alley) in the amount of $106,000. No funds to be allocated without proof of building purchase and receipts for TIF eligible expenses. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Lisa Stephens SECONDER: Blake Knox AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.6. Consideration of annual contribution to the Greenville Chamber of $15,000. to be paid out of the tourism fund. Similar to other tourism grants.

Littlefield asked if this will come out of the Tourism fund, and it will. We will need to budget more from the General Fund, as the hotel/motel tax will not be able to fund the additional dollars right now, in addition to planning plaza events. Hollenkamp said it is very common for the City to contribute to the Chamber's salary.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to approve annual contribution to the Greenville Chamber of $15,000. to be paid out of the tourism fund. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kyle Littlefield SECONDER: Ivan Estevez AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

8.7. Consideration of including character traits (words) being depicted as part of the Plaza stamped concrete. The 15 words would be dispersed throughout the outside (not red middle) beige/tan flagstone pattern sidewalk. This would be a block that is inserted.

The 15 words proposed are:

Citizenship, respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, courage, diligence, generosity, gratitude, honesty, humility, industry, perseverance, resourcefulness, and vigor.

The Council likes the idea, but what is the budget? What value are the words to the plaza? Is there an ROI? Hollenkamp said if approved these words would be added to the plaza storyboard telling why certain words were used. Council feels that 15 is too many words and needs to cut to 12, 10 or 5 depending on budget.

Littlefield has no strong opinion. He asked if we could table this and bring back when the Mayor is here and when we can get some concrete numbers of costs. Stephens suggested doing fundraising to help pay for it. Five words would be from the Character Council: Citizenship, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Compassion.

Littlefield withdrew his motion to approve including character traits to be plaza Page 10 of 12stamped concrete design with an additional cost not to exceed $1500and instead made motion to table the issue until the February meeting.

2/10/25 - Littlefield asked what the ad hoc committee thought about the bricks, as they have worked on the planning of it for quite some time. Have they seen this plan? He did not like going around the citizens that put their hard work in to the project. He is concerned the plaza is over the budget as it is, and this will only put additional dollars for the bricks.

Stephens did not like the terms vigor or resourcefulness, and would like to see patriotism or freedom added. She did not feel it was necessary to have "definitions" included as it would be too wordy.

Estevez said that character matters, and words mean different things to different people.

Knox wants to be a good steward of taxpayer money and thinks we should look for more ideas to pay for the bricks. Hollenkamp suggested have someone or a business "sponsor" a brick.

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to approve the following words to be made into "bricks": Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Integrity, Courage, Diligence, Generosity, Honesty, Humility, Kindness, Grit, and Positivity, but costs not to exceed $12,000. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Lisa Stephens SECONDER: Ivan Estevez AYES: Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, and Lisa Stephens NAYS: Blake Knox ABSENT: George Barber

8.8. Move into executive session for Personnel 5ILCS 2(c)(1), and Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11).

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to move into executive session at 8:43 PM for Personnel 5ILCS 2(c)(1), and Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11). 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Blake Knox SECONDER: Lisa Stephens AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9.2. Pending Litigation

10. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Lisa Stephens, to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting at 9:15 PM.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kyle Littlefield SECONDER: Lisa Stephens AYES: George Barber, Ivan Estevez, Kyle Littlefield, Lisa Stephens, and Blake Knox

https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/82551/