'Shopsteading' is the next downtown Du Quoin discussion, Council seats new library board members, lays off employee

The discussions are only in the early stages, but a downtown building currently owned by Banterra Bank could qualify for a business development program called "shopsteading," similar to the recently launched "homesteading" program being offered for Division and Jefferson Street properties now in the city's possession.

The downtown building at issues housed Jess McNulty's sporting goods store years ago, then the Hobby House and in recent years a medical office. At one point the building was actually owned by a man now in prison.

The building is sound, but needs to be rehabilitated and the "shopsteading" program could be used to that. More on that story as it develops.

The council met Thursday to avoid holiday conflicts next week.

The council tabled Resolution 2014-R12-02 authorizing a TIF 1 redevelopment agreement because of a timing issue.

The council gave final approval to the 2015 real estate tax levies: $567,038 for the corporate levy and $71,250 for the public library levy.

The council approved the 2015 city council meeting schedule.

The council rescinded condemnations of properties at 529 S. Washington and 216 W. Reed. The Washington Street property has been demolished. The Reed Street property was demolished under the city's imminent danger authority following a fir in the house there last year.

The council approved the appointment of longtime Du Quoin educators Betty Eastman and Joyce Calvert to the Du Quoin Public Library Board

The council approved the lay-off of Kody Greenwood "with deep regret" from the water department because of the need for a workforce reduction as a budget matter. Mayor Rex Duncan complemented Greenwood's work while he was on the city's staff.

There was no other business before the council with several comments on how beautiful the city looks for the holiday and a footnote to attend Holiday Lights this weekend, the last weekend that the Exhibition Hall will be open. You can drive the light trail until new years.