Belleville council honors Alderwoman Janet Schmidt with moment of silence

In memory of Ward 2 Alderwoman Janet Schmidt, the City Council on Monday held a moment of silence at the beginning of their first regular meeting since Schmidt died last week.

“It was a shock to everyone,” Mayor Mark Eckert said.

“I would like to ask for a moment of silence as we think about and pause for the service Janet gave the city for the past 2 ½ years,” Eckert said.

A single white rose was placed on the desk where Schmidt normally sat.

Eckert said he expects to soon begin reviewing candidates to fill Schmidt’s term, which lasts until 2017. He would then make a recommendation to the City Council members for their vote. This could occur on Dec. 21 or Jan. 4.

Schmidt, who was elected to the City Council in 2013, died on Nov. 30 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville. She was 56.

In other business

The City Council took the following action Monday night

▪  Tejendra Patel was granted a special-use permit for a liquor license for Hotshots Liquor at 1809 Central Plaza Drive.

▪  Mohammed Ali Bamuquabel was granted a special-use permit to open a used car dealership at 1013 Sherman St.

▪  Circle K was granted special-use permits for liquor licenses for the QuikTrips at 1800 Lebanon Ave. and 755 South Belt West.

▪  Tom Kriegel, an engineer with the Fire Department, was promoted to captain and Shane Leech was promoted to engineer.

▪  Helen Thompson, a retired teacher, and Mary Karban, a teacher at Henry Raab Elementary School, were appointed to the serve on the Library Board.

Up next

The City Council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Belleville council honors Alderwoman Janet Schmidt with moment of silence."