City of Greenville City Council met April 29

By Michael Abella

Sep 2, 2020

City of Greenville City Council met April 29.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Following the Executive Orders issued by Illinois Governor Pritzker limiting large gatherings and suspending the physical quorum requirement for public bodies, the City of Greenville held the April regular council meeting by remote participation via conference call line and livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page.

A special meeting of the Greenville City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Alan Gaffner.

Present: Mayor Alan Gaffner – Municipal Building Councilman Bill Carpenter, Councilman Mike Heath, Councilman Kyle Littlefield, and Councilwoman Lisa Stephens – Remote Participation

Also Present: City Clerk Sue Ann Nelson – Municipal Building City Manager Dave Willey and City Attorney Schaufelberger – Remote Participation

The pledge of allegiance to the United States flag was recited.

Notice of the special meeting having been given as provided by law, said meeting was called for consideration of the following agenda:

1) Roll Call

2) Pledge of Allegiance

3) Public Comment

4) Governor’s Executive Order – COVID-19 Discussion

5) Public Hearing for Downstate Small Business Stabilization application funded by Community Development Block Grant Funds to provide working capital for the benefit of JWP Inc. operating Super 8 by Wyndham in the amount of $25,000; to provide working capital for the benefit of Purvi Hospitality Inc. operating SureStay Hotel by Best Western in the amount of $25,000; to provide working capital for the benefit of Greenville Eye Glass and Contacts Inc. in the amount of $25,000; to provide working capital for the benefit of New Image Salon in the amount of $9,668; and to provide working capital for the benefit of Jo’s Java in the amount of $10,972.

6) Resolution of Support for Community Development Grant Program Grant in Support of JWP Inc. Operating Super 8 by Wyndham

7) Resolution of Support for Community Development Grant Program Grant in Support of Purvi Hospitality Inc. Operating SureStay Hotel by Best Western

8) Resolution of Support for Community Development Grant Program Grant in Support of Greenville Eye Glass and Contacts Inc.

9) Resolution of Support for Community Development Grant Program Grant in Support of New Image Salon

10) Resolution of Support for Community Development Grant Program Grant in Support of Jo’s Java

11) COVID-19 Assistance Programs Discussion

12) Board of Adjustment Recommendation – Request from Glenwood Equities, LLC for Front Setback Variance, Rear Setback Variance and Parking Lot Location Variance for Dollar General Store

13) Plan Commission Recommendation – Rezone 318 W Winter Avenue from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban

14) Plan Commission Recommendation – Rezone 418 S Fourth Street from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban

15) Plan Commission Recommendation – Rezone 321 W Spring Avenue from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban

16) Plan Commission Recommendation – Add Museum, Exhibition or Similar Facility as a Conditional Use in Neighborhood Urban Zone

17) Plan Commission Recommendation – Request from Bond County Historical Society for Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Museum in a Residential Structure at 409 S Fourth

18) Plan Commission Recommendation – Add Single-Family Detached Dwellings as a Conditional Use in Industrial Light Zone

19) Plan Commission Recommendation – Request from Mark Belcher for Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Single-Family Dwelling in a Residential Structure at 516 W Franklin Avenue

20) Approval of Unpaid Bills

21) Fiscal Year 2021 Budget

22) Executive Session: Purchase of Real Estate, Section 2 (c)(5); Sale of Real Estate, Section 2 (c)(6); of the Open Meetings Act

With no comments being expressed, public input was closed.

Mayor Gaffner thanked the community for observing social distancing and offered a silent prayer.

Mayor Gaffner and City Manager Willey addressed the Executive Order that will be effective May 1st that will extend the stay at home order with some modifications. Some additional businesses will be able to open with social distancing parameters in place and mask or face coverings will be required in public indoor spaces or where adequate social distancing cannot occur. Donated masks are being given out through Watson’s Drug Store drive-through window. If there are not enough donated masks the city will purchase masks.

Public Hearing was opened at 7:20 p.m. by Mayor Gaffner and City Manager Willey.

The City of Greenville held a public hearing on April 29, 2020 at the Greenville Municipal Building on the proposed Downstate Small Business Stabilization application funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Due to COVID-19, it was conducted as a virtual hearing.

