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Alton council adopts rezoning, development agreement and business grant; approves licenses and routine items
Summary
At its March 11 meeting the Alton City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 902 rezoning a parcel, approved Resolution 25-10 (development agreement with Alton EDC), adopted a new Business Encouragement Grant Program (Resolution 25-11), approved sale of two city lots (Resolution 25-12), certified delinquent utilities (Resolution 25-13), and approved several administrative items and liquor licenses.
The Alton City Council on March 11, 2025, unanimously approved a package of land-use and development measures and several administrative items.
The council adopted Ordinance 902 to rezone a parcel and amend the city zoning map after a motion to dispense with further statutory readings and a motion to place the ordinance on final passage; roll call votes on the ordinance were recorded as unanimous (ayes 5). The meeting record shows Council Member Kleinhesselink introduced the ordinance.
The council also adopted Resolution 25-10 authorizing execution of a development agreement between the City of Alton and the Alton Economic Development Corporation (Phase 3), and adopted Resolution 25-11 to establish the Alton Business Encouragement Grant Program to replace the prior loan program. Both resolutions passed on roll call, ayes 5. Council members discussed a new business planning construction in the Alton Industrial Park and potential TIF incentives; the minutes record discussion but no specific TIF terms.
Resolution 25-12 proposed disposal of city-owned real estate and was adopted following presentation of an offer from Eric Hiemstra to purchase two remaining lots in Hiemstra First Addition; the offer included a city request to remove three trees on one lot. Resolution 25-13 certified delinquent utility amounts after staff advised the council that a vacant property with a delinquent account is expected to go to sheriff sale and that the city attorney recommended a lien; the resolution passed, ayes 5.
Administrative and routine matters approved included an engagement agreement with Ahlers & Cooney for the 3rd Avenue bid process (motion by Jorgensen, second Plathe), acceptance of the financial reports, approval of bills as presented, and approval of an employee benefits renewal through Principal Life Insurance (no premium increase). The council approved a temporary Special Class C retail alcohol license for Woudstra Meat Market pending Dram Shop review and approved a change of ownership for The Yard Bar & Grill's Class C retail alcohol license; both license votes were unanimous.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 902 (rezoning): adopted on final passage; ayes 5, nays 0. - Resolution 25-10 (development agreement with Alton EDC, Phase 3): adopted; ayes 5. - Resolution 25-11 (Alton Business Encouragement Grant Program): adopted; ayes 5. - Resolution 25-12 (propose disposal of city-owned real estate — Hiemstra lots): adopted; ayes 5. - Resolution 25-13 (certify delinquent utility amounts): adopted; ayes 5. - Ahlers & Cooney engagement for 3rd Ave bidding: approved (motion by Jorgensen, second Plathe); ayes 5. - Temporary Special Class C license for Woudstra Meat Market: approved pending Dram Shop; ayes 5. - Change of ownership for The Yard Bar & Grill Class C license: approved; ayes 5.
Why it matters: the rezoning and development-agreement approvals clear legal and administrative hurdles for local development projects and establish a new grant program intended to encourage business activity in Alton. The certified delinquent utility amounts enable the city to place liens as advised by the city attorney.
The council adjourned at 7:37 P.M.
