[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6235638,"mediaKeyId","3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946","parentId",3397062,"title","Council appoints Kevin Welch to three-year term on planning commission","audioSeconds",48,"startMs",1393000,"endMs",1441000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946&start=1393&end=1441","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946/thumbnail_1393000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235638/OFallon-City/St-Clair-County/Illinois/Council-appoints-Kevin-Welch-to-three-year-term-on-planning-commission","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235638-34703a9c624fd4298ebe093580b9e604/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158262&Signature=GZuwlcAvT5e0fCjeKFXx198VxyOzeKcK~akzEljFZUQ3E1VlMQg7agVyjSGrtoykk0~A2EqQV~dKic~QrgT4I5FxiUwBAHkZJb7IGsgAa9UDWEwD86Ulfebr1~ZmGf2TtFMbUh6zbEQhCz1eWijlI5ssvHA7OiXAAKBe~Xyc0BblrqUzjDS5bSeUc-2f9iFSarSwJe4F29QCfhvYNcSusndAoGiIORLwjtkK8ENoAw1M-mjgUxo0Y146goxfFmsbK3y7IRce4fQfoaVb5x4QopCgwrhxZuG-~q4TuuK1usyd0fh5mI7FTB~z3Cu7MsdK-jKdYRpDNldksiRDbYSm3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council if O'Fallon, IL","date","2025-05-20T08:42:40.637Z","article","The O'Fallon City Council voted May 19 to appoint Kevin Welch to the city's planning commission for a three-year term that expires May 19, 2028. Councilmember Lotz read the motion to approve the appointment; the motion received a second and passed by roll call.

No public opposition or discussion was recorded on the appointment during the meeting. The planning commission position had been vacant after prior members vacated seats, and the city is filling two openings on the panel.

Welch's appointment will be recorded by the city clerk and added to the planning commission roster for upcoming monthly commission meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the May 19 meeting the council voted to appoint Kevin Welch to the planning commission for a three-year term ending May 19, 2028.","taxTitle","O'Fallon City, St. Clair County, Illinois","taxId",52736,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235642,"Residents press council on Highway 50 traffic flow, speed limits and roadside maintenance; city points to IDOT and county jurisdiction",1484,921000,2405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946&start=921&end=2405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946/thumbnail_921000.jpg","/articles/6235642/OFallon-City/St-Clair-County/Illinois/Residents-press-council-on-Highway-50-traffic-flow-speed-limits-and-roadside-maintenance-city-points-to-IDOT-and-county-jurisdiction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235642-2af27c58a602bd438ca54eb788f42e96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158262&Signature=LmNW1FfqskuYOlGXRglSINOTBfgw4uhIuGNcLcUYN4xkOiyccIewjQoQr9ORmiSMBcdrnTkoKLiqy8WD3LMSgkr8qjhAVPpDciFHwyyudnSuV9xF0hHKFdtrKNVA7eOXZMV9sqF7rLdqgLkExnguv8LKv2akB8~-F7sWadm1YlxQbymCmcqz2GmxWMbkTbFdMgbNCo3BKaxBfLI3XMIdHAh7GCUBgPVfuOMCc0PdSGHNUmqe1BtPaQgL-lH2SpWTEyKbENtcaBDnfsBJbU2g0RFQgm0ZS-6a4LDYqq5Lx-cs5AypJtO1nSTUGC2eg~47MqJa~D8qgbhDcJ0NWPExHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents told the council on May 19 they are concerned about traffic and roadside maintenance on Highway 50 and South Lincoln. Tommy Yates of Southview Subdivision urged the council to address congestion and what he described as dangerous right-turn lane designs and frequent speed-limit changes that he said impede traffic flow. Tom Leese asked who is responsible for high grass along South Lincoln near the post office.

Council and staff responses clarified jurisdictional limits. A councilmember and staff said the stretch of South Lincoln in question is a St. Clair County road and that the county is responsible for routine mowing, though city crews sometimes cut when the county does not. Another staff member said the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) sets traffic-signal timing on Highway 50; city officials said traffic projects under the Great Streets initiative include upcoming signal-related improvements but that IDOT controls the timing. Residents asked whether speed reductions (from 35 to 30 and 25 mph in places) contributed to slowed flows; councilmembers said the city has limited authority to set speeds on state routes and suggested contacting related agencies for formal requests.