The public was informed that anyone desiring to express their views during the public hearing may do so either on the conference line by stating their name before making comment or by sending a comment on the City’s Facebook page where the meeting is being livestreamed.

On or about April 30, 2020, the City of Greenville intends to apply to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant from the State CDBG program. This program is funded by Title 1 of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant assists businesses through grants to successful applicants for 60 days of verifiable working capital up to a maximum of $25,000. The grant program requires application be made through the local government, then distributed to the requesting business that has been adversely affected by COVID-19. This public hearing specifically addressed the working capital needs for five businesses seeking grant funds.

A. JWP Inc. operating Super 8 by Wyndham

1. The amount of the request is $25,000 for working capital.

2. This grant funding would assist in paying employees, occupancy, utilities and other on-going monthly expense. Approximately 36.5%, or $9,140 would be for payroll and 63.5% or $15,860 for occupancy, utilities, insurance, etc.

3. The City of Greenville is dedicated to assist businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to remain open for the long-term in the community. City staff continues to work closely with businesses to identify potential programs and financial assistance offered by state and federal sources. The Mayor and City Council have approved utility relief assistance and motel tax reimbursement for the hospitality sector. The City will continue to monitor local businesses for additional assistance needed as a result of COVID-19.

4. The scope of the project is the future viability of Super 8. The coronavirus and stay at home order issued has had a significant negative impact on Super 8 in Greenville, causing occupancy rates to drop drastically. Request for funds is for working capital to pay employee and business expenses to keep the motel operating. The sustainability of the business is important to continue to employ local residents, bring travelers and guest to town for other economic opportunities and generate tax by overnight stays. The business has been granted Paycheck Protection Program funds of $25,000. The requested DCEO grant funds are needed in addition to these funds and will not be used to cover the same expenses or during the same timeframe.

Mayor Gaffner announced that all persons participating in the hearing would now be given an opportunity to express their views for the proposed plan by the City of Greenville to submit an application for CDBG funds on behalf of Super 8 of Greenville. No comments were made.

B. Purvi Hospitality operating SureStay Hotel by Best Western Hotel

1. The amount of the request is $25,000 for working capital.

2. This grant funding would assist in paying employees, occupancy, utilities and other on-going monthly expense. Approximately 20%, or $5,060 would be for payroll and 80% or $19,940 for occupancy, utilities, insurance, etc.

4. The scope of the project is the future viability of the SureStay by Best Western Hotel. The coronavirus and stay at home order issued has had a significant negative impact on SureStay by Best Western Hotel, causing occupancy rates to drop drastically. Request for funds is for working capital to pay employee and business expenses to keep the motel operating. The sustainability of the business is important to continue to employ local residents, bring travelers and guest to town for other economic opportunities and generate tax by overnight stays. The business has been granted Paycheck Protection Program funds of $21,515. The requested DCEO grant funds are needed in addition to these funds and will not be used to cover the same expenses or during the same timeframe.

C. Greenville Eye Glass and ContactsInc.

1. The amount of the request is $25,000 for working capital

2. This grant funding would assist in paying employees, occupancy, utilities and other on-going monthly expense. Approximately 77%, or $19,433 would be for payroll and 20% or $5,567 for occupancy, utilities, insurance, etc.

3. The City of Greenville is dedicated to assist businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to remain open for the long-term in the community. City staff continues to work closely with businesses to identify potential programs and financial assistance offered by state and federal sources. The Mayor and City Council has approved utility relief assistance for businesses. The City will continue to monitor local businesses for additional assistance needed as a result of COVID-19.

4. The scope of the project is the future viability of the Greenville Eye Glass and Contacts Inc. The coronavirus and stay at home Executive Order issued by Illinois Governor Pritzker designates optometrist businesses as non-essential, which has forced the business to close. Obviously, this has had a severe impact on the cash flow of their business. Request for funds is for working capital to pay employee and business expenses to keep the optical goods and optometrist operating. The sustainability of the business is important to continue to employ local residents, provide an important service to residents, and is an important part of the downtown space. The business has been granted Paycheck Protection Program funds of $24,000. The requested DCEO grant funds are needed in addition to these funds and will not be used to cover the same expenses or during the same timeframe.

