A proposed 5,000-seat amphitheater that would be built on city property wasn't on the Washington City Council's meeting agenda Monday, but it was on the agenda of audience members who came to the meeting to express their opposition to the project.
Washington residents Casey Doremus, Maureen Hotkevich and Berniece Vaughn spoke during public comment. Most of the audience of about 30 applauded their remarks about the amphitheater.
A $12 million donation from former Washington resident Jim Hengst routed through the not-for-profit Hengst Foundation would pay for the construction of the amphitheater on 20 acres in the northeast corner of the city's "223" property off U.S. Route 24 and Nofsinger Road.
The foundation also would operate the facility, which would be known as the Dee Amphitheater in honor of Hengst's late wife, another former Washington resident.
Doremus, a musician and composer, said he attended an open house held last week by foundation representatives and companies that would build and operate the amphitheater, and he found "they skewed their facts and didn't do their research very well," based on his experience in the music venue industry.
"Music venues are money pits," he said.
Doremus also cast doubt that amphitheater proponents could afford the acts they said could perform there.
Hotkevich asked that no decision on the amphitheater be made by the council for at least 90 days so alderpersons could do their due diligence, and for a town hall meeting to be held so Washington residents could get their questions answered in that setting.
She submitted a letter to the council signed by several residents who oppose the amphitheater.
Vaughn said the 1,100-seat Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Washington, which has a climate-controlled environment and is available year-round, has had its financial struggles through the years.
"What makes you think an outdoor venue open for a few months a year would fare better?" she said.
Among other concerns expressed by Hotkevich and Vaughn were noise and traffic from concerts disrupting lives in nearby neighborhoods, and concert-goers parking in those neighborhoods.
Term limits vote delayed; will residents have the final say?
A council vote Monday on proposed term limits for the Washington mayor and alderpersons was tabled until Feb. 17.
Alderperson Bobby Martin III asked for the vote to be tabled and said the question of whether the city should have term limits should be answered by residents in an election.
"I'm concerned because we don't have a lot of candidates running for council (in the April 1 election)," he said. "I'm all for term limits on the federal level, but I'm not sure about the local level."
Washington's mayor and four alderpersons, one in each of the city's four wards, will be elected April 1.
Alderpersons Mike Brownfield and Lilija Stevens, who represent Ward 1, are running for mayor. Gary Manier, the city's mayor since 2001, is not running for re-election.
Brownfield's alderperson term is expiring, so his seat will be open April 1. Stevens' alderperson term expires in 2027.
Alderpersons Brett Adams (Ward 2) and Brian Butler (Ward 3) are not running for re-election. Alderperson Mike McIntyre (Ward 4) is running for re-election.
Here's how the alderperson races shape up in each ward.
- Ward 1: Paula Johnson, Todd Sluder.
- Ward 2: Michael Ernst.
- Ward 3: Bobby Hackney, Brendon Moss (write-in candidates).
- Ward 4: McIntyre.
The proposed term limits ordinance limits the mayor and alderpersons to no more than three elected four-year terms. An appointment to fill a vacancy would not count.
Martin would like to see the limit reduced to two elected four-year terms.
Council voted 6-0 to delay the term limits vote until Feb. 17. Alderperson Jamie Smith and Brownfield did not attend the meeting.
Two eyesore homes are getting a makeover; Paint the Path receives a $1,500 boost from the city
Here are highlights of Planning & Development Director Jon Oliphant's report Monday to the council:
City staff is excited about the progress made on repairs of formerly dilapidated homes at 104 E. Jefferson St. and 118 N. High St., which were purchased by a local real estate broker.
"Finding buyers for homes like these is the best-case scenario for city staff. The court process that's needed to seek a legal remedy for property improvement can be lengthy and costly," Oliphant said.
"While the overall condition of the housing stock in Washington is excellent, city staff hopes to find local buyers should there be dilapidated homes in the future.
- A $1,500 tourism grant was awarded by the city to the Washington BRIDGE Education Foundation for its Paint the Path fundraiser. The fifth annual sidewalk chalk art event will be held June 14 on the recreation trail between Five Points Washington and the Washington Fire Department. The not-for-profit BRIDGE Foundation awards teacher and student grants and covers the cost of educational experiences for students of all grade levels. A professional artist category has been added to Paint the Path with a juried contest and cash prizes. Five Points Cares is hosting an inaugural fundraising pickleball tournament for Paint the Path.
Washington property owners who have listings on national websites for short-term rentals have been contacted by city staff about the need to be in compliance with the city's recently enacted STR regulations.
"We hope each property owner will have started the process to obtain a special use permit or certificate of registration by the end of February," Oliphant said.
- Building, electrical and plumbing inspections will be scheduled for the downtown square restaurant, as will a health/life/safety inspection of fire sprinklers. No opening date for the restaurant has been announced.
Police station, former police evidence building sustain water damage
Frozen pipes caused problems recently in two city facilities, Police Chief Mike McCoy said to council Monday in his regular report.
"A storage area at the police station suffered water damage when a sprinkler head froze and broke," he said. "The space heater in that area wasn't working and has been replaced."
The other issue was in the former police evidence facility, which was damaged by a fire last year.
"An overhead water line broke, causing damage including a collapsed ceiling in the internal office," McCoy said.
The building is still being used for storage by the city's Public Works Department.
McCoy also reported there was a car vs. pedestrian accident at Peoria and Wood streets that didn't result in a serious injury. A southbound pedestrian, crossing at the corner, was struck by an eastbound car.
Candlewood Bridge project should start in May
A bid opening for the Candlewood Bridge rehabilitation project should take place this spring with construction starting in May, City Engineer Dennis Carr reported Monday to the council.
The historic bridge, located near Glendale Cemetery, has been closed for several months because of a structural issue.
Cliff Otto is named to the Washington Fire Department Board
Council on Monday unanimously approved Manier's appointment of Cliff Otto to the Washington Fire Department Board. Otto joins Jeff Labuz as one of the city's two representatives on the five-member board.