South Central Reporter

City of Greenville City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, August 12, 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: 

Staff Present: City Clerk Faye Hessenauer, City Manager JoAnn Hollenkamp, Finance Director Michelle Liggett, and City Attorney Patrick Schaufelberger

Public Present: Robyn & Ron Hargan, Vickie Gray, Barb Schaufelberger, Larry Phillips, Doug Schaufelberger, Jeff Rehkemper, Maria & Joel Bemis, Judy Brooke, Deb Geiler, John Turley, Craig Boyd, Tara & Theo D'Arcy, Shawn Cox, Ward Sussenbach, Tyson Graber, Chuck Bersin, Mark Hamel, Boyd Schaufelberger, Rebecca Sponsler, Karen & Max Willmann, Patrice White, Noel Harnetiaux, Jen Baird, Cheryl Marchello, Barb Schipkowski, Peggy Maupin, Anne & Thaddius Intravaia, Abby White, Allyssa White, Michael Westcott, Chris Timmermann, Clayton Hildebrand, Jo Vonder Haar, Kathy Johnson, Kelly & Trish Cranmer, Troy & Terri Oldham, Zach Werner, Reverend Dr. Jeffery Nehrt, Matthew Vonhoes, Michael Coling, Anna & Tim Lindley, Tom Schaefer, Trevor Suess, Carol Robertson, and Carolyn Voss.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

3. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE Jeff Rehkemper - Believes in the Bill of Rights. Was under the impression that the City had already approved the Pride Fest prior to the County Board reviewing. Found out later that this was not the case. Does not want children exposed to this event. Wants council to reject the grant. Quoted city ordinance pertaining to obscenity.

Jen Beard - She is the founder of Bond County Pride, stated she did not approach the county with ill intent and that Jes Adam gave permission for the event on behalf of the city. The Drag Show will not be lewd or sexual nor will any vendor products. Signed contracts were required by all participants that nothing inappropriate will be tolerated. If in breach of contract, participant will be removed and payment will be withheld. Carolyn Voss - Shops and trades in Greenville but is not from here. She voiced her concern regarding the Pride Fest costumes and story hour being read to children by drag queens. Too much exposure for children. Has also heard rumors that books previously removed from schools for their content would be given to children at the event. Believes money is being wasted and why should there be special parades, awards, etc. and inquired when there would be a straight persons parade. She feels we need to protect the children and they do not need to see perversion. Councilman Littlefield gave response in correcting some facts. He confirmed there would be no books given out. Funds being given to the event are funds strictly from tourism tax not taxpayers and only $400 is being considered for advertising only and will not cover any other expenses.

Craig Boyd - Not a member of any group. Posed question regarding paying taxes and reiterated that taxpayer dollars are not funding the Pride event. Funding is from Hotel tax. People are missing the full picture if they are making the pride event about harming children. Might be offensive to some people, but there is a big difference between offensive and harm. No one is forcing children to see the event and is easily avoidable. If not wanting children exposed, don't take them. As he sees it no events have been planned that are deemed harmful.

Abby White - Member of the Pride committee. She has children that are queer and are harmed more by other children and their parents at school. She recited a poem regarding children and love and wants every young person to know that this is their story also and to be free in who they are. Pride event is not intended to harm children. Pride is about love and expression. Invited people to view their Facebook page.

Carol Robertson - Would prefer the Pride Fest event be held inside a building rather than out in the open. Children are attracted to anything sparkly, shiny, and happy. People do not have to agree to love.

Chris Timmerman - Believes that the Pride event may not harm children physically, but is mentally and morally harmful.

Tyson Graber - Pastor of First Christian Church. Wanted to share that God loves everyone, but each person still needs to repent for their sins. Asked members of the council to repent and turn away from acceptance of the Pride event. He believes that people do have the right to gather and speak freely but the City of Greenville does have an ordinance restricting lewd acts. He also believes that children should not be exposed to sexual content and doesn't believe that a Drag show is constituted as family friendly. He quoted a post from the Pride Fest Facebook page regarding the Drag Show; "It will have gag and people will be talking about it for years to come". Not a blessing to Greenville to promote the Pride Event. Councilman Estevez asked of Graber if he had the same feeling about protecting immigrant children. Discussion ensued and lead to a tense exchange between Councilman Estevez and members of the audience which led to a 10 minute recess.

Alyssa White - Participates in the Farmers Market events. She considers herself a Queer kid and loves Greenville. She feels that she is very seen here and that the Pride group here has helped her tremendously.

Michael Westcott - Wanted to clarify the words used in the Facebook post for the Drag Show that previously mentioned by Pastor Graber. The term "Gag" means jaw drop, amazed, stunned, and utterly impressed. He referred to a church sign that was recently taken out of context and stated that anything can be taken in a negative manner. Also mentioned that tipping at Drag Show would be no different than tipping a waiter/waitress or anyone providing a service. He takes full responsibility for the Facebook page and apologized for it being taken the wrong way.

