St. Charles City Council – June 9, 2022: Pride Month & Development Approvals

The St. Charles City Council met on June 9, 2022, to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, authorize industrial park projects, approve a private fireworks display, and deliberate on the Springs at St. Charles development. The meeting combined community recognition with forward-looking city planning decisions.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation

The Council opened the meeting with a proclamation of June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in St. Charles. Rainbow flags were designated to be raised across city facilities to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

Mike, a community representative, accepted the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of the flag-raising ceremony as a visible sign of support for LGBTQ+ residents.

Approval of Omnibus Agenda and Fireworks Display

Following the proclamation, the Council approved the Omnibus agenda, addressing routine city items efficiently.

A license agreement for a private fireworks display at Hotel Baker was discussed and approved. The display, scheduled for a wedding event, is short (5–10 minutes) and utilizes smaller devices than typical Fourth of July fireworks. Neighbor notification protocols were confirmed to ensure community awareness.

Pheasant Run Industrial Park Development

The Council reviewed two critical items for the Pheasant Run Industrial Park redevelopment:

1. Material Purchase Resolution

2. Electric Utility Improvement Cost Agreement with developer Greco-Derosa

Due to supply chain delays (6–50 weeks), the city would order materials only after receiving 110% upfront deposit from the developer, mitigating financial risk. These measures ensure the project can progress without delays. Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

North Star Customer Information System Approval

An agreement with Harris Computer Systems for the North Star customer information system and billing software was approved, providing the city with cloud-hosted solutions for utility management and billing operations.

Springs at St. Charles Development: Annexation and PUD Approval

The meeting’s most contentious discussion centered on the Springs at St. Charles Development, involving:

• Annexation of unincorporated land

• Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval

During public comment, residents raised concerns about high-density housing, potential Section 8 subsidized units, and the impact on property values and community character.

Developer representatives (Continental Properties) clarified:

• Projects are market-rate apartments, not Section 8.

• HUD financing is conventional and FHA-insured.

• New Illinois House Bill 2775 will require acceptance of Section 8 vouchers as a protected income class statewide starting next year.

Despite concerns, the Council recognized the need for quality housing for young professionals and approved both ordinances, enabling the development to move forward.

Mayor’s Tributes and Closing Remarks

The meeting concluded with Mayor Laura Vitek and Council members paying tribute to:

• Memorial Day and the 78th anniversary of D-Day

• Justin Hardy, a young athlete who passed away from cancer, honoring his perseverance and impact on the community

The Council then adjourned the meeting.

Conclusion

The June 9 City Council meeting balanced celebratory recognition and challenging decisions, demonstrating St. Charles’s commitment to diversity, community support, and responsible urban development.

From honoring Pride Month to approving major housing and industrial projects, the Council’s actions reflect a forward-looking approach that respects both community values and economic development priorities.

FAQs

What was celebrated at the June 9, 2022, St. Charles City Council meeting?

The Council proclaimed June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, raising rainbow flags at city facilities to honor diversity and inclusivity.

Which development projects were approved during the meeting?

The Springs at St. Charles PUD and annexation were approved, along with Pheasant Run Industrial Park redevelopment measures for material purchases and utility improvements.

Was a fireworks display approved by the Council?

Yes, a private fireworks display at Hotel Baker for a wedding event was approved, following neighbor notification protocols and safety considerations.

How did the Council address concerns about the Springs at St. Charles development?

Residents raised concerns about density and housing types. Developers clarified the apartments are market-rate, not Section 8, and the Council proceeded with approval to provide quality housing options.

Were any other community recognitions included in the meeting?

The Council paid tribute to Memorial Day, the 78th anniversary of D-Day, and honored Justin Hardy, a young athlete who passed away from cancer, recognizing his impact on the community.