The Colchester City Council met April 6, and in quick order addressed an ambitious agenda. Foremost among the actions taken was written communication expressing dissatisfaction with the city's current waste removal contractor; an application for use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for exterior improvements to a commercial property; beginning a process for licensing alcohol sales at a new business in town, and approval of a bid for painting of the city's water tower.
Based on resident complaints, and upon advice from city attorney Diane Vine, the city will issue written notice to Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), headquartered in Rosemont, with a demand for reimbursement/compensation. The city will also begin advertising for a new waste removal contractor. The city awaits response from LRS before taking further action. According to the company's website, LRS services 160 communities throughout Illinois and Indiana and into Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa. Their waste removal vehicles operate locally out of Monmouth.
The council approved the application of Blake and Devyn Denney for a TIF grant for exterior improvement to their business building at 209 E. Depot St. The Denneys are renovating a building with the intent to open 'Golf Garage,' a golf and fitness center with bay rental for golf simulators. In addition, lessons and merchandise will be available for customers. The couple is planning an $8,500 improvement and has applied for $4,250 from the TIF fund pending completion of the renovation.
In a related issue, the Denneys are seeking a special use liquor license for their business. In a written statement, Devyn Denney stated that 'We would like to be able to provide our clients and guests with the option to purchase beer, wine, and potentially mixed drinks during their time at the Golf Garage. Our primary goal is to create a family- oriented space and to share the love of golf with our community. We also want to provide a fun and safe space for adults to enjoy a beverage of their choosing, socialize, and bring revenue to the city.'
Council member Kim Limkeman presented a formal motion that the council direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance amendment to the city's liquor code to create a new liquor license category defined as a 'specialty retail category' to accommodate the Golf Garage venture. Council member Martha Clark expressed displeasure with issuing any kind of specialty license and with the general idea of open alcohol sales in local businesses. The vote was three ayes (Clark, Frost, Lowderman), one nay (Limkeman), and two abstentions (Wetzel, Welch), thereby approving the motion to begin the process.
The Council approved waiving the required bidding process for painting the water tower and approved a bid from Pittsburgh Tank & Tower Group at a cost of $107,600.
Concerning poorly maintained lawns in the city, the council approved the services of Epic and of Jake's Mowing to mow those properties in violation of city ordinance. Colchester Police Chief Gary Smith will determine properties to contact in accordance with current city ordinances.
The council tabled action recommended by the finance/legislation committee for employee raises, returning discussion to individual committees.
In regard to more technical governmental issues, the council approved accepting a wastewater operation service for the city. With the recent upgrading of the sewer system, a similar upgrading is necessary for inspection. The city will use licensing services from IMEG/ Benton engineering companies at a cost of $1,200 per month. The council also approved accepting the 'Municipal Maintenance Expenditure Statement' for Motor Fuel Tax uses for next year. The estimated amount is $46,028 for basic city street repairs. The council added a mandatory document on the Return-to-Work Risk Management Association form as part of Illinois Municipal League insurance. Finally, the council approved giving City Clerk Randy Faxon power to act on aligning the city's tax levy computation report with the McDonough County Clerk.
Finally, the council approved the following: lettering and decaling of the city's police vehicles at a cost not to exceed $3,500; the appointment of Jeff Coplan to the summer ball committee; establishing a contract with Colchester Medical Clinic for employee physicals at a cost of $75 (but not including lab tests if necessary); the closing of Depot Street from Coal Street to Elizabeth Street for a car show on July 11, and allocating donations for $300 for a quarter page ad in the McDonough County Bicentennial book as well as $100 donations each for the West Prairie School District 103 After Prom Committee and the After Graduation Committee.
The Council set the citywide yard sale dates for May 28-30. with Jeanne Biswell coordinating the event. The Council also set Friday, June 5 (north side of town), and Saturday, June 6 (south side of town) as city clean-up dates.
City of Colchester Council agendas, approved minutes, resolutions and ordinances are available at cityofcolchester. org
