West Central Reporter

City of Greenville City Council met July 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, July 8, 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, and Council Member Blake Knox

Council Absent: Council Member Lisa Stephens

Staff Present: City Clerk Faye Hessenauer, Economic Development Director Elaine McNamara, City Manager JoAnn Hollenkamp, Finance Director Michelle Liggett, City Attorney Patrick Schaufelberger, Tourism Director Jes Adam, Deputy Director Public Works Keith Scoggins, and GIS Coordinator Brad Iberg,Officer McClintock, Officer Kleinik

Public Present: Daniel Forsberg, Rebecca Sponsler, Jeff Leidel, Myra Mollett, Isaac Barber, Anna Murphy

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

3. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE Isaac Barber, GU Assistant Vice President of Student Life discussed a parking proposal regarding the city owned parking lot west of the new GU dorm building. Isaac stated GU would like to create a partnership with the city in regards to the parking to make sure all students have a positive experience. GU has an active policy in place that prohibits students to park in city owned lots. Campus safety is now fully staffed and GU is prepared to enact all policies for this coming school year. Isaac discourages the building of a fence and also any signs that specify no GU parking.

Anna Murphy, GU Director of Traditional Admissions also addressed the student parking in the west lot. Anna reiterated that GU discourages any signs that specify no GU parking. Anna feels that this sends an unwelcome message to students and their families and proposes that a different language such as "visitor parking only" would be more acceptable. If GU agrees with the verbiage they would be willing to pay for the signs.

Daniel Forsberg made a comment addressing both GU and the Council that regardless of the verbiage of the signs, fencing would be a waste of time and money. Enforcement of policies by GU Safety would be more effective. Co-operative action versus fence, fence sends a bad message.

4. COUNCIL OR MAYOR COMMENTS 

Littlefield asked if everyone would take a moment to recognize Roger Sanders and his passing. Roger was an important public figure to the City of Greenville.

Knox congratulated the Greenville Municipal Band on their success and hard work.

5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

5.1. Announcement of Municipal Electric Aggregation rates for December 1, 2025 through June 2027. The fixed rate is $0.11974 per kilowatt. Our current rate is $0.11828 and Ameren's current rate is $0.12547 per kilowatt.

5.2. Update on Birdies and Barrels

∙ Unfortunately, still waiting on the updated plans to be stamped by engineers so that we can move forward with our project.

∙ The main level is completely framed out and our plumber and electrician are still able to do some work on the main level.

∙ HVAC throughout the building and framing of the upper level are on hold until our revised plans are completed, stamped by engineers and sent to Jeff for review and approval.

∙ A late August opening may be aggressive. Once the revised plans are received we will have another planning discussion with our contractor and HVAC provider, I’ll be able to provide a more accurate update on the timeline.

∙ Applied to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and provided a check for payment.

5.3. Update on the Visitor's Center from Mike Thomas of KB Contracting - the general contractor for the project:

∙ He met with the subs this week to build out our schedule and update their scope. We will continue demo next week and start preparing for the new roof.

6. ENGINEERING REPORT 

6.1. HMG Report:

Dewey Street

∙ AT&T has finished relocating their utilities

∙ Keller Construction is expected to begin work on Monday, July 7th

∙ Construction is expected to take 8 to 12 weeks

6.2. 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 was held on April 26th. The low bidder was Keller Construction @ $449,636.70. IDOT is scheduling a pre-construction meeting.

∙ 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. Construction began the last week of September 2023. Start up of all process equipment almost complete. The IEPA funding section made a site visit on June 6th. The plant should be put in operation in the next week or two.

∙ Attached is the Elm Street water main project exhibit and budget. The project was funded at $1.5 million. The low bidder was Haier Plumbing & Heating. A pre-construction meeting was held on December 9th at 1:00 at City Hall. The contractor began construction on April 2nd on the south end of the job. The contractor has 95% of the pipe installed and the project is going well. The contractor is waiting on material delivery for meters and will be out approximately 8 weeks. Attached is Change Order 2 for an increase of $82,540.75 and Pay Estimate 2 for $139,983.97 for approval.

∙ ITEP -- Preliminary Engineering for the sidewalk highway corridor project has started. The NOFO is out with applications due September 30th. A public meeting was held. The application has been submitted. Announcements were made and Greenville was not successful. See the attached map for reference. This was submitted for the IDOT local roads grant.

∙ OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development) The City of Greenville received a $600,000 grant. See the attachments. Plans are 99% complete with a bid advertisement planned in July. The Electrical with Ameren is finalized. The plans are at IDPH for review, with a couple of comments received that are being addressed. The plan is to have the bid opening before the next council meeting.

∙ 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 contingencies. Construction has started and PE 1 and PE 2 funds have been requested for reimbursement from DCEO (Grant). Also attached are Change Orders 4, 5 and 6 for Johannes Construction for approval.

