MINUTES TO THE

CITY OF WILMINGTON

LICENSE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE WILMINGTON

TUESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2006

WILMINGTON ADMINISTRATION CENTER

1165 SOUTH WATER STREET

WILMINGTON, IL 60481

6:30 P.M.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Upon roll call, City Councilman Marty Orr, Councilwoman Helen Hoppe, Councilman Jonathan Mietzner and Councilman Bob Strong were present. Building Inspector Don Friddle and City Administrator John McIntyre were also present, and Administrator McIntyre also served as acting recording secretary for the meeting.

Councilman Hermes made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, seconded by Councilman Strong. The motion passed 3-0.

Administrator McIntyre distributed a memo drafted by Justin Fredin regarding the Deanna Stewart.

Ms. Deanna Stewart addressed the Committee. She stated that she was awarded a property formerly owned by her husband near the Burger King by a judge as part of divorce proceedings, but the house has a lien of just over $16,000 placed on it by Wilmington due to condemnation procedures. Ms. Stewart is asking for relief from the liens so that she can sell it quickly and, as such, recover some of the money due her. She has several children and has no use for the property.

Administrator McIntyre noted that by lifting the lien, not only would she recover more of the money due her. In addition, the property is an eyesore and a hazard and lifting the lien would facilitate it being sold more quickly, a new structure could be built and would pay higher taxes. The chances of this situation setting a precedent are small due to the unique situation Ms. Stewart finds herself in.

Councilman Orr agreed that Ms. Stewart has a legitimate hardship and lifting the lien would be best for all concerned.

Councilman Mietzner suggested that the motion be made with the provision that the new owner would be compelled to demolish the structure upon purchase.

Councilman Orr made a motion recommend removing the lien, subject to the prospective owner providing a letter of understanding that he or she would be responsible for timely demolition of the structure, seconded by Councilman Mietzner. The motion passed 4-0.

Fire Chief Zlome addressed the Committee regarding the fire department lockbox ordinance. Copies of ordinances pertaining to fire district building plan review fees and lockboxes were distributed. He wanted to be sure that the city had passed the lockbox ordinance. He also announced that a new ordinance for fire reviews for commercial development which includes 2.6 cents per square foot and a provision that if a third party becomes involved in the inspection/review process, this cost would be borne by the developer.

Chief Zlome would like for the City of Wilmington to pass these ordinances so that when the commercial growth comes, the fire district will be ready.

Administrator McIntyre will get with legal council to put these ordinances into legal form for the next Committee meeting.

The entire ordinance regarding building ordinances (157) should be removed and reworked to make sure no more errors or inconsistencies exist. Councilman Orr noted that since Wilmington is not Home Rule, and it is minimally staffed, the city should proceed carefully with removal of the ordinances. In addition, Wilmington must have the legal authority to enforce building ordinance provisions.

The subject of a “no turn on red” signs on Route 102 on to Kahler was discussed. This is a dangerous intersection, but permission to install the signs would have to com e from IDOT. Administrator McIntyre will contact IDOT and begin the application procedure for the “no turn on red” signs.

Administrator McIntyre and Inspector Friddle updated the committee on the subject of trailer park inspections and licenses. Administrator McIntyre distributed several documents pertaining to the subject. Councilman Orr had some concerns whether Wilmington’s ordinances were enforceable. Administrator McIntyre will check with legal council on the matter.

Demolition of the proposed church building by the bend of Route 53 was discussed. It is a hazard and should be removed.

There being no further business, Councilwoman Hoppe made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Strong, and the meeting was adjourned at

Submitted by

John A. McIntyre

City Administrator