O’Fallon council denies business’s request to bring food truck to parking lot. Why?

Citing issues with granting a special event permit for an extended period, the O’Fallon City Council has rejected Mirage Wine & Spirits’ request to have a food truck on its parking lot for six months.

In a narrow 7-6 vote that denied permission, several council members commented about the ambiguity of the food truck ordinance, protecting brick and mortar restaurants, and promoting small businesses.

Dave Kilic, owner of Mirage, located at 2020 W. Highway 50, asked to allow Flava Fried Food Truck to be open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays for six months.

The lime green food truck specializes in Chicago style street food, such as Chicago hot dogs, Maxwell Street polish sausage, street corn, fries, and several types of chicken wings.

Because the requested permit resulted in a split vote of 3-3 at the May 13 Community Development Committee meeting, it advanced to council for a decision without a recommendation.

Community Development Director Justin Randall explained that the special event permit application can be submitted for up to six months out of the year, but no more than that.

Alderman Eric Van Hook wanted to know how this differed from allowing a snow cone stand to operate during the summer months. Alderman Andrea Fohne suggested they revisit the ordinance, adopted in 2018, because the hospitality industry has changed in many ways since then.

Aldermen Jerry Albrecht, Todd Roach and Jim Campbell were concerned about setting a precedent, felt this use wasn’t a special event, and that it created more competition for the established brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Alderman Stephanie Smallheer urged support for small business owners, and that the request complied with the ordinance.

Several residents, including former alderman Matt Smallheer, a small business owner, expressed support for Kilic.

“I think it’s important to support small businesses, and Dave can continue to employ people and feed his family,” he said.

Randall noted that Mirage had been previously approved for a food truck on its property once a week for an extended period, without complaint.

All food trucks must have a mobile food vendor license application with the city clerk’s office and comply with collecting sales tax. They are to be registered with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Those voting no were Albrecht, Campbell, Roy Carney, Jessica Lotz, Ross Rosenberg, Roach, and Van Hook. Voting in favor were Fohne, Aaron Hudson, Dennis Muyleart, Nathan Parchman, Smallheer, and Tom Vorce.

Rezoned Properties Approved

In other action, the council OK’d rezoning 22.46 acres from agricultural to a multi-family residence district so that Osborn Development can build 50 four-unit townhomes, totaling 200 units for lease, at 1619 W. Highway 50.

The Autumn Pines proposal also includes a community building featuring a fitness center, assembly area, and offices for on-site staff use. It is located east of Old Collinsville Road and directly west of Joseph Arthur Middle School on St. Ellen Mine Road.

A new childcare center, O2BKids, was also approved for 1.76 acres at 811 W. Highway 50, which is located on the south side of the highway, west of the Green Mount intersection. Applicant Jonathan Bauman of 814 Services said a 1-story daycare, 10,980 square feet, would be built, with an 8,700 square foot playground, associated parking, and landscaping.

Parks Improvements

The city has agreed to use Holland Construction Services as well as a trade contracts agreement for Phase 2 of the Community Park Enhancement project, which is expected to cost $6,507,846.00.

The project includes replacing the new Katy Cavins Community Center, the plaza area in the park, the demolition of the outdoor kitchen and the center, and the construction of a parking lot on the north end.

This does not include owner soft costs of $343,200 for construction, testing, surveying, kitchen equipment, and renovation to the outdoor restrooms and large pavilion.

Pickleball and basketball courts are going to be installed in Hesse Park, with work expected to be completed by early fall. The council approved paying no more than $291,630 to Rooters Asphalt for the work and accepted an alternative bid of $5,825 in additional fencing. In the FY25 budget, $300,000 was allocated from the Build O’Fallon Trust Fund for new courts.

The council agreed to pay $49,100 to the Matchbox Design Group for the design and installation of wayfinding signs in the Family Sports Park. The signs will provide directions to locations throughout the park -- fields, Splash Pad, parking, and pavilion.

Community Service Award

Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman presented Jim Ford with the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Service Award. He was nominated for his “unwavering support” of the department, especially for his support of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

“Jim has been one of the top civilian fundraisers in the state and has participated in the Polar Plunge for the last several years. He was also instrumental in helping the O’Fallon FOP with their donation of a wheelchair accessible bus to the PTOEC (Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children). Jim is also a graduate of the O’Fallon Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy,” Brueggeman said.

“Jim has become the citizen others should strive to emulate. It is what the world needs more of -- those who care about their community and do something to make it better,” Sergeant Brian Gimpel said.

Memorial Day Observances

On Memorial Day, the VFW Post 805 will be hosting its annual event 9-9:30 a.m. at the City of O’Fallon Cemetery, located on North Oak Street. The guest speaker will be Chief Master Sergeant Gloria Wilson, 375th Mission Support Group enlisted leader, and the mayor. The OTHS band will play music and echo taps after the rifle volley by the post honor guard.

The city’s annual event will be on May 27, at 11:30 a.m., at The Veterans Monument, located at 737 Wesley Drive. The guest speaker will be Brigadier General Ivory Carter, USAF Command, Control & Cyber Systems Director, U.S. Transportation Command.

Participants include Mayor Roach, the OTHS AFJ ROTC; VFW Post 805; Miss O’Fallon Beatrice McCoy; OTHS Band Ensemble; and retired Colonel Larry Strube, among others.

The names of the newly inscribed veterans will be introduced at that time. Pre-service music will begin at 11:15 a.m. Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals and decorations that day.

Bring lawn chairs, and water, if needed. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place at the First Baptist Church, located at 1111 E. Highway 50 in O’Fallon.