∙ 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. All materials were resubmitted to the IEPA for funding in 2025. Then draft intended use plan was released for 2025. Greenville is on the funded list, but past funds available. 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 of box. The City is going to bid this out in June.

∙ Energy Transition Grant – The grant is $97,890.11 and we have received a grant agreement for structural steel for the plaza. The next NOFO is out and has been submitted.

∙ 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!! Paperwork is being processed to work towards a grant agreement.

∙ 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 installation.

∙ 2025 DCEO Grant Application –The DCEO applications will be up to $1 million. We have discussed a potential new project area with Jim as shown on the attachment. DCEO requires all entities that plan to submit an application to participate in a WebEx in June to be eligible to submit an application in December. The preliminary map and estimate are attached. This project is from Vine Street and Hena south and west, crossing Harris at Clarence to Bowman.

∙ 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

D) Water Department

E) Building Permits

F) Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

G) Fleet Report

7.5. Other Items:

A) Ratification of Facade' agreement with Breck Nelson for half the renovation costs of the Turret on his downtown square parking not to exceed a city match of $40,000.

B) Ratification of Pay Request #4 payable to Johannes Construction in the amount of $243,364.31 for the Plaza Project.

C) Ratification of change order #4 for the plaza project payable to Johannes Construction in the amount of $12,165.00. This is to tie the gas station downspouts into city manholes so that water from the roof and gutters does not flow over the plaza concrete.

D) Ratification of Change Order #6 payable to Johannes Construction in the amount of $19,521.00 for a new 400 AMP power supply for the new parking lot to enable food truck parking during events.

E) Ratification of renewal of the Intergovernmental Agreement with IDOT for maintenance of roadways under state jurisdiction. This is something that the city receives funds from IDOT for maintenance of state roads. The amount changes each year, but is generally under $10K.

F) Ratification of tourism grant to Airstravaganza at the Greenville Airport in the amount of $750. This is the same as last year and is budgeted.

G) Ratification of tourism grant for Battle at the Border in the amount of $750. This is a new event. Junior High aged baseball tournament. 7 teams, 20 player/coaches, plus families and spectators.

H) Ratification of Change Order #3 for the Elm Street Water Main project in the amount of $82,540.75 to change meters, additional bends, and sleeves and for hitting unmarked water mains. This is still within our awarded grant amount.

I) Ratification of pay estimate #2 payable to Haier Plumbing in the amount of $139,983.97 for the Elm Street Water Main project.

J) Ratification of #21 payable to Grunloh Building Inc. in the amount of $377,501.62 for the water plant project.

7.6 Approval of consent items

Littlefield requested the following items be removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to Council Consideration:

1. Ratification of Pay Request #1 from Christ Brothers

2. Ratification of Digital Sign purchase from Nevco

3. Ratification of Agreement with Moran Economic Development

This has been reflected in the agenda. Littlefield made motion to approve the remaining items.

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

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to approve Consent Items 7.1 - 7.5. 

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

Littlefield expressed concern about the tourism grant for Battle at the

Border. The request did not go before the tourism committee. Littlefield believes that any new requests for Tourism funds should go before the committee before approval. This matter will be addressed at the August council meeting.

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION 

8.1. Consideration of a 8' x 4' digital sign purchased from Nevco for the plaza in the amount of $52,581 if the overhead design is selected or ratification of the 8' x 3' sign in the amount of $45,441.50 if the at grade design is selected. Note: During the value engineering the sign was removed from the contract with a credit of $42,947.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to approve exhibit "B" overhead sign. 

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

The motion made to approve exhibit "B" coincides with the Plaza Committee recommendation.

8.2. Consideration of Agreement with Moran Economic Development for TIF extension services for Deliverable #1 in the amount of $13,500.

Hollenkamp noted that the amount of $13,500 for this agreement is a drop in the bucket compared to what the city would lose if the TIF is not extended. Would not have been able to do many of the existing projects without the TIF. Mayor Barber expressed that the City needs all the help we can get. Littlefield inquired if outside consultants were used previously. Schaufelberger replied he thinks "yes" and made comment that the money spent would be worth the help and the expertise and urges council to pass the agreement. Per Stephens request, in her absence, Littlefield voiced that Stephens is not in favor of the agreement.

Motion by George Barber, seconded by Kyle Littlefield

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

8.3. Ratification of pay request #1 from Christ Brothers Asphalt in the amount of $191,870.00, this will be the only and final request. Pay request is for Asphalt Projects - Hena Street, patching, and Dewey Street. This is a budgeted item and will be paid out of Street Repair.

Littlefield posed the question if the Asphalt project went out for bid. Keith Scoggins was present and stated the project was bid out and there were several bidders. Christ Brothers was the lowest bidder on all asphalt. Littlefield requested that in the future could Public Works use more of an address point on projects for better transparency.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox

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

8.4. Consideration of the name for the Plaza and/or using Survey Monkey to issue a survey to the public.

Motion by Ivan Estevez, seconded by Blake Knox,

Motion to name the plaza "Plaza on Second". 