The mayor and city staff invited residents to follow up with the administration for specifics and indicated the city will place mowing and tall-grass locations on a list for crew review where jurisdiction allows. The council did not take formal action on these items during the meeting but recorded the public concern and staff responses.","Public comment raised safety and maintenance concerns about traffic congestion, speed limit changes and tall grass along South Lincoln and Highway 50. City staff said IDOT controls Highway 50 signal timing and that portions of South Lincoln fall under St. Clair County jurisdiction; the city promised to follow up where crews can assist.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235649,"City announces summer municipal aggregation rate, residents can opt out",82,1431000,1513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946&start=1431&end=1513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946/thumbnail_1431000.jpg","/articles/6235649/OFallon-City/St-Clair-County/Illinois/City-announces-summer-municipal-aggregation-rate-residents-can-opt-out","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235649-7d7faa2c6360477cd45fa8f820593dd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158262&Signature=MN9DApqRPXeUimVmg3pFz-DpnZsi4jYcTBz7~tSD1yRTqv~--NcY~u-Yrhw5fA-4fm54zVN3njuwiXC4j4kL17RVdoGV0oCkh1vrE9vkB~ih~r0Spb1gr~VlnN7S-NiIkD5fHkZwFXOXJmls6Ie~kFIVTY~qOGW~E-je7kbp9Brao-NScQuoPk3OrOp6oGsh5uTisGG62xTfHmC00C4HFAKSCvprrZgVkXi98jLnDOwyWhZwjtn6QsBdcHKjh4qaTQlEsUVOdZnrL1Cd5AhzAjfZsQXSFEj~71y3lTK1q7t7DXrvOOB052D3hPj-qZ6LUbYED4FxRb5-velnR4iUCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials told residents on May 19 that the O'Fallon Municipal Aggregation program will begin June 1, 2025, and run through Sept. 30, 2025, for summer service. City staff said the Homefield (supplier) fixed rate is $0.1207 per kilowatt-hour and noted that customers can opt out at any time by following opt-out instructions posted on the city's website.

Officials explained Ameren Illinois will continue to deliver electricity and that aggregation affects supplier rates rather than utility delivery. The city said that Homefield's fixed rate covers the period from June 2025 through May 2026 for customers who choose the fixed option, and that Ameren's rate is fixed through September with potential winter adjustments thereafter. Residents with questions were invited to contact City Hall for assistance with the opt-out process.","City staff told residents the O'Fallon municipal aggregation will begin June 1, 2025, offering a fixed Homefield rate of $0.1207 per kilowatt-hour; customers may opt out at any time via the city website.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235654,"Council approves $2.65 million warrant; residents press for line-item clarity",1382,1109000,2491000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946&start=1109&end=2491","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946/thumbnail_1109000.jpg","/articles/6235654/OFallon-City/St-Clair-County/Illinois/Council-approves-265-million-warrant-residents-press-for-line-item-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235654-222fa112df86906149f526a7f56462e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158262&Signature=ZwWgbTigy0q6~3dAL0c6~mlDlLVkz32kaUfc8L2oXDggFWBRYnRflWRvCVBdnn7GzBDX3SfPi-Bkg9G1Ra9UdJCLORrBX4bE8RX02JbzetHLW7ZaK8kZrfrGZLCVbmgWW40ek1hG-eftid5GpzUgy93uSS6JuxGyxT40fTgHOobzzYcPdaV8jG-U9BHFLj3zK0~v-TPzD5zQ890k8zuN86RiOnpgHZsEMFRSOHsT-gbk3W2sR0tbqtdusaeXK8Hx2uJod9xgtx~UaJwKDJYdBqbzj1pqum45e2JU-UL1BVI1pV~4XFpUK9vIcAZyjP-jca6h3B81hLxAGjeaimXNaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The O'Fallon City Council approved warrant number 559 totaling $2,645,348.33 at its May 19 meeting after a motion and roll-call vote. During public comment, resident Vern Bower (Ward 3) asked the council to explain several line items in the warrant, including payments tied to concessions and uniforms, amounts paid to contractors (Holland Construction) and purchases from retail suppliers.

Bower asked whether the city tracks returns or revenue for concession sales and whether departmental procurement policies were followed for purchases over reportable thresholds. Mayor Eric Van Hook invited Bower to meet with him and staff to review the warrant details and line items. A staff member identified as Jeff explained one specific line item that had drawn attention: the cost labeled for lag bolts was, he said, part of a complete replacement of a downtown light structure (the green pole used for lights and banners), not just small hardware.

