Village of New Baden Board of Trustees met Sept. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Regular Meeting of the New Baden Village Board was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2023. The meeting was held at New Baden Village Hall, 1 E Hanover St, with a physical quorum of the New Baden Village Board present. In the absence of Mayor Zurliene, the meeting was called to order by Clerk Crane at 7:00 pm.
Present and answering to roll call: Trustees Bob Oster, Chris Locke, Rebecca Schomaker, Christine Jackson, and Larry Thoeming. Absent: Mayor Taylor Zurliene; and Trustee Cindi Meredith-Wheelan. Staff Members Present: Village Clerk Teri Crane; Village Administrator Galen Mahle; Attorney Luke Behme of Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.; Public Works Commissioner Tim Deien; Chief Building and Zoning Official Mark Thaler; Chief of Police Chuck Mackin; and Treasurer Casey Weekley. Staff Members Absent: Ambulance Director Allen Gilbert.
Temporary Chair in Mayor’s Absence
In the absence of Mayor Zurliene, it was motioned by Trustee Locke and seconded by Trustee Jackson, to select Trustee Bob Oster to act as temporary chair of this meeting.
Ayes: Oster, Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.
Nays: None.
Absent: Meredith-Wheelan.
A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.
Plan Commission: Recommendation
The Plan Commission Recommendation was presented to the Village Board from the September 12, 2023, Public Hearing. This hearing was for Applicant Dennis R. Haas for a Zoning Map Amendment at 11401 State Route 161 (Parcel ID: 10-14.0-200-014) to change from Agricultural “A” District to Highway Business “HB” District. The Plan Commission recommendation is to approve the zoning district change. Mr. Haas was present to review his plans for the property, which include portable building sales, sales and rental of shipping containers, and storage pod sales and rentals; which are all permitted uses in an HB District. Mr. Haas stated he does have contingencies in place in regard to the closing date of the property. The consensus of the Board agreed with the change in zoning of this property. Village Administrator Mahle will be meeting with Mr. Haas and the Ordinance approving this change in zoning will be prepared by the Village Attorney
Treasurer’s Report
Board members reviewed the August 2023 Treasurer’s Reports prepared by Treasurer Weekley
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes the of payment of current invoices and minutes from the September 5, 2023, regular meeting.
Ayes: Oster, Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.
Nays: None.
Absent: Meredith-Wheelan.
A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.
Discussion: Increasing Number of Class “A” Tavern Licenses
At the August 7 Board Meeting, an Ordinance was approved decreasing the number of Class “A” Tavern License. This stemmed from the May 2023 closure of the “Wooden Mouth” operated by Hanover Fist Gaming LLC. Attorney Behme explained that with the doors being closed for more than 90-days, it was required for the Village to decrease the number of licenses available. Brant Kehrer, owner of Hanover Fist Gaming LLC, and Treena Kehrer were present to discuss a new business venture at the “Wooden Mouth” with the Village Board. Their plan is to operate a “Christmas Pop-Up Bar”, which is a concept gaining popularity in the area. They would offer a holiday themed atmosphere with holiday inspired beverages/ cocktails. It would not be open daily, but on a “pop-up”
Discussion: Increasing Number of Class “A” Tavern Licenses, cont.
basis throughout the holiday season, with “reservation only” availability. The current plans do not include operating a full kitchen, but to have appetizers on the menu. In order to operate, their Class “A” Tavern license would need to be reinstated. The consensus of the Board was in favor of the Ordinance increasing the number of Tavern licenses to be considered at the October 2 Board Meeting. Brant Kehrer inquired on the potential of waiving the fee for the license for the remainder of the year; this will also be considered at the October 2 meeting. Also discussed, that if this is a successful venture and it would continue into 2024, and what type of liquor license would be required. Attorney Behme’s recommendation is for the Village Board to consider a new license classification that better suits this situation. This will be further discussed at a later date.
OSLAD Grant Update: Inclusive Playground at Village Park
Village Administrator Mahle reported that the Illinois OSLAD Grant for the Inclusive Playground at the Village Park was successfully submitted on September 15. He reported that the earliest known award date was mid-December 2023. The total amount of the grant application was for $445,000.
There being no further business to be brought before the Village Board, a motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to adjourn the meeting
Ayes: Oster, Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.
Nays: None.
Absent: Meredith-Wheelan.
A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried; the meeting adjourned at 7:39 pm.
https://newbadenil.com/agendas-minutes/