Community Development Committee approves Tommy 3 minor subdivision; holds West O'Fallon residential facade lottery amid budget and legal questions

The O'Fallon City Community Development Committee approved a resolution accepting a minor subdivision known as Tommy 3 for the parcel at 2116 Quarry Road and conducted the West O'Fallon residential facade program lottery, awarding five matching grants to homeowners.

Greg (community development staff) presented the Tommy 3 minor subdivision, saying the 7.46‑acre parcel is currently outside city boundaries but lies within the city’s subdivision jurisdiction. He summarized the staff review and noted that the parcel does not currently require public utilities; if utilities are added in the future, a pre‑annexation agreement and annexation would be required. Greg said the minor subdivision divides the parcel into two lots.

A motion to approve the resolution for the Tommy 3 minor subdivision passed on roll call. The recorded responses during roll call were: Parchman — yes; Campbell — yes; Vorce — yes; Albrecht — yes; Broach — not specified on the record. Staff recorded the motion as carried.

Greg also presented the West O'Fallon residential facade program, a matching grant program authorized in last year’s budget with $50,000 funded from hotel‑motel tax revenue. Per the program rules presented, the grant covers 90% of eligible project costs up to $9,000, with homeowners responsible for 10% up to $1,000; work must be visible from the street, permanent, and the owner must own and occupy the home for three years after the grant, with a mortgage lien recorded and released after that period. Eligible improvements listed in staff materials include paint, siding, gutters, porches, windows and doors, awnings, lighting and permanent landscaping. Staff said applicants were scored and eight met eligibility; five awards were available.

Committee members debated the policy and funding source. Alderman Jessica Lott questioned whether hotel‑motel tax funds should be used for private residential improvements and said she expects difficulty supporting the program in future budgets. Alderman Van Hook and other members said they support the pilot and noted long‑term residents on the West side may benefit from assistance for safety and efficiency improvements. Some members suggested greater coordination with code enforcement to target properties with repeat violations or demonstrated financial need.

Legal and tax implications were discussed. Greg said city attorneys had reviewed the program; Todd Fleming, corporate counsel, and Terry Bruckard (incentive specialist) were cited as having reviewed legal and tax aspects. Staff said the program includes document checks, requires bids, and pays bonded/insured contractors directly; ownership is verified through self‑certification plus staff checks on ownership records.

The committee conducted the lottery during the meeting and awarded five facade grants. The five selected properties (addresses used as identifiers in staff materials) were: 107 Del Mar; 111 Belt Avenue; 119 Famous; 110 Homestead; and 118 Booster Road. The remaining eligible applicants were 121 Alice Drive, 113 Atlantic Avenue and 103 Sherylwood; staff said those properties were not selected in this year’s drawing. Staff said the program is proposed to continue in the next fiscal year and will be reviewed as part of the budget process.

Committee members asked for more detailed program controls in future budget deliberations, including validation of self‑certification, contractor licensing and bonding, and whether code enforcement should be used to prioritize or trigger assistance.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution approving Tommy 3 minor subdivision (2116 Quarry Road; 7.46 acres): motion passed on roll call; recorded yes votes — Parchman, Campbell, Vorce, Albrecht; Broach — response not specified on the record; outcome: approved.

- West O'Fallon Residential Facade Program: eight eligible applications; five awards drawn by lottery during the meeting and awarded to 107 Del Mar, 111 Belt Avenue, 119 Famous, 110 Homestead and 118 Booster Road; outcome: awards granted by lottery (no separate roll‑call recorded).