D. New Image Salon

1. The amount of the request is $9,668 for working capital

2. This grant funding would assist in paying employees, occupancy, utilities and other on-going monthly expense. Approximately 60%, or $5,894 would be for payroll and 40% or $3,774 for occupancy, utilities, insurance, etc.

3. The City of Greenville is dedicated to assist businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to remain open for the long-term in the community. City staff continues to work closely with businesses to identify potential programs and financial assistance offered by state and federal sources. The Mayor and City Council has approved utility relief assistance for businesses. The City will continue to monitor local businesses for additional assistance needed as a result of COVID-19.

4. The scope of the project is the future viability of the New Image Salon. The coronavirus and stay at home Executive Order issued by Illinois Governor Pritzker designates hair salons as non-essential, which has forced the business to close. Obviously, this has had a severe impact on the cash flow of their business. Request for funds is for working capital to pay employee and business expenses to keep the salon operating in the future. The sustainability of the business is important to continue to employ local residents, provide an important service to residents, and is an important part of the downtown space. The business has been granted Paycheck Protection Program funds of $6,480. The requested DCEO grant funds are needed in addition to these funds and will not be used to cover the same expenses or during the same timeframe.

E. Jo’s Java

1. The amount of the request is $10,972 for working capital

2. This grant funding would assist in paying employees, occupancy, utilities and other on-going monthly expense. Approximately 25%, or $2,748 would be for payroll and 75% or $8,224 for occupancy, utilities, insurance, etc.

3. The City of Greenville is dedicated to assist businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to remain open for the long-term in the community. City staff continues to work closely with businesses to identify potential programs and financial assistance offered by state and federal sources. The Mayor and City Council has approved utility relief assistance for businesses. The City will continue to monitor local businesses for additional assistance needed as a result of COVID-19.

4. The scope of the project is the future viability of the Jo’s Java. The coronavirus and stay at home order have had a significant negative impact on Jo’s Java. With Greenville University having to send students and employees home for remote learning and working, the major source of their customer base is gone. This has had a severe impact on the cash flow of their business. Request for funds is for working capital to pay employee and business expenses to keep the coffee shop operating in the future. The sustainability of the business is important to continue to employ local residents, provide an important service to students, staff, and residents, and it is an important part of the University campus. The business has been granted Paycheck Protection Program funds of $3,613. The requested DCEO grant funds are needed in addition to these funds and will not be used to cover the same expenses or during the same timeframe.

Mayor Gaffner commented that the City Council fully supports application of CDBG grants for these businesses and encouraged other business to contact the City about making application.

With no further comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m.

Resolution 2020-5 Resolution of Support for Community Development in Support of Super 8:

Following review of business application information and a public hearing, motion by Stephens, seconded by Carpenter, to approve Resolution of Support to make application with DCEO for Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant in support of JWP Inc. operating Super 8 by Wyndham for $25,000.

Ayes: Stephens, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None Motion carried

Resolution 2020-6 Resolution of Support for Community Development in Support of SureStay Hotel:

Following review of business application information and a public hearing, motion by Gaffner, seconded by Heath, to approve Resolution of Support to make application with DCEO for Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant in support of Purvi Hospitality Inc. operating SureStay Hotel by Best Western for $25,000.

Ayes: Gaffner, Heath, Carpenter, Littlefield, Stephens

Nays: None

Motion carried

Resolution 2020-7 Resolution of Support for Community Development in Support of Greenville Eye Glass and Contracts:

Following review of business application information and a public hearing, motion by Stephens, seconded by Littlefield, to approve Resolution of Support to make application with DCEO for Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant in support of Greenville Eye Glass and Contacts for $25,000.

Ayes: Stephens, Littlefield, Carpenter, Heath, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Resolution 2020-8 Resolution of Support for Community Development in Support of New Image Salon:

Following review of business application information and a public hearing, motion by Gaffner, seconded by Stephens, to approve Resolution of Support to make application with DCEO for Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant in support of New Image Salon for $9,668.

