Council Approves Parking, Cafes, Supports Local Businesses

The St. Charles City Council convened on November 20, 2023, addressing key downtown improvements, community support initiatives, and upcoming seasonal events. The session emphasized the city’s commitment to local business, public access, and urban vibrancy.

Meeting Overview

The meeting lasted approximately 10 minutes, starting with standard formalities:

• Call to Order and Roll Call (~0:04)

• Invocation by Alderman G (~0:21)

• Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Weber (~1:03)

Mayor Laura AV Vitech led the council in recognizing Small Business Saturday, followed by approval of key downtown development and public access items.

Proclamation: Small Business Saturday

• Mayor Vitech declared November 25, 2023, as Small Business Saturday (~1:25).

• The proclamation emphasized:

  • Supporting local businesses in St. Charles

  • Strengthening the downtown economy

  • Encouraging community participation in seasonal shopping events

• Citizens were urged to shop locally and support St. Charles small business initiatives.

Omnibus Vote and Youth Commission Appointment

• The council approved the Omnibus Vote (~3:14), efficiently passing routine agenda items.

• Allison Hitton was appointed to the Youth Commission (~3:53), reinforcing the city’s commitment to youth involvement and civic engagement.

Downtown Parking Easement Agreement

• Council approved a one-year parking easement agreement with STC Morse LLC (Frontier Development) (~3:53).

• Key points:

  • Reopens the parking lot behind Flagship and Paona for public use (~4:41)

  • Agreement runs through December 31, 2024, then converts to month-to-month

  • City staff will explore a long-term solution, potentially involving property swaps (~5:30)

• The agreement ensures downtown access for residents, visitors, and local businesses, supporting the overall revitalization strategy.

Outdoor Cafe Layouts Approved

The council approved multiple outdoor cafe layouts at First Street Plaza to support local dining and community engagement:

1. GM Mia – Winter 2023 (~7:09)

2. Alter Brewing – Winter 2023 (~7:26)

3. First Street Plaza – Summer 2024 (~7:53)

Additionally, the council approved two ordinance amendments:

• Title 12, Chapter 12.04 regarding outdoor cafes and food carts in public spaces (~8:18)

• Title 12, General Provisions for related regulations (~9:00)

These measures provide flexible, safe, and regulated outdoor dining options to enhance the downtown experience.

Community Announcements

• City Office Closures: November 23–24 for Thanksgiving (~9:42)

• Holiday Homecoming Lighting: Scheduled for Friday (~9:52)

• Holiday Homecoming Parade: Upcoming community celebration (~9:52)

The Mayor encouraged residents to attend seasonal events and support local businesses during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The November 20 City Council meeting highlighted St. Charles’ proactive approach to:

• Supporting local businesses through Small Business Saturday and downtown dining enhancements

• Improving public access with a temporary parking easement

• Preparing for community engagement events during the holiday season

Through these decisions, the council ensures a vibrant, accessible, and business-friendly downtown, reinforcing St. Charles’ reputation as a welcoming community for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs alike.

FAQs

What key items were approved at the St. Charles City Council meeting on November 20, 2023?

The Council approved a downtown parking easement, outdoor cafe layouts, Small Business Saturday proclamation, and a Youth Commission appointment.

What was the purpose of the parking easement approved on November 20, 2023?

The one-year parking easement with STC Morse LLC reopened public parking behind Flagship and Paona, ensuring downtown access through December 2024.

How did the St. Charles Council support local businesses on November 20, 2023?

The Council declared November 25 as Small Business Saturday and expanded outdoor dining options at First Street Plaza for winter 2023 and summer 2024.

Which outdoor cafes received approvals during the November 20 meeting?

GM Mia and Alter Brewing were approved for Winter 2023 setups, while First Street Plaza received approval for Summer 2024 outdoor dining.

What community announcements were made at the November 20, 2023 meeting?

Announcements included Thanksgiving office closures, the Holiday Homecoming lighting, and the Holiday Homecoming Parade to engage residents and visitors.