Public Health & Housing Committee

City of Belleville Public Health and Housing Committee City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 4, 2020 In Attendance: Members: Alderwoman Joe Hazel (Chairman), Ward 1 Present Alderman Carmen Duco, Ward 2 Present Alderman Scott Ferguson, Ward 3 Absent Alderman Raffi Ovian, Ward 4 Present Alderman Roger Barfield, Ward 8 Present Citizen Member Tricia Tialdo Present Staff: Mayor Mark W. Eckert Annissa McCaskill, Director of Residential and Commercial Development Services Jeff Heidorn, Building Commissioner Matt Eiskant, Assistant Chief of Police Guests: Alderman Kent Randle Treasurer Dean Hart Karl Gilpin, Tygracon Properties I. Call to Order Chairman Hazel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. II. Roll Call of Members/Staff Roll Call of members was taken. Attendance was noted as provided above. III. Approval of the Minutes The minutes from the January 2020 were approved. IV. Emergency Procedures Alderman Hazel provided the emergency procedures, if necessary, for those present. V. Public Participation None VI. Old Business 1. Demolition List Update Director Annissa McCaskill provided an update from the previous meeting’s discussion. The demolition list is divided between TIF and non-TIF eligible properties. At the March 2, 2020 City Council meeting  the Council approved demolition of two properties (TIF). Prior to demolition, the Fire Department and partner area departments were scheduled to utilize the structures on site for disaster training, with demolition to be completed at the end of the month. Total cost for demolition for both properties is $19,050. Minimal asbestos was found on site, with made the costs lower than anticipated. Pictures were shown of the properties, 611 West E Street and 4830 Walter Street. There was discussion regarding the process of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity demolition grant. Ms. McCaskill explained that items that are in TIF districts can be placed onto the demolition grant “pot,” which frees additional funding for more demolitions. Additionally, any costs leading to the demolitions, i.e., the asbestos reports, etc., are also eligible for reimbursement. There were discussions regarding the legal process, prioritization of demolitions and possible timelines for completion. VII. New Business 1. Discussion of recommendation to the City of Belleville Ordinance and Legal Committee regarding repeal of Chapter 158 Sections 151.28(A), 151.28 (E) and 151.28 (I) of the City of Belleville Municipal Code relative to Specific Requirements for Commercial Buildings. Mayor Eckert addressed the committee regarding language that was being forwarded to Ordinance and Legal Committee to remove additional restrictive language beyond the requirements of the International Electrical Code. It was explained that during discussions regarding the Meredith Home (Lofts on the Square Development), that there were additional criteria which were more restrictive written into the City of Belleville Code. It was noted that these criteria were not present in neighboring communities. An overview of the discussion at the Electrical Commission was provided. The Mayor expressed that he was urging the Ordinance and Legal Commission to make the amendments as proposed. He further stated that he will be working with staff and volunteers into the structure of the Electrical Commission and its processes. He advised that he would like to level the playing field so that our Codes do not restrict development and that he has already heard from the development community that this is a positive move. It was explained that the process and structure of the Commission was created in the 1960s. There was discussion regarding other items/criteria (such as sprinkling of structures) that may need to be reviewed as well. It was also noted that the proposed change to criteria would be apply to the residential as well. With no further comment, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm _________________________________________________ Joe Hazel, Chairman Date Alderman, Ward 1