Belleview awards $364,767 water tank bid and hears Sportsplex dispute

The Belleview City Commission on Oct. 6 awarded a $364,767.19 bid to RCM Utilities, LLC for a hydropneumatic tank at Well 5. The 10,000-gallon tank is designed to give water more retention time before it enters the distribution system. RCM was the lowest responsible bidder of four bids received Sept. 16, Public Works Director Bob Titterington said.

Commissioner Robert “BO” Smith made the motion, and Commissioner Ronald T Livsey seconded it. Mayor Christine Dobkowski and Commissioner Ray Dwyer also voted yes, and the motion passed 4-0. Commissioner Michael Goldman was absent for the vote after leaving the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

The commission voted 5-0 to approve Ordinance 2026-18, on residential uses in B-2 zoning, on first reading. At an Aug. 18 meeting, the commission considered prohibiting new residential construction to prevent an overconcentration of residential uses in B-2 zones, Development Services Director Chancey said. The proposed ordinance keeps existing residential uses and lets them continue. It would allow mixed-use buildings with upper-floor flats and loft apartments, plus on-site residences for managers, security personnel or owners.

The commission also approved a developer’s agreement with 484 Market LLC for a 2.99-acre parcel at 5195 SE 132nd Street Road, inside city limits, that is operating as a 7-Eleven.

Dobkowski addressed ongoing issues at the Sportsplex over use of city ballfields and batting cages by Belleview Youth Baseball and the public. The mayor reported that requested financial documents had not been received, public access concerns remained unresolved and signage had not been installed. She asked the commission to schedule a Sportsplex workshop for the second meeting in November.

The league’s president told the commission the league only has issues when the mayor’s family is involved. He said the only work in the concession area was changing a light fixture, and that the league is working with the County to submit its financial information. One speaker said he felt the timing was suspicious when police arrived to close the concession stand shortly after he saw the mayor’s son at the field. The mayor said the timing was not suspicious, because she had received a photo of the open stand and contacted staff and police.

Goldman said the problem is one of communication and that he would like a Marion County representative at the workshop. Dwyer said the City, with a population of 6000 people, funded $380,000 for lights at a park used mainly by County residents.