Troy Oldham - Lifetime resident of Greenville. The word of God is the only thing that never changes. He believes the whole world is in a world of decline and encourages people to read Romans 1 of the bible.

3.1. Update by Zach Werner of Birdies and Barrels.

Zach is waiting on the stamped engineer drawings before submitting to the city for review and permit. He cannot get the stamped drawings until the mechanical, electric, and plumbing (MEP) are received. The engineer is Brian Nickas.

Jo - Zach must have permit prior to starting the patio.

Lisa stated - the development agreement is 2 years behind and that if the restaurant/bar is not open by the end of December there would be legal consequences.

Ivan asked Zach when Zach would have the MEP/s and Zach was supposed to get them last week. Zach stated he would follow up on a daily basis to keep pressure on the engineer.

Pat asked if Zach would schedule a meeting between himself, city manager, Zach, and the engineer. Zach said he would set up.

4. COUNCIL OR MAYOR COMMENTS 

Estevez asked City Manager Hollenkamp if she would have a link added to the City of Greenville's Facebook page for the Greenville University event; Fresh Kicks.

Stevens requested that a CTI representative be added to next months council agenda.

5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

City Manager Hollenkamp made brief comment that the plaza is coming along and proceeded with a small video presentation.

5.1. Presentation of Plaza on Second of drone video and pictures update.

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 was held on April 26th.

The low bidder was Keller Construction @ $449,636.70. A pre-construction meetingwas held and construction has started.

∙ 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 30-60 days. It was discovered that due to the filter specs the project needs a 20" backwash water line in lieu of a 16" line which was in the contract. Change order #22 will follow, but the material for the line has been rush ordered and should be delivered in approximately six (6) weeks.

∙ 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 all 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.

∙ 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 complete and the bid opening was held. The Electrical with Ameren is finalized. The plans were reviewed by the IDPH for review, with a couple of comments received that were addressed. The bid opening was held on August 6th with Stutz Excavating being the low bidder with a bid of $648,857.00.

∙ 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 with PE 1 and PE 2 funds requested. The disbursements are in progress.

∙ 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 held the bid opening on August 6th with Slatton Outdoor Services being the apparent low bidder.

∙ 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.

∙ 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 

∙ Water main construction is anticipated to be completed early next week

∙ Ameren will be back on site soon to lower a portion of gas main that was installed too shallow

∙ Keller is on hold with roadway work until the existing water main is fully abandoned and all services have been transferred to the new main

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) FY '25 Annual Treasurer's Report

B) Police Department

C) Public Works Department

D) Sewer Department

E) Water Department

F) Building Permits

G) Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

H) Fleet Report

7.5. Other Items:

A) Ratification of term extension for Band Board Chairman Shawn Cox for an additional 5 years. Term will now expire 8/31/2030.

B) Ratification of appointing Megan McPeak to the Band Board as a replacement for Marilyn Richards who is retiring. Megan's term would be 8/31/2025 to 8/31/2030 (5 year term).

C) Ratification of Tourism Recommendation of a Tourism Grant for the Fit for Life request in the amount of $750.00. This event has already taken place however, there was a strong outpouring from the community and beyond.

The city logo was used on all promotional materials and the committee thought this was worthy of a tourism grant.

D) Ratification of Tourism Recommendation of a Tourism Grant for the Airstravaganza in the amount of $750. This item came before council at the July 8th council meeting and was approved however, the airport requested an additional $500 for fuel which the committee did not recommend.

E) Ratification for emergency spend for a new water main on Dewey Street in the area of the road improvement in the amount of $109,540.00 payable to RGM Plumbing Systems. The existing main was cast iron and in the way of the storm sewer which could not be moved.

F) Ratification of pay request #5 for the plaza project in the amount of $321,826.50 payable to Johannes Construction, Inc.

G) Ratification of emergency spend for a 20" backwash water line versus a 16" backwash water line which is required to meet the filter specs. Change Order #22 payable to Grunloh Builders not to exceed $200K to follow.

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 Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve 

Consent Items 7.1 - 7.5. 

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

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION 

8.1. Consideration of Tourism Recommendation of a Tourism Grant for the PrideFest event in the amount of $400.00. The initial request was for $600 however, the Tourism Committee did not recommend $600 but rather $400.

∙ Attorney Schaufelberger noted that the County board gave the approval for the courthouse lawn. The City is only approving the tourism grant request and Chief Waugh has the authority to close or not to close city streets. City Code Enforcement official would be responsible in enforcing any ordinance. Mr. Timmerman requested an ordinance on obsenity leading to Schaugelberger inquiring of the Pride founder, Jen Baird, if ordinance could be attached to agreement/contract that the Pride event is using for their vendors/performers.

∙ Jen Baird responded to Shaufelbergers request regarding the ordinance. She would like to see the same respect given to them as given to Farmers Market, etc. Doesn't seem fair to her that they be required to have an extra agreement that is not required by others and would like the council to make that decision.

