West Central Reporter

City of Greenville City Council met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Council meeting was called to order on March 11, 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: Lisa Stephens was absent until 8:30 PM for the Executive Session.

Staff Present: City Manager Hollenkamp, City Clerk Jody Weiss, City Attorney Patrick Schaufelberger, GIS Brad Iberg, Economic Development Director Elaine McNamara, Tourism Director Jes Adam, Police Officer Zach McCasland

Public Present: JoEllen Vohlken, Chance Vohlken, Kayla Curry, Doug Ratermann, Riley O'Regan, Dan Forsberg, Rebecca Sponsler, Lee Beckmann, Jeff Leidel, Zach Werner

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

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

3.1. Zach Werner with Green Tree Commercial Services was in attendance and gave an update on the Birdies and Barrels bar and grill. The fire suppression system should start in the next two weeks. Property will have golf simulators, kitchen, bar, all of which will be done before the apartments upstairs. He is hoping to be open by August. He listed his sub contractors as Affordable Construction for finishing, FE Moran for fire suppression, CMC Electric for electricity, RGM for plumbing and Sailor for mechanical. Estevez asked about the maximum capacity of the restaurant, and Werner was unsure but will get back to council. Werner also said they are in the interview process for hiring a restaurant manager.

4. COUNCIL OR MAYOR COMMENTS 

4.1. Littlefield stated the upcoming Citywide Yard Sales dates of April 18 & April 19 conflict with Easter this year, and the City will do better not to have that happen again.

5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

5.1. Birdies and Barrels update by Zach Werner of Green Tree Commercial Services

5.2. Parking fines have been updated/increased for the first time in approximately 20 years. See attached ticket book.

The City is hoping with the new and increased parking fines the parking violations issue will be alleviated.

6. ENGINEERING REPORT 

6.1. Milano & Grunloh Report:

• 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 #18 for $466,414.71 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 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 the 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 these improvements. 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. The plan is to proceed with an arch type box. The City is going to bid the this out in May 2025.

• Energy Transition Grant –The grant is $97,890.11 and we have received a grant agreement.

• 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!!

• Dewey Street – This is a new potential multi-family development. This would require street, sewer and water improvements. See attached exhibit. The City is working 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

6.2. HMG Report:

Dewey Street 

• Bids were opened on Feb. 19th at 2:00 pm. Keller Construction was the lowest bidder in the amount of $877,658.05.

• The low bid was higher than the amount of currently appropriated MFT funds, so a supplemental resolution is required for the difference. Approval of this resolution is included in this meeting’s agenda.

• Award of the contract to Keller Construction is also on the agenda for a vote and prospective approval.

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

D) Water Department

E) Building Permits

F) Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

G) Fleet Report

7.5. Other Items:

A) Ratification of Agreement with Milano & Grunloh for $187,000 for the design/engineering for Kelsey Park. The City was awarded $150,000 as part of the Regional Site Readiness Grant with a City match of 20%. This will be paid out of the TIF District.

B) Ratification of pay request #18 for the Water Treatment Plant, payable to Grunloh Building Inc. in the amount of $466,414.71.

C) Ratification of Invoice #25-009 for the Plaza design payable to Studio Arq in the amount of $33,900.

D) Ratification of agreement with HMG for the Dewey Street project in the amount of $71,500; this agreement includes: Construction contract admin., construction guidance, construction observation, punch list and closeout, CMMS (computer system) inputs as required by IDOT.

E) Ratification of IDOT Supplemental Resolution 2025-05 for Dewey Street improvements in the amount of $81,271.05. This is part of the city's match to the grant.

F) Consideration of the 2025 4th Fest Tourism Grant request.

G) Ratification of re-appointment of Gary Trudell to the Lake Committee. His term expires in April, this is a four-year term.

H) Ratification of reappointment to the Library Board of Chance Vohlken, Robert Munshaw, and Amanda O'Regan. Their terms expire April 30, 2025 and by reappointment the new terms will expire April 30, 2028.

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 Ivan Estevez, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, to approve Consent Items 7.1 - 7.5. 

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

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION 

8.1. Consideration of contract award to Keller Construction for Dewey Street improvements in the amount of $877,658.05.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, to award the contract to Keller Construction for Dewey Street improvements in the amount of $877,658.05. 

