O’Fallon City Council to address cannabis sales after favorable referendum results
An advisory referendum that indicated voters want cannabis sales by a narrow majority is finally being addressed by the O’Fallon City Council.
The Community Development Committee was to begin discussion at its May 11 meeting, after aldermen indicated they wanted to do so during the May 4 city council meeting.
The city staff is seeking direction from the council on whether to permanently prohibit or allow adult-use cannabis business establishments, or only allow for the retail sale of cannabis or the transportation and cultivation of cannabis.
A non-binding advisory question on the March 17 ballot to allow adult-use cannabis business establishments within the city limits garnered 52.7 percent in favor (2,750 votes) and 47.3 percent against (2,487), with 5,237 votes cast.
The council had passed an ordinance Sept. 16, 2019, prohibiting the sale and cultivation of recreational cannabis, with a sunset provision that would expire six months following the certification of election results by St. Clair County.
On June 25, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, making the state the 11th one in America to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. It went into effect Jan. 1.
Consumption of cannabis for recreational use is no longer prohibited. It is allowed on private property and, potentially, specifically designated establishments, such as dispensaries or smoking lounges. But it is not allowed in public places, schools and childcare facilities, among others.
Under the law, municipalities may not restrict the private consumption of cannabis but could adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate possession and public consumption so long as the regulations and penalties are consistent with the act.
Alderman Kevin Hagarty suggested the matter be put on the CDC May 11 agenda. However, it had been placed on the June 22 agenda — yet aldermen expressed support to get the discussion going sooner.
City Administrator Walter Denton explained the matter had initially been on the Committee of the Whole March 30 meeting agenda, but that was canceled when the governor’s mandatory stay-at-home order due to coronavirus took effect.
Denton said the reason June 22 was selected is because discussion would be in person, and that might be more effective, not virtual. The state mandate continues through the end of the month.
“We have six months to make a decision,” he said.
Alderman Matthew Gilreath said he did not want to wait until June.
“The committee sets policies,” he said. “It’s a big important decision. It’s something we need to do.”
Alderman Ross Rosenberg concurred.
“We need to get it out there, to start a conversation,” he said.
Water, flooding issues in O’Fallon on agenda
Standing water and flooding problems when it rains in the older section of O’Fallon known as the West Presidential Streets are being addressed, as a project replacing old clay sanitary sewers and asbestos concrete watermains is moving forward.
An engineering design agreement with Gonzalez Companies for $112,525 was approved for the Phase 1 of the West Presidential Streets work. This will improve drainage, install new sanitary sewers and watermains, and reconstruct the roadways.
Another flooding problem when it rains happens at the culvert under U.S. 50 east of Cambridge Boulevard. Adding to flooding there is the storm water detention pond overtops in heavy rains at the Cambridge Condominiums Developments. So, a U.S 50-Cambridge Boulevard Drainage Study has been approved for $49,600 with Millennia Professional Services of Illinois.
The study will conduct a survey of the area and perform a hydraulic analysis to recommend mitigation options and costs.
Two zoning projects advance for approval
Advancing for approval at the May 18 council meeting are two zoning projects. The final plat of Aberdeen Village, a 244-unit townhome community with three commercial lots, a clubhouse with open gathering areas and offices, moved on from first reading.
Applicant Tim Kappert has proposed a residential development of all two-bedroom townhome style units. In addition, a 3.47-acre commercial development will include a pharmacy with a drive-thru, a restaurant with a drive-thru and a strip center with mixed use, including a restaurant with alcohol sales.
The property is located on the east side of Scott-Troy Road, just north of East U.S. 50 and across from the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.
The developer has installed a number of the public infrastructure items but is still waiting on the final approval from St. Clair County for the roadway improvements and signal work on Scott-Troy Road.
The final plat will create the necessary easements for the public infrastructure and the commercial outlots.
A note is required on the final plat prohibiting the sale of individual townhome buildings and the entire townhome development must be maintained under single-ownership.
The park dedication requirement is 2.43 acres with the requirement being fulfilled through a fee in lieu of land in the amount of $123,930, $508.00 per house unit.
A joint maintenance agreement will be required for the access point with Moto Mart and the commercial lots.
Additional items from O’Fallon City Council
In other action by the council, both the Community Development Committee and Public Works staff have recommended he final plat for Park Bridge Station Phase 2 for approval, which the council concurred and advanced.
Park Bridge Station is a 33.40-acre subdivision located just west of Venita Road and north of Fire Department Engine House #4/Headquarters.
The land was previously owned by the city but was sold to the developer via an RFP process in 2016-17. Park Bridge Station was approved as a 67-lot subdivision, with lot sizes range from 10,000 square feet to 48,000 square feet in size, with an average lot size of 17,242.
A total of 4.51 acres includes open space, designated within three outlots, consisting of area near the entrance and detention and floodplain/riparian areas. The first phase of the subdivision included 25 lots along Taylor Road and the main entrance to the subdivision. Phase 2 of Park Bridge Station includes 11.49 acres and 23 lots.
The developer purchased the land from the city in 2017. The contract for the purchase of land included a provision to defer some cost of the commercial land at the corner of Taylor Road and Venita Drive. For every residential home constructed, an additional $1,600 per lot will be added to the issuance of a building permit totaling an additional $36,800 in Phase 2.
The staff recommends the required landscaped berm along Taylor Road shall be in a landscape easement and the subdivision’s covenants and restrictions must provide for common maintenance and no fencing.
The park dedication requirement is 1.14 acres with the requirement being fulfilled through a fee in lieu of land in the amount of $58,140/$868 per house permit.
From the mayor’s desk, census info, roadwork
During his report, Mayor Herb Roach said thank you to M.A. Huq for his almost 44 years of service to the city as a civil engineer. Future ceremonies will occur as assembly limits are lifted, he said.
“He has done many, many good things for the city,” Roach said.
At the end of April, 54.3% of the U.S. population had responded to the 2020 Census. Illinois is ranked No. 9 with approximately 59.4% of the population reporting.
And O’Fallon is ranked No. 283 in the State (out of 1,286) with approximately 66.8% of the population reporting.
The mayor encouraged residents who hadn’t responded to do so today.
Beginning May 11, the westbound lane of Cambridge Boulevard between Green Mount Road and U.S. 50, will be closed for patching of the existing roadway. Drivers are urged to use U.S. 50 to Green Mount Road as a detour route.
Access to all businesses and residences along Cambridge will be maintained throughout the project. The work will be done by Rooters Asphalt and is expected to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.
“Please use caution in this area and if possible, seek alternate routes,” Roach said. “This road construction will help improve travel in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this road project may cause.”