Smithton trustees approve summer events, accept MFT chip bids and authorize signing of local land-use resolution

At its June 2, 2026 meeting, the Village of Smithton Board approved multiple event permits, accepted MFT chip bids and authorized Mayor Michael Smallwood to sign Resolution 2026-09 on municipal land use and zoning.

The Board opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Michael Smallwood presiding. In a procedural action early in the meeting, Trustee Jason Becherer moved and Trustee Charlie Rogers seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2026 meeting; the roll call vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

Under “Good of the Village,” Terra of The Roost Bar and Grill submitted dates for outdoor music in June. Trustee Jim Mourey moved to approve the outdoor music requests; Trustee Rogers seconded and the Board approved the motion by unanimous roll call. Roger and Lisa Bauer, representing the Silver Creek Mafia, requested permission to host the annual Side-by-Side Pub Crawl on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Trustee Tim Hopkins moved to approve the pub crawl; Trustee Jim Elbe seconded and the Board approved the request by unanimous roll call.

On public-works business, Village/Zoning Administrator George Liyeos and Public Works Supervisor Dean Klein reported on easement work for 159 Turn Lane: IDOT approval has been received and the village is awaiting Ameren. At the Municipal Fuel Tax bid opening on May 22, the village received chip bids but no oil bids; Dean Klein said the village contacted additional companies for a June 9 submittal for oil. Trustee Jim Elbe moved and Trustee Charlie Rogers seconded a motion to accept the MFT chip bids from Beelman (Seal Coat CM-13; Crushed Stone CA-6 and CA-7) and Wolfmeier (Seal Coat — Load & Apply). The Board approved the motion by unanimous roll call.

Attorney Terry Bruckert urged the Board to sign Resolution 2026-09 to keep land-use and zoning authority at the municipal level, saying state-level interest could shift that authority away from local control. Trustee Charlie Rogers moved and Trustee Jim Mourey seconded authorization for Mayor Michael Smallwood to sign the resolution; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

Other routine business included acceptance of officers’ reports (moved by Trustee Jason Becherer, seconded by Trustee Charlie Rogers) and authorization for the Finance Clerk and Treasurer to pay bills (moved by Trustee Jason Becherer, seconded by Trustee Tim Hopkins); both motions passed unanimously. Public Works Supervisor Dean Klein reported recent staffing shortages, recent meter reads and replacements, and preparatory valve marking for upcoming Socket Fiber locates.

The Board unanimously voted to suspend the regular order of business and to enter executive session under Section 2(c)(11) to discuss litigation. The executive session began at about 7:22 p.m., was adjourned at 7:28 p.m., and the Board returned to open session. In new business, Mayor Michael Smallwood noted that Tom Reid will need to provide a sealed drawing for commercial use when the project is filed with St. Clair County. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of May 19, 2026 minutes: mover Jason Becherer; second Charlie Rogers; roll call yes = Becherer, Rogers, Elbe, Mourey, Hopkins; outcome: approved. - Outdoor music dates (The Roost Bar and Grill): mover Jim Mourey; second Charlie Rogers; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Side-by-Side Pub Crawl (Sept. 19, 2026): mover Tim Hopkins; second Jim Elbe; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Accept MFT chip bids (Beelman; Wolfmeier): mover Jim Elbe; second Charlie Rogers; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Authorize Mayor to sign Resolution 2026-09 (Municipal Authority of Land Use & Zoning): mover Charlie Rogers; second Jim Mourey; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Accept officers' reports: mover Jason Becherer; second Charlie Rogers; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Authorize payment of bills: mover Jason Becherer; second Tim Hopkins; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved. - Suspend order / enter executive session (Litigation Section 2(c)(11)): mover Jim Elbe; second Charlie Rogers; roll call unanimous; outcome: approved.

The Board did not disclose the contents of the executive session; no formal votes were reported from it. The Board scheduled Park Master Plan consultant presentations for the June 9 work session and noted that Safe Routes to School award notification was expected soon.