South West Illinois News

City of Waterloo City Council met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Darter at 7:30 p.m.

2. The following Aldermen were present: Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, and Most.

Absent: Row

3. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Stan Darter.

4. Correction or Withdrawal of Agenda Items by Sponsor. None.

5. Approval of Minutes as Written or Amended.

Approval of the February 05, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes.

Motion made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Hopkins to approve the February 05, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

6. Petitions by Citizens on Non-Agenda Items.

Mr. George Bieber addressed the council with the following comments:

∙ He expressed his dissatisfaction with the inability to use a Walmart gift card he received as a credit for a return.

∙ Believed businesses should be taxed on the Beautification Grant Money they receive.

∙ Stated that Monroe County has joined the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) per House Bill 1131.

7. Reports and Communications from the Mayor and other City Officers.

A. Report of Collector - Shawn Kennedy

The report is in the packet.

Motion to accept the Collection Report was made by Alderman Most and seconded by Alderman Vogt.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, and Kyle Buettner voting ‘aye’.

B. Report of Treasurer – Brad Papenberg

The report is in the packet.

Motion to accept the Treasurer Report was made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Hopkins.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

C. Report of Subdivision and Zoning Administrator – Nathan Krebel

Mill Street Trailer Park Update – The asbestos was remediated on February 19, 2024, and the demolition of the trailers started today.

D. Report of Building Inspector / Code Administrator – Brad Yearian.

The report is in the packet.

E. Report of Director of Public Works – Tim Birk. No report.

F. Report of Chief of Police – Dane Luke. No report.

G. Report of City Attorney – Natalie Steppig.

The property deed for the Mill Street Trailer Park was received today.

H. Report and Communication by Mayor.

1. Waterloo Beautification Check Presentation to Petri Insurance Agency.

The presentation will be rescheduled.

8. Report of Standing Committees. None.

9. Report of Special Committees. None.

10. Presentation of Communications, Petitions, Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances by Aldermen.

A. Consideration and Action on Resolution No. 24-06 Authorizing the City of Waterloo, IL to Subsidize Utility Gas Management’s January 2024 Fuel Costs Prior to Calculating the City’s Fuel Adjustment Rate for Customers.

Motion made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Kyle Buettner to approve Resolution No. 24-06 Authorizing the City of Waterloo, IL to Subsidize Utility Gas Management’s January 2024 Fuel Costs Prior to Calculating the City’s Fuel Adjustment Rate for Customers.

Comments: The City’s gas bill for January was extremely high due to the polar vortex, and the Council decided not to pass 100% of that cost to the customers. Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

B. Consideration and Action on Resolution No. 24-07 Approving an Agreement between Human Support Services and the City of Waterloo, Illinois for Clean-up of Downtown Waterloo.

Motion made by Alderman Charron and seconded by Alderman Vogt to accept Resolution No. 24-07 Approving an Agreement between Human Support Services and the City of Waterloo, Illinois for Clean-up of Downtown Waterloo.

Comments: This is a contract that the City has had with Human Support Services for several years. Clean-up occurs on Friday afternoons and Monday mornings weather permitting.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, and Trantham voting ‘aye’.

C. Consideration and Action on Ordinance No. 1887 Amending the City of Waterloo, Illinois Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24 Motor Vehicle Code, Article VIII: Traffic Schedules, Schedule D: No Parking Zones, Regarding an Alley Between 228 North Main Street and 221 North Market Street.

Motion made by Alderman Hopkins and seconded by Alderman Trantham on approval of Ordinance No. 1887 Amending the City of Waterloo, Illinois Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24 Motor Vehicle Code, Article VIII: Traffic Schedules, Schedule D: No Parking Zones, Regarding an Alley Between 228 North Main Street and 221 North Market Street.

Comments: None.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, Vogt, and Matt Buettner voting ‘aye’.

D. Consideration and Action on Ordinance No. 1888 Amending the City of Waterloo, Illinois Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 1 Administration, Article II: City Officials, Divisions X and XI, Regarding the Positions of Director of Public Works and Deputy Director of Public Works.

Motion made by Alderman Kyle Buettner and seconded by Alderman Charron to approve Ordinance No. 1888 Amending the City of Waterloo, Illinois Revised Code of Ordinances, Chapter 1 Administration, Article II: City Officials, Divisions X and XI, Regarding the Positions of Director of Public Works and Deputy Director of Public Works.

Comments: Alderman Kyle Buettner, Chairman of the Ordinance Committee, mentioned there have been several meetings discussing the revisions to the Code of Ordinances. The last meeting was earlier this evening. Four (4) out of five (5) Committee Members were present, with two members supporting the amendment of the Ordinance and two members opposing it.

The Aldermen voted as follows:

AYE – Kyle Buettner, Matt Buettner, Trantham, and Charron

NAY – Most, Vogt and Hopkins.

ABSTAIN – None.

ABSENT – Row.

Motion Passed by a vote of 4/3/0/1

11. Unfinished Business. None.

12. Miscellaneous Business.

A. Consideration and Action on Procedure and Schedule of Proceedings Relative to the Adoption of the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year of May 01, 2024 Through April 30, 2025.

