Du Quoin council sees new logo, hears updates on homesteading, lighting and hazard mitigation
After witnessing the unveiling of Du Quoin's new logo and slogan (see Page 1) which includes what design artist Sharon Reynolds Haege calls "a new light being cast upon Du Quoin and a more grown up marketing plan" the council settled into a night of project updates.
The council received a briefing from the Perry County Emergency Management Agency director David Searby and other program personnel on the Perry County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. That process involves several steps including identifying and ranking hazards in Du Quoin and the county, informing the public about those hazards, hazard mitigation and finally adoption of the plan. That plan should be in place by June.
The council discussed and approved the Homesteading program request for proposals for properties at 705 South Jefferson and 115 North Division. The requirements of the program will be mailed to those who have shown an interest in the properties.
The council received a briefing from and approved proposal for Extanet systems fiber installation plan in Du Quoin. Spokeswoman Kimberly Nash explained that several new fiber optic cables will be installed underground, that her company will locate underground utilities that might be in the path of those borings and that required permits from entities like the railroad and IDOT will be obtained. Du Quoin may benefit from two strands of fiber optic cable being earmarked for use by the city and its first responders.
The council received an update from David McIntire on the city's energy efficient lighting program. McIntire said city-owned facilities and installations that could benefit from the plan are being brought to his attention and he is addressing them.
There seemed to be a hesitation in Mayor Duncan's enthusiasm when the discussion turned to changing out lighting in the downtown street lamps. The new white lighting tends to conflict with the softer street lights above and may compromise the warmth of the existing lighting.
Nothing was said, though.