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

8.2. Consideration of $60,000 revolving loan for Ty Sexton for the purchase of the bowling alley. Interest rate is 3% amortized over 10 years. The committee met and all were in favor of the loan. Mike Ennen abstained. A lien will be placed on the building (second position after mortgage) and there will be a personal guarantee.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to approve a $60,000 revolving loan for Ty Sexton for the purchase of the bowling alley. Interest rate is 3% amortized over 10 years 

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

8.3. Presentation by Riley O'Regan concerning tastings.

Riley O'Regan presented to the Council a request to add another Liquor License Classification. He would like to have "Educational Whiskey Tasting" with 1/4 ounces of hard alcohol pours. He would have events hosted by different businesses, with the first being the Freckled Press. He will educate about each spirit as they are taste tested. The State of Illinois does have a classification for such events, so he is asking the City to create a new one for this venture.

8.4. Consideration of Ordinance 3351 adding a Class O special Event Liquor License for tastings of Wine, Beer, and Distilled Spirits.

License Classification will be Class O. Fee will be $50 per event.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to approve Ordinance 3351 adding a Class O special Event Liquor License for tastings of Wine, Beer, and Distilled Spirits and issue the first license to Riley O'Regan when he has an exact date and place for the tasting. 

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

8.5. Consideration of Ordinance 3352 amending section 38.01 Fee Schedule to include Class O liquor license.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, to approve ordinance 3352 amending 38.01 fee schedule. 

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

8.6. Consideration of two reserved parking signs in front of Greenville Eyeglass and contacts. The signs would say:

Parking reserved

Greenville Eyeglass and Contacts

Tues - Fri 9am - 5pm

The request is for two parking signs reserved only for Greenville Eyeglass and Contacts to be located directly in front of their business. Hollenkamp met with the owners, Code Enforcement Office Jeff Ketten and Chief of Police Bryan Waugh. The owners are very concerned about the parking spots being occupied once the restaurant has opened next door. They have less parking and are concerned about their elderly patients. Would a handicap spot be acceptable?

Littlefield felt we can not do for one and not do for all. Do we assign parking spots for each business? He feels most people can walk a block to get where they want to go. He feels this is not in the interest of the broader city residents, and does not set a good precedent. Knox would be ok if we added a handicap access parking spot if we do not need to completely redo the sidewalk.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to deny two reserved parking signs for Greenville Eyeglass and Contacts. 

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

8.7. Consideration of Ordinance 3353 Amending city code 31.038 powers and duties of the city manager to clarify state statute concerning sealed bid threshold.

This is just for housekeeping purposes and to clarify that sealed bids are regulated by state statute. If a project is $15,001 through $24,999, we can go out for quotes. If the project is over $25,000, it is required to be a sealed bid.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to approve ordinance 3353 changing the language of 31.038 (9). 

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

8.8. Consideration of going out for Request for Proposals for adding solar to the wastewater treatment facility.

We have two good solar companies in Greenville. We will have a stipulation that the business must be located in Bond County. If the bids are too high, we can reject all bids and then put it out to a broader area.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, to create an RFP and publishing it for adding solar from a Greenville/Bond County business to the wastewater facility. If bids are too high, we will put it out for bid again. 

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

8.9. Discussion of renewing the city's agreement with the Dan Shomon and his lobbyist team. Cost is $6,000 per month paid out of Economic Development Fund which is supported 100% by the General Fund.

Littlefield said to let the contract expire and not renew. We have not seen any return on investment for quite some time. We are putting out a lot of money and not seeing any benefit. At the time we started the agreement, it was the right thing. Currently that money could better used elsewhere.

Hollenkamp would have like to have seen a weekly, monthly or even quarterly report. We cannot quantify his actions with money.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, to not renew agreement. 

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

8.10. Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement with the county to place antennas on the roof of the courthouse to serve the downtown WiFi project.

If approved by the County, this will allow antennas be attached to the roof of the courthouse.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Bond County for two antennas to be placed on the courthouse roof, contingent Bond County approves as well. 

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

8.11. Consideration of the Lease Agreement with the city and Better Newspapers, Inc. (Advocate). This is for the property that was purchased by the library. Rent is in the amount of $1,100. per month, lease term is for one year with a mutual renewal agreement option.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to approve the Lease Agreement with the City and Better Newspapers, Inc. (Advocate). 

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

8.12. Move into executive session.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to move into executive session at 8:15 PM for Personnel 5ILCS 2(c)(1), Purchase of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(5), Sale or lease of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(6), Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11), Review of executive session minutes 5ILCS 2(c)(21). 

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

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9.3. Lease of Real Estate

9.6. Move back into open session

Motion by Ivan Estevez, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to move back into open session. 

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

9.7. Lisa Stephens joined the meeting via telephone at 8:30 PM.

10. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION 

10.1. Consideration of Resolution 2025- 06 approval and release of executive session minutes.

Exhibit pages A & B might change after executive session discussion of which minutes to open and which to keep closed.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to approve resolution 2025-06 as amended. 

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

11. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting at 10:30 PM.

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

https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/82990/