South West Illinois News

City of Du Quoin City Council Met June 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes:  

The Minutes of the City Council of the City of Du Quoin, County of Perry, held in the Council Chambers of the Du Quoin City Hall.  

Invocation:  

City Attorney Aaron Atkins gave the invocation and Mayor Alongi led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Call to Order:  

Mayor Alongi called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following individuals attending:  Commissioners Charles Genesio, Michael Ward, and Bob Karnes. Absent was Commissioner Jill  Kirkpatrick. City staff present included City Attorney Aaron Atkins, City Clerk Ruth, and City  Treasurer Stephanie Cravens.  

Approval of Minutes:  

The Council approved the Open Session Council minutes of the June 14th meeting 

Motion: Commissioner Karnes 

Second: Commissioner Ward 

Ayes: All 

Nays: None  

The Council approved the Executive Session Council minutes of the June 14th meeting 

Motion: Commissioner Genesio 

Second: Commissioner Karnes 

Ayes: All 

Nays: None  

The Council approved to release the Executive Session Council minutes of the June 14th meeting 

Motion: Commissioner Karnes 

Second: Commissioner Genesio 

Ayes: All 

Nays: None  

Appointments:  

Motion and vote to accept resignation of Police Sergeant Phil Schimanski effective July 28, 2021

Motion: Commissioner Ward with  Regret 

Second: Commissioner Genesio with  Regret

Ayes: All 

Nays: None 

Approval of Bills to be Paid:  

The Council approved payment of the bill list and payroll report. 

Motion: Commissioner Genesio 

Second: Commissioner Karnes 

Ayes: All Nays: 

None  Resolutions:  

City Council Meeting Minutes June 28, 2021 R. Hale, City Clerk  1 

A. Resolution 2021-R06-01: A Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Video Cameras & Related  Equipment (Final Approval) 

Motion: Commissioner Ward 

Second: Commissioner Karnes 

Ayes: All 

Nays: None 

B. Resolution 2021-R07-02: A Resolution Making Bob Green Drive One-Way from East to West during  Fair Week Only (Final Approval) 

Motion: Commissioner Karnes 

Second: Commissioner Ward 

Ayes: All 

Nays: None

Other Business: 

The Mayor introduced the Honorable Thomas Brantley, a local Scout. Thomas presented to the council  his idea for a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge. He would like to raise funds to build a fence around  the war memorial in the City Park. The memorial would have two brick and mortar posts at the entry  gate with a plaque commemorating his endeavor in order for him to earn his badge. His intention is to  reach out to several veteran’s groups, businesses, and hold fund raisers. The Mayor pledged $5,000 to  get him started as it was estimated to cost around $20K to $30K. The council exhibited excitement to be  a part of the part and agreed to add an item to the agenda for the next meeting. Thomas will verify that  the project must be completed by next April. 

Aaron Atkins spoke on behalf of a concerned citizen about lack of handicap parking at local  restaurants. Specifically, the downtown restaurants need additional parking during the dinner hours  with the elderly population finding it difficult to navigate the curbs and sometimes walking from the  railroad track lots. The council agreed to have Commissioners Ward, Karnes, and Chief Ingram meet  and study the parking issue for approximately one month and consider adding additional parking in  front of the restaurants.  

Commissioners’ Comments:  

Ward: Thanked a number of special young people, Thomas Brantley, at the meeting, Nick Tate, Bilal  Spiller, Shakeela Brown, and Salty Boar for the Juneteenth Celebration; also to Nick Endres and the  ministry that held the event at the Park the same day. Prays go out to the family of Da’Jon Johnson. Also speedy recovery to Larry Brown, Commissioner Kirkpatrick’s mother, Mayor’s mother and wife,  and anyone else that has been suffering. Thanks to the council and citizens of Du Quoin for everything everyone does to make things work.  

Karnes: Second what Commissioner Ward stated. 

Mayor: Thanked Thomas Brantley, stated it was nice to have young people get involved with the  community.  

Public Comment:  

Mayor Alongi announced that meeting was open for public comment at 6:24 p.m. Public comment was  closed at 6:24 p.m. 

Executive Session:  

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 126/2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings  

Adjournment:  

The City Council adjourned at 6:24 pm.  

Motion: Commissioner Karnes Second: Commissioner Ward   

Ayes: All Nays: None