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

8.5. Consideration of Entry Monument Digital Sign design for the Plaza. No motion needed, this was covered in 8.1 

8.6. Consideration of Plaza Policies and Application for Use.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to table this item until the August 12, 2025 city council meeting. 

Knox made motion to table the consideration of Plaza policies until the August 12th council meeting.

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 Change Order #5 with Johannes Construction in the amount of $34,606 to add a grey release agent to the stamped and stained concrete at the Plaza.

Hollenkamp went through the differences between with and without the release agent. Estevez inquired if there would be any kind of warranty with the release agent, the answer was "no". Estevez also inquired if adding the release agent would make it last any longer. Answer was "no". Littlefield stated that the release agent is purely aesthetics and is easy to say do not spend the extra money. Knox asked what was the Plaza committee vote. The committee vote was a split decision.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez,

Motion to deny Change Order #5 with Johannes Construction and do not use a grey release agent. 

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 Ordinance 3368 Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax.

Hollenkamp noted that the City of Greenville currently collects a 1% grocery tax. The tax will go away after January 1, 2026 per Governor's bill if the Ordinance is not passed prior to October 1, 2025. The loss in revenue to the city without the tax will be in excess of $57,000. During Covid the period between June 2022-June 2023 the grocery tax was not charged and the city lost revenue of $51,000. Estevez commented that the City should maintain the grocery tax already in place and that the city needs the additional revenue. Per the request of Stephens in her absence, Littlefield commented that Stephens is not in favor of the grocery tax and feels it unfair to tax food that people already can not afford. Littlefield made note that if the grocery tax is not maintained the city would need to make up the revenue elsewhere.

Knox made the motion to table Ordinance #3368 until the August 12, 2025 meeting to allow time to better inform and educate residents on keeping the grocery tax.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to table approval of Ordinance 3368 Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax until the August 12, 2025 council meeting. 

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

8.9. Consideration of building a fence to separate the city's portion of the north parking lot from the Greenville University's owned section.

Mayor Barber noted building a fence would give definite notice where the line of jurisdiction lies and the matter has been turned in to a turf war with the university. Barber commented that serious measures need to be taken and is open to any options. Estevez is a hard no on building a fence but is open to the use of signs. Estevez feels that the responsibility should be on the university to better enforce policies and money for the fence could be better utilized elsewhere. Littlefield is in favor of signs but thinks different verbiage other than not for campus parking parking would be better. Knox made motion for no fence, leave existing signs, put up remaining signs that the city already has and purchase the two additional that will be needed.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to deny the fence and install 5 signs at the entry points to the parking lot that say, "Not for Campus Parking Violators Will be Towed". 

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

8.10. Consideration of the agreement with Progressive Energy Group to serve as the Energy Consultant for the Solar Bids for the wastewater plant.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to enter into an agreement with Progressive Energy Group to serve as the Energy Consultant for the Solar Bids for the wastewater plant. 

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

8.11. Consideration of Ordinance # 3369 amending Sections 91.11, 91.16, 111.67, 114.07, 150.51 and 154.02 which list certain fees that are found on the Fee Schedule so the code should reference 38.01 of the Municipal Code.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to approve Ordinance 3369 amending 91.11, 91.16, 111.67, 114.07, 150.51 and 154.02 of the Municipal Code. 

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

8.12. Consideration of the 2025 Fee Schedule which list certain fees that are found as referenced as 38.01 of the Municipal Code.

Littlefield restated that nothing is changing in regards to utility tax. Littlefield also stated that a 50% increase all at once seems excessive. Mayor Barber would like to pump the breaks and possibly table the fee increase until next month for more time to review. Hollenkamp recommended that the fee schedule be approved as is with the exception of liquor license fees and table that portion only until the next meeting. Littlefield made the motion to approve the 2025 fee schedule as is but amend all liquor license fees to a 25% increase in lieu of the 50% increase.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to approve the Fee Schedule as amended by only increasing the fee for liquor by 25%. 

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

Knox asked how long staff would need to make the required changes on forms, website, etc. Michelle Liggett, Finance Director was present and stated that August 1st would be acceptable.

8.13. Move into executive session for Personnel 5ILCS 2(c)(1), Purchase of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(5), Sale of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(6), Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11), Review of Executive Session Minutes 5ILCS 2(c)(21).

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to move into 

executive session for Personnel 5ILCS 2(c)(1), Purchase of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(5), Sale of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(6), and Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11). 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kyle Littlefield SECONDER: Ivan Estevez ABSENT: Lisa Stephens

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9.5. Pending Litigation

10. ADJOURNMENT - WE ARE ADJOURNING THE MEETING FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, to adjourn the Regular Council at 10:18 p.m.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kyle Littlefield SECONDER: Ivan Estevez ABSENT: Lisa Stephens

https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/85467/Regular%20Council%20-%20Jul%2008%202025.pdf?handle=77D3160C31364BDABD0DF7956D8E4E01