Ayes: Gaffner, Stephens, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield

Nays: None

Motion carried

Resolution 2020-9 Resolution of Support for Community Development in Support of Jo’s Java:

Ayes: Stephens, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

COVID-19 Assistance Programs Discussion:

Following City Council action at the April regular council meeting to provide individual and business utility relief, City Manager Willey and City Clerk/Finance Director Nelson outlined implementation of the program. Utility Relief forms will be included with the April utility bills, Individuals or businesses will need to fill out the form and any necessary documentation and return to the municipal building. Applicable credits will be applied to the account once verified.

Ordinance 3217 - Front and Rear Setback Parking Lot Location Variance at 305 S Third Street:

Unanimous recommendation from the Board of Adjustment to grant request for front setback variance, rear setback variance and parking lot location variance for Dollar General Store at 305 S Third Street. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Carpenter, to grant variance to allow front setback more than 20 feet, rear setback less than 30 feet, and variance for the location of the parking lot at 305 S Third Street.

Ayes: Stephens, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3218 - Rezone 318 W Winter from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban:

Request from Bond County Historical Society to rezone property at 318 W Winter from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Motion by Heath, seconded by Stephens, to rezone 318 W Winter Neighborhood Urban.

Ayes: Heath, Stephens, Carpenter, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3219 - Rezone 418 S Fourth from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban:

Request from Ed and Renea Barnes to rezone property at 418 S Fourth from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Gaffner, to rezone 418 S Fourth Neighborhood Urban.

Ayes: Stephens, Gaffner, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3220 - Rezone 321 W Spring from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban:

Request from Donna Stockstill to rezone property at 321 W Spring from Commercial Neighborhood to Neighborhood Urban. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Littlefield, to rezone 321 W Spring Neighborhood Urban.

Ayes: Stephens, Littlefield, Carpenter, Heath, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3221 – Add Museum, Exhibition or Similar Facility as Conditional Use in Neighborhood Urban Zone:

Urban zone. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Carpenter, to add Museum, Exhibition or Similar Facility as Conditional Use in Neighborhood Urban zone.

Ayes: Stephens, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3222 – Grant Conditional Use Permit to Bond County Historical Society:

Unanimous recommendation from Planning Commission to grant Bond County Historical Society a Conditional Use Permit to operate a museum in Neighborhood Urban zone. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Heath, to grant Bond County Historical Society for Conditional Use Permit to operate a museum in Neighborhood Urban zone at 409 S Fourth Street.

Ayes: Stephens, Heath, Carpenter, Littlefield, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3223 – Add Single-Family Dwellings as Conditional Use in Industrial Light Zone:

Request from Mark Belcher to add Single-Family Dwelling as Conditional Use in Industrial Light zone. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Motion by Stephens, seconded by Littlefield, to add Single-Family Dwelling as Conditional Use in Industrial Light zone.

Ayes: Stephens, Littlefield, Carpenter, Heath, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Ordinance 3224 – Grant Conditional Use Permit to Mark Belcher:

Unanimous recommendation from Planning Commission to grant Mark Belcher a Conditional Use Permit to operate a single-family dwelling in Industrial Light zone. Motion by Gaffner, seconded by Carpenter, to grant Mark Belcher a Conditional Use Permit to operate a single-family dwelling in Industrial Light zone at 516 W Franklin.

Ayes: Gaffner, Carpenter, Heath, Littlefield, Stephens

Nays: None

Motion carried

Approval of Unpaid Bills:

Motion by Stephens, seconded by Littlefield, to approve unpaid bills totaling $418,707.06 as presented.

Ayes: Stephens, Littlefield, Carpenter, Heath, Gaffner

Nays: None

Motion carried

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget:

City Manager Willey and City Clerk/Finance Director Nelson provided an overview of the fiscal year 2021 budget by fund, addressing the changes that had been made due to the projected economic impact of COVID-19, outlined expenditures that had been eliminated or reduced and what capital expenditures remained. Mayor Gaffner stated he wanted to review the budget at this meeting and allow time for additional input to be received before bringing back at the May 12th regular council meeting.

Adjourn:

At 9:17 p.m., moved by Stephens, seconded by Littlefield, to adjourn the special council meeting.

Ayes: Stephens, Littlefield, Carpenter, Heath, Gaffner.

Nays: None

Motion carried

https://www.greenvilleillinois.com/vertical/sites/%7B382DB13D-0E42-49D4-A2B1-62539157C275%7D/uploads/sp_Apr_29_2020.pdf

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