Motion made by Alderman Most and seconded by Alderman Matt Buettner to accept the Procedure and Schedule of Proceedings Relative to the Adoption of the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year of May 01, 2024 Through April 30, 2025.

Comments: Alderman Charron, Chairman of the Finance Committee, read the actions that will be taken concerning the adoption of the annual budget.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, and Kyle Buettner voting ‘aye’.

B. Consideration and Action on Ad to be Placed in the Tourism Times Spring/Summer Issue in the Amount of $700.00 to be paid out of the Hotel / Motel Tax Fund.

Motion made by Alderman Hopkins and seconded by Alderman Vogt on Approval for an Ad to be Placed in the Tourism Times Spring/Summer Issue in the Amount of $700.00 to be paid out of the Hotel / Motel Tax Fund.

Comments: A favorable recommendation was received to place the ad at the February 12, 2024 Utility Meeting.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, Vogt, and Matt Buettner voting ‘aye’.

C. Consideration and Action on Implementation of Community Non-Profit Program Beginning on February 21, 2024.

Motion made by Alderman Kyle Buettner and seconded by Alderman Charron to approve the Implementation of a Community Non-Profit Program Beginning on February 21, 2024.

Comments: Alderman Kyle Buettner, Member of the Beautification Committee, stated this program was created by providing funding to local nonprofits for projects within the City that would otherwise not be possible. Gaming Fund money would be used for this purpose. There are stipulations and nonprofits would need to apply for the grant.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Kyle Buettner, Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, and Charron voting ‘aye’.

D. Consideration and Action on Approval of Remlok Phase 6 Improvement Plans. Motion made by Alderman Matt Buettner and seconded by Alderman Most on Approval of Remlok Phase 6 Improvement Plans.

Comments: The Zoning Administrator mentioned that with this development, Covington Drive will extend south towards Legacy Drive.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, and Vogt voting ‘aye’.

E. Consideration and Action on Approval of a Special Event Permit Application from the Waterloo Optimist Club and the Ferm Homebrew Club for their Annual Beer-B-Que to be held on May 11, 2024 till 7:00 p.m., with Street Closures of Main Street (Third to Mill – and possibly further north), Third Street (Main north to alley), and Mill Street (Main north to alley) beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2024.

Motion made by Alderman Most and seconded by Alderman Vogt on Approval of a Special Event Permit Application from the Waterloo Optimist Club and the Ferm Homebrew Club for their Annual Beer-B-Que to be held on May 11, 2024 till 7:00 p.m., with Street Closures of Main Street (Third to Mill – and possibly further north), Third Street (Main north to alley), and Mill Street (Main north to alley) beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2024.

Comments: None.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, Hopkins, Trantham, Charron, and Kyle Buettner voting ‘aye’.

F. Consideration and Action on Approval of a Special Event Permit Application from the Happy Hour Sports Bar for an Event to be Held on October 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m. through October 5, 2024 11:00 p.m., with Set-Up Beginning on October 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., including the Street Closure of Main Street in front of 117 N. Main Street.

Motion made by Alderman Charron and seconded by Alderman Hopkins on Approval of a Special Event Permit Application from the Happy Hour Sports Bar for an Event to be Held on October 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m. through October 5, 2024 11:00 p.m., with Set Up Beginning on October 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., including the Street Closure of Main Street in front of 117 N. Main Street.

Comments: None.

The Aldermen voted as follows:

AYE – Charron, Most, Vogt, Hopkins, and Trantham.

NAY – None

ABSTAIN – Kyle Buettner and Matt Buettner,

ABSENT – Row.

Motion Passed by a vote of 5/0/2/1

G. Consideration and Action on Approval of a Special Use Permit Application from Groves Investments to Allow for the Continuation of a Non-Conforming Use at 404 West Third Street.

Motion made by Alderman Trantham and seconded by Alderman Kyle Buettner on Approval of a Special Use Permit Application from Groves Investments to Allow for the Continuation of a Non-Conforming Use at 404 West Third Street.

Comments: The building is classified as a non-conforming use. To continue to use the building as a non-conforming use under a new owner, a special use permit is required. The Planning Commission and Board of Appeals recommended approval of a Special Use Permit.

Motion passed unanimously with Aldermen Trantham, Charron, Kyle Buettner, Most, Vogt, Matt Buettner, and Hopkins voting ‘aye’.

13. Discussion of Matters by Council Members Arising After Agenda Deadline.

Alderman Vogt stated that although he appreciated the transparency and discussions that were held on agenda item 10D, he remained unconvinced that was how things should work and therefore voted against the ordinance revision.

Alderman Most thanked the City employees for their snow removal efforts last Friday. Mayor Darter mention he is pleased with the resolution of the West Mill property.

14. Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Vogt and seconded by Alderman Matt Buettner. Motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Mayor Darter adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

https://www.waterloo.il.us/wp-content/uploads/02-20-24-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf