Du Quoin starts process to rename overpass for late Mayor John Rednour

The Du Quoin city council met at 6 p.m. Monday and began the lengthy process of renaming the Poplar Street overpass in memory of the late John Rednour.

Finance commissioner Kathy West presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Rex Duncan.

A resolution to rename the bridge--opened in 1995--will accompany the city's petition to the Illinois Department of Transportation and any local or federal entities that need to be involved later this week.

Troop leaders Mary Reese (Troop 8123), Dorothy Johnson (Troop 8844) and Alicia Kiechler (Troop 8843) and scouts opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The city council proclaimed March 9-15 as Girl Scout Week in Du Quoin.

In other action, the council approved Resolution # 2014-R03-01, a redevelopment agreement between the City of Du Quoin and Pete Patalas (More on today's Downtown Du Quoin page).

The council approved a roadblock for Du Quoin Lions Club for Oct. 11, 2014.

The council will hear a presentation from fire chief Bob Shaw on implementation of newer NFPA Life Safety Fire Codes. Mr. Shaw had planned to be at the meeting, but could not attend.

The council approved the donation of the retired D-48 fire truck to Rend Lake College for use in their Fire Science Program

The council approved the opening a new checking account for new Business District Tax Fund revenue to track the revenues from that district. The account will be opened at the Du Quoin State Bank.

The council accepted as a gift to the city the fire-damaged property at 216 W. Reed. Owner wishes to donate to the city. The house received major damage in a December fire and is more cost effective to accept the house and tear it down than to condemn it.

Lastly, the council appointed Nicole Colvin to the Du Quoin Park Board.