Council advances first readings on surplus-equipment ordinance and zoning change for U-Haul site

The O'Fallon City Council on Sept. 2 voted to consider on first reading an ordinance declaring certain equipment surplus and an ordinance amending zoning for a development identified as the U-Haul Moving and Storage Center at 1404 West Highway 50.

Ald. Parchment moved the first-reading consideration of the surplus-property ordinance citing the municipal code provision governing disposition of surplus property; the motion passed on first reading. The motion text referenced 65 ILCS 5/11-76-4 (the Illinois Municipal Code provision commonly used by municipalities for disposition of surplus property), which the council noted as the statutory authority for sale or disposal of city-owned equipment.

Ald. Lotz moved the first-reading consideration to amend zoning map ordinance 643 to accommodate the U-Haul Moving and Storage Center at 1404 West Highway 50; that motion also passed on first reading. There was brief council discussion about surplus vehicles and whether the city uses trade-in or public sale; staff said surplus items are generally put out for bid but department leadership can authorize trade-ins when warranted.

Why it matters: Declaring equipment surplus and approving zoning amendments are procedural steps that enable disposition of city assets and private development projects to proceed. The surplus ordinance will allow the city to sell or otherwise dispose of equipment under the cited statute; the zoning ordinance will advance the U-Haul development through later readings and implementation processes.

Ending: Both items passed first-reading consideration and will return to the council for subsequent readings or final action as required by city code.