Finance committee leadership moved the warrant for approval and the council approved the motion by roll call. City officials said they will meet with citizens who requested more detail and that department heads are available to explain procurement and accounting for the listed items.","Council approved Warrant No. 559 for $2,645,348.33. Public commenters asked for explanations of several expenditures including umpire payments, uniforms, concessions and a large payment to Holland Construction; staff offered to meet with residents for line-item clarification.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235659,"O'Fallon council approves multiple zoning, subdivision and annexation measures including 49-acre Bethel Grove annexation",316,1678000,1994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946&start=1678&end=1994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3397062-f139b44d336e9e72affabe044314e946/thumbnail_1678000.jpg","/articles/6235659/OFallon-City/St-Clair-County/Illinois/OFallon-council-approves-multiple-zoning-subdivision-and-annexation-measures-including-49-acre-Bethel-Grove-annexation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235659-a52acf988bbba0692551ce56f5f81757/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158262&Signature=Ie3teuZ25ZSEtrWZO~6JPz6-4FriFkj5~tYh3R7WxqtYZfRspOHJn2pS9mz2RdD6Ak2gYH~vNo-ichX5NyKE4qDqpHyisH56JvGGAw8F6w7VzlX-p1uwtQGLk9vW2eMzdyvTpwOipMN1g-ZaED3l7l~~~X6dW7HbmvbvdsY-3D4zoqzSkVnP~eFE4DcTQY0nLw~FWyyd1GpBLtH6IYRJ9uhqJku79IE-ye0QCfCcMfHDXcU4lhBuhGmo0Qpd~81ZqGvXSXHXOf3ajEUtxnJpjFbIeaXjSpE455ZvRHNtXlyvh8wPMZzkfr6vQXoB9BO54kvcLd30QOjrOor71JO-2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The O'Fallon City Council approved multiple land-use measures during its May 19 meeting, including two minor subdivisions, an ordinance adding territory to the St. Clair County Mid America Enterprise Zone, an ordinance annexing about 49.1 acres at 285 Bethel Road and 122 Country Lane (the Bethel Grove property), and zoning amendments for new developments.

City officials said the council voted to accept the minor subdivision of Prairie Lawn (lots 124–125 on 0.45 acres) and to accept the minor subdivision of 1355 Scott Troy Road (Wish Upon A Star, 4.92 acres). Council members also approved an ordinance to add territory to the St. Clair County Mid America Enterprise Zone and approved an ordinance amending City zoning for a proposed Q Storage facility at 1690 Newcar Drive. The council approved an ordinance annexing approximately 49.1 acres described as 285 Bethel Road and 122 Country Lane and a companion zoning amendment for a 49.1-acre development known as Bethel Grove.

The council also voted to designate 907 Southview as a local historic landmark under chapter 151 of the O'Fallon Code of Ordinances; one councilmember announced a vote against the designation during debate, saying the house’s uniqueness did not meet his threshold for landmark status. Roll-call votes for each item were taken and show approvals for the listed items.

Councilmember Roach introduced and moved the resolution approving an alternative parking plan for the HSHS St. Elizabeth's Medical Campus, which the council approved by roll call. Several members spoke briefly during the zoning and ordinance roll calls; one councilmember announced they would vote no on the historic designation while others noted the property’s landscaping and architecture.

Council members gave no extended public debate on each measure at length during the full meeting; most items passed after motions, seconds and roll-call votes. The meeting record shows that the council voted on each ordinance and resolution and recorded individual yeas and nays during roll calls.

Looking ahead, items related to these developments will move forward according to the city's permitting and inspection processes and any conditions recorded on the final plats and zoning approvals. The council scheduled committee and follow-up meetings as required by code.","The O'Fallon City Council on May 19 approved a series of land-use actions including minor subdivisions, an annexation and several zoning amendments, and designated a local historic landmark after a divided vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council appoints Kevin Welch to three-year term on planning commission

Residents press council on Highway 50 traffic flow, speed limits and roadside maintenance; city points to IDOT and county jurisdiction

City announces summer municipal aggregation rate, residents can opt out

Council approves $2.65 million warrant; residents press for line-item clarity

O'Fallon council approves multiple zoning, subdivision and annexation measures including 49-acre Bethel Grove annexation