City approves $35,000 grants for expansion of Wrights Inc.; Concealed Carry expected to increase local revenue
The Pinckneyville City Council approved a $25,000 grant from the Business District Funds and a $10,000 matching grant for facade renovation for Wrights Incorporated to expand their business, located on the south end of town.
Stuart Wright said the Flora concealed carry law has drawn 60 to 80 people per month to Pinckneyville for classroom training at his business, which is recognized worldwide for gun chokes.
Wright plans to renovate his building to include an air-conditioned classroom, sales fixtures and more inventory.
He predicted that his business, along with Mann & Son Sporting Goods and Hicks Trading Station will see an additional $80,000 in gun sales each year. If the Illinois concealed carry law is passed, the gains could be greater.
The Flora concealed carry law requires six hours of classroom training. The proposed Illinois law would require 16 hours. Those who receive their training under the Flora regulations will have a one-year grace period before having to undergo training again for the Illinois law if it passes.
The total project is expected to cost $160,000. Wright is investing $80,000 and asked the city to fund the other half. The council approved the grants and indicated the project would qualify for a CDAP loan for the remaining $45,000 for the other half of the project. Wright said he may apply for the loan.
In other business, the council:
• set the limit for hotel/motel tax contributions at $2,500. The council will work on a more detailed policy for donations from the fund for passage at a later date.
• heard from Commissioner Hicks that Tyson Tanner will work with the Police Department to create a procedure and fee schedule to allow misdemeanor and traffic offenders to pay fines directly to the City. Those who do not wish to pay directly to the city may still do so through the court system.
• heard from Commissioner David Stone that Bender Municipal Pool will be closed July 4 and for the afternoon on July 5 to allow employees to paint certain areas of the pool. The pool will re-open with the July 5 evening session.
• authorized the purchase of a Digital Network Copier from Stiles Office Solutions for $5,843 and the Total Care Package for $70 per month. The copier will be used in the City Clerk's Office. The Total Care Package covers 7,000 copies per month, labor on maintenance and toner and developer.
• approved street closing for St. Bruno Catholic Church Parish Picnic from 10 a.m. July 20 to 8 a.m. July 21 at the intersections of Sullivan and Clinton Streets, Laurel and Sullivan Streets and Clinton and Gordon Streets.
• reappointed Carol Moody and David Stone to the Library Board.
• authorized City Clerk Fran Thomas to initiate registration for the 2013 Illinois Municipal League Conferense in Chicago Oct. 17 - 19. All five council members indicated they may attend this year.