Electric rates: Strength in numbers

Select Energy, the group that last year packaged the aggregation of electric rate elections that should create moderate savings for local and area ratepayers, says there is strength in numbers and is out to make towns like Du Quoin and Pinckneyville part of a larger package.

Mayor Rex Duncan at Monday night's city council meeting said Select Energy is contacting Du Quoin and Pinckneyville, whose residents and businesses probably number nearly 10,000 electric customers, about joining 100,000 customers in Southern Illinois to get an even lower electric rate.

In exchange, the provider Homefield Energy, would ask for a one-year longer contract that would expire in March 2015 instead of 2014.

The group will make a presentation at the next meeting.

In other action, the council:

• Approved an Arbor Day Proclamation

• Approved National Library Week Proclamation. The library will announce a full schedule of events for that celebration in the near future.

• The council approved Resolution 2013-04-01 "Support for Retired UMWA Miners"

• The council tabled approval of the Du Quoin State Fair twilight parade permit only until it receives proof of insurance. The request actually comes a month early and there is plenty of time to get the paperwork together.

There was a reminder to support the upcoming "Art on Main" event April 27, 2013. This is the second year for the project, which will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. throughout downtown Du Quoin.

Vendors will be allowed to set up tables for $10 each to support the initiative. Some artists will raffle their works at the information center in the mini-park. Food vendors and crafts are encouraged.

More than 800 pieces of student art will be on display as well as the works of amateur and professional artists. Most businesses and offices have agreed to display the artwork.

To be entered in the show, you can bring your art to city hall the weekend prior (Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)

Two things from city administrator Brad Myers:

1. It is illegal to park on boulevards. Those doing so will be warned first, then fined the second time.

2. Homeowners have started a spring clean-up of their yards. You are reminded that it is illegal to have an open fire burning in the city after 7 p.m.