Public Health & Housing Committee

APPROVED PUBLIC HEALTH & HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday December 4th,, 2013 Members: Alderman Gabby Rujawitz – Chairman Alderman Ken Kinsella Alderman Jim Musgrove Alderman Joe Hayden (Excused) Alderman Bob White (Excused) Tricia Tialdo Mayor Eckert Staff: Robert Sabo Guest: Treasurer Dean Hardt Ed Weston Bob Dintelmann Michael Hagberg Chairman Rujawitz called the meeting to order at 6:00P.M. On roll call all members were present with the exception of Alderman Hayden and Alderman White, who were excused. Alderman Kinsella made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 2nd, 2013 meeting second by Alderman Musgrove. All members present voted AYE. Motion carried. On public participation Michael Hagberg commented that he would like to see the members of the committee listed on the agenda. Mayor Eckert complimented the Housing department staff for their work on the institution of the Crime Free Housing Program. On new business Director Bob Sabo requested permission to scrap two housing vehicles, Car # 15 2003 Ford Crown Vic and Car # 17 2001 Ford Crown Vic due to mechanical disrepair. A motion was made by Alderman Kinsella and second by Tricia Tialdo to scrap these vehicles. All member present voted AYE. Motion carried. Mayor Eckert related that he was contacted by Pastor Ed Weston from the Union United Methodist Church requesting to waive the building permit fees for their building renovation. A follow up letter was received on this request. Pastor Weston spoke of the history of the Union United Methodist Church and its relationship with the City of Belleville. He spoke of the previous renovations in 2002, $1.1 million to connect the main building to the Christian Center and 2010-11, spending $1.3 million in renovating the sanctuary. The current renovation project on remodeling the 2nd and 4th levels is estimated to cost $1 million. Pastor Weston respectfully request that the building fees, estimated to be between $5500-6000 be waived. Mayor Eckert commented that the Union United Methodist Church has been here since 1819. They have been a good downtown partner and have not asked for anything in the past. The Mayor stated that we do have to be careful in setting such a precedent but the Church as long served the poor on a daily basis and has helped the City. He added that there is no cash pay out, just a request to waive the fees, and he can personally understand the justification. Bob Dintelmann related that the Church has spent over 7 million dollars at their present location and serves the Belleville community in different aspects. Alderman Kinsella asked if this renovation is connected to the previous fire damage. Pastor Weston advised that it is not directly connected to the fire but an overall renovation of the Church itself. A motion was made by Alderman Musgrove to waive the building fee for the Union United Methodist Church renovation project second by Tricia Tialdo. Chairman Rujawitz called for a roll call vote: Alderman Kinsella No Alderman Musgrove AYE Tricia Tialdo AYE Alderman Rujawitz AYE Mayor Eckert AYE Motion carried. Alderman Kinsella commented that he was sorry but he has a problem just because they are a religion and not that they don’t deserve it. He added that he is not going to fight it but he is not going to vote for it. With no other business Tricia Tialdo made a motion to adjourn second by Alderman Kinsella.