∙ Stevens believes that everyone should be held to the same requirements if we require the PrideFest to sign an extra agreement. Stevens commented that we need to tread lightly and there should be no discrimination. Have not required other events/vendors to abide by the ordinance regarding lewdness. Due to earlier comments by members of the audience Stevens feels she is being judged by voting on this subject and the the only unforgiveable sin is denying God. Pride fest should be allowed.

∙ Littlefield noted that everyone is already subject to all ordinances. Should not require anything extra as it would not have any additional affect and should enforce like any other code/ordinance violation.

∙ Knox gave a reminder that the only thing the council is being asked to do is to approve the $400 tourism grant for advertising. The city wants the money here, that is what tourism is about. As public officials the council needs to be equal and fair in process.

∙ Estevez added that the job of the council is to follow the laws in place. The tourism committees purpose is to recommend the grants and the request was approved by the committee. Estevez made apology for his earlier behavior.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to approve the Tourism Committee's recommendation of a Tourism Grant for the PrideFest event in the amount of $400. 

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

Barber voted no but hopes that the Pride fest committee feels welcome and safe.

8.2. Consideration of ongoing Investor Pledge to Bond County CEO program in the amount of $1000 per year.

∙ Estevez feels this is very important to approve and very needed.

∙ Knox agrees and that the CEO program is great for the students and amazing how much it changes them for the better.

∙ Barber agrees that this is a great program and teaches good business habits.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve the city of Greenville to become an ongoing Bond County CEO program Investor in the amount of $1000 per year. 

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

8.3. Consideration of Plaza Policies and Application for Use.

∙ Littlefield made motion to accept policies and procedures at presented. Littlefield also noted that policies will be reviewed on a normal basis.

∙ Barber posed question to Hollenkamp regarding restricted activities and how enforcement would be handled.

∙ Knox was in agreement with Littlefield and feels that all council reviewed in detail. Knox added that the 90 day notice requirement allows for time to prepare for any required enforcement of an event.

∙ Estevez inquired if there would be an advertised schedule of events. Jes Adam is currently working on a website specific to the plaza and any events can be added to the plaza entrance marquee.

∙ Hollenkamp noted that every event has to be open to the public.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Ivan Estevez, Motion to approve the Plaza on Second Policies and Procedures as presented. 

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

8.4. Consideration of Ordinance #3368 Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax.

∙ Stephens not in favor of implementing the grocery tax. Believes food is a necessity so therefore should not be taxed.

∙ Littlefield noted that the city may need to make up for the loss in revenue without the grocery tax and would have to increase tax levies.

∙ Barber and Knox both stated they had not received any additional feedback from citizens regarding the grocery tax. Littlefield received feed back from 2 citizens, 1 for and 1 against.

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve Ordinance #3368 Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax. 

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

8.5. Consideration of Ordinance #3370 amending code section 153.0157 which restricts any permanent structures (fences, walls, etc.) from being built in utility easements.

∙ Hollenkamp stressed the importance of the wording "Utility Easement", does not refer to other easements. If no water or sewer line in easement, the ordinance would not apply.

∙ Stephens posed question "could the wording of the ordinance be made specific to city utilities".

Motion by Lisa Stephens, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to approve Ordinance #3370 amending code section 153.0157 restricting fences or any other permanent structure from being built in any city utility easements. 

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

8.6. Consideration of Ordinance #3371 which eliminates 150.25 (A), (B), (C), and (D) concerning contractors obtaining a license from the City.

Hollenkamp noted that to her knowledge the City of Greenville has never issued contractors licenses nor do we have any forms that would indicate such. Need to eliminate problematic license.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Blake Knox, Motion to approve Ordinance #3371 which eliminates 150.25 (A), (B), (C), and (D) concerning contractors obtaining a license from the City. 

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

8.7. Consideration to award the Box Culvert on Main Street project to Slatton Outdoor Services (SOS) in the amount of $141,650 for a concrete box culvert.

Slatton Outdoor Services was the lowest bidder.

Motion by Ivan Estevez, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to award the Box Culvert on Main Street project to Slatton Outdoor Services (SOS) in the amount of $141,650 for a concrete box culvert. 

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

8.8. Consideration to award the contract for the Buzzard Bay project to Stutz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $648,857 and to proceed with reductions in scope.

Hollenkamp stated we will need to eliminate $100k from this amount. Littlefield inquired if the changes would come back before the council. The answer was "yes".

Motion by Blake Knox, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to award the contract for the Buzzard Bay project to Stutz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $648,857 and to proceed with reductions in scope. 

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

8.9. Move into executive session for Sale of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(6) and Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11).

Moved into executive session at 9:14pm.

Motion by Kyle Littlefield, seconded by Lisa Stephens, Motion to move into executive session for Sale of Real Estate 5ILCS 2(c)(6) and Pending Litigation 5ILCS 2(c)(11). 

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

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9.2. Pending Litigation

9.3. Adjourn from Executive Session; there will be no action after.

Motion by George Barber, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to adjourn. 

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

10. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by George Barber, seconded by Kyle Littlefield, Motion to adjourn the City Council meeting at 9:47 p.m.

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

 https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/86266/