High performance bass boats may share Du Quoin City Lake waters
The city could end a 10 h.p. limit on fishing boats at the Du Quoin City Lake and instead create a "No Wake (Wave) Zone" on the entire lake. What this does is allow fishermen with larger boats onto the lake, but fishermen will not be allowed to create any kind of a wake off their outboards while on the lake.
City administrator Brad Myers said that decision comes after a meeting with Dan Lewis from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. IDNR and city law enforcement personnel will enforce the "No Wake" ordinance the best they can. Mayor Rex Duncan's reaction: "Good Luck! I'm game, but I'm skeptical." What he means is that there will be a temptation by some boaters to skate across the lake at high speeds when no one is looking. Lake association vice-president Mike Downs attended the meeting and felt it was a good idea. Everyone lives by the same rule. Years ago, lake residents could have their fishing boats and pontoons with larger motors grandfathered in. Now, regardless of motor size, you can't make waves. The council will see the proposal in ordinance form at the next meeting.
The Du Quoin City Council Monday night also approved a 3.5 percent water rate increase effective June 1. The measure simply passes along to water customers the 3.5 percent annual increase invoked by the Rend Lake Intercity Water District. Yet, it will create a bump in revenue for the city insomuch as Du Quoin always applies any increase to the sewer side of the water bill, as well, effectively raising the increase to 7 percent.
The council tabled amendments to the city's hiring policy for the third time. The changes are designed to hire the best people and ban the hiring of immediate council family members unless the council member first resigns.
Former employees who left the city in good standing may be considered for reemployment. Former employees who resigned without written notice or who were dismissed for disciplinary reasons may not be considered for reemployment within five (5) years.
Fenton's Custom Collision to Build New $400,000 Shop
The council approved Resolution 2014-R05-01 authorizing a sales tax redevelopment agreement between the City of Du Quoin and Fenton's Custom and Collision, Inc. which is planning to build a new $400,000 shop and collision center in Du Quoin. The shop will be constructed at the intersection of Rt.51 South and Rt. 14 (near the Skate Zone). The agreement provides that the city will loan owner Tracy Fenton $75,000 for construction to be repaid at a rate of $670 a month. The shop could be completed by year's end. Fenton's Custom Collision currently has a large automotive repair center south of Elkville and a local detailing and storage facility on South Washington Street in Du Quoin. This project would replace both.
Handee-Mart Property on North Washington Condemned
The council approved a request from health and safety officer Ron Darnell to condemn what most still know as the Handee- Mart building on North Hickory Street. The building had been owned by Allen Corbin, was later bought for back taxes, but the new owner has continued to allow the property to deteriorate. Eventually, the building will be demolished as soon as the court is satisfied.
Other Business
The council is expected to approve parallel parking on North Walnut Street alongside Jim Keller's planned meat market business Green Mountain Meats expected to open by late summer.
The council discussed and is expected to approve change to Du Quoin Business Code 7-10-02 allowing a unisex restroom in Luthy's massage therapy practice which is part of the new Color Choice tanning business behind McIntire Electric. The apartment that was renovated for use by the two businesses has only one bathroom although others are nearby.
The council discussed the New Illinois Medical Cannabis law and its possible effect on the City of Du Quoin. The early discussion was prompted by the fact that the law allows one marijuana cultivation and dispensary business in each state police district in Illinois. Centralia is already the site for one business. Illinois currently has the toughest medical marijuana statute in the nation and it will be an issue in the months ahead.
Realtors and others are being asked to remove directional "For Sale" signs and business signs from city-owned property.
A longtime summer employee of the city swimming pool, Brianna Williams, complained to the council that she was not interviewed by the park board for an assistant manager's job despite a seven-year history at the pool.
Jana Kuhnert and son Sam detailed plans for their limb-challenged Nub-Ability Athletes programs including a summer camp at the Du Quoin High School July 18-20 and a plan for Nub-Ability Outdoors. It will be the subject of its own story later this week.
A resident at 110 West Franklin Street asked the city to have a tree on city right-of-way removed because its roots are damaging concrete.