Improvements to Chandler Park were discussed at Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting of the Macomb City Council. City Administrator Scott Coker said he will ask the council next week to approve the purchase of new playground equipment.
The new equipment would surround the existing concrete equipment that was installed in the 1960s. Coker said the purchase must be made in order for Macomb to receive a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Seven proposals were received and reviewers favored a package from Cunningham Recreation at a cost of $275,000.
'The list is all-age inclusive and ADA friendly,' Coker said.
Alderman John Vigezzi said, 'It seems like a lot of money but it's a 15-year investment.'
Coker also told aldermen that The Farnsworth Group has added to its park design. The sidewalks surrounding the park would be improved so Macomb can qualify for an Illinois Department of Transportation ITEP streetscape grant. The city administrator said the design plan must be a part of the grant application.
Alderman Dave Dorsett said he supports the plan. 'This will be a significant investment in downtown,' he said.
Mayor Mike Inman added, 'This has been a long term administrative goal.'
In other business, council members discussed a proposed ordinance creating the city’s first-ever “arcade entertainment” (AE) liquor license, as well as an SS (Sunday Sales) license and EH (Extended Hours) supplement for LJ Tequila, Inc., which owns Pregame Arcade Bar,130 N. Lafayette St. The new license classification was approved last month by the council, and would allow those under 21 to participate in arcade games within the business. A second reading will be held on final action during next week’s City Council meeting.
City resident Canaan Albright told aldermen during the public comments portion of the meeting that he feels this is a good move as his family has traveled to surrounding cities so the kids could play at the arcades. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said holders of AE licenses must show that arcade entertainment is the primary source of income as opposed to alcohol sales. The business will be required to submit monthly expense reports for the next six months to ensure they’re in compliance with the AE license and code.
