South West Illinois News

City of Du Quoin City Council met March 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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. Mayor Alongi then 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 Jill Kirkpatrick, Charles Genesio, and Michael Ward. Commissioner Bob Karnes attended remotely. City staff present included City Attorney Aaron Atkins, City Clerk Ruth Hale, and City Treasurer Stephanie Cravens.

Approval of Minutes:

The Council approved the Open Session Council minutes of the February 28th meeting. Motion: Commissioner Ward Second: Commissioner Kirkpatrick

Ayes: All Nays: None

Approval of Bills to be Paid:

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

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Commissioner Ward Ayes: All Nays: None

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Ordinance 2022-O02-03: An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Property (Final Approval)

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Ward

Ayes: All Nays: None

B. Resolution 2022-R02-04: A Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Lawnmower from Porter Outdoor Power Equipment (Final Approval)

Motion: Commissioner Karnes Second: Commissioner Ward Ayes: All Nays: None

C. Ordinance 2022-O02-04: An Ordinance to Solicit Bids for Addition on Street Department Shed (Final Approval)

Motion: Commissioner Karnes Second: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Ayes: All Nays: None

D. Ordinance 2022-O03-01: An Ordinance Waiving Bidding Pursuant to Section 1-2-43 (B) of the Ordinances of the City of Du Quoin (Debate/Public Display)

Motion: Commissioner Ward Second: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Ayes: All Nays: None

E. Resolution 2022-R03-01: A Resolution Authorizing Du Quoin Business District Proceeds to Acquire and Install an Emergency Storm Siren to Protect Public Safety within the Du Quoin Business District (Debate/Public Display)

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Commissioner Genesio

Ayes: All Nays: None

F. Resolution 2022-R03-02: A Resolution Authorizing Business District Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Du Quoin and Lee Keller (Debate/Public Display)

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Commissioner Genesio Ayes: All Nays: None

G. Resolution 2022-R03-03: A Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Fund-raising Roadblock Permit for the Du Quoin Lions Club (Final Approval)

Motion: Commissioner Ward Second: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Ayes: All Nays: None

H. Ordinance 20222-O03-01: An Ordinance Adopting the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Lost Revenue Standard Allowance for the City of Du Quoin American Rescue Plan Act (Debate/Public Display)

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Commissioner Karnes Ayes: All Nays: None

Other Business:

The mayor announced the city’s health insurance loss ratio for 2021 was 96% which resulted in a 5.9% increase for the 2023 premiums. It is anticipated that another year of higher loss ratios for the worker compensation may be seen this year as well.

Commissioner Comments:

Ward: Prayers for those in the Ukraine. Congratulations to the Nashville Hornets for winning the state tournament this past weekend.

Public Comment:

Public comment was opened at 6:17 pm.

Larry Roberts, President of the Du Quoin City Lake Association, addressed the council. The association would like to do a gun raffle to raise funds. The proceeds would be used to help build a boat dock and a pavilion at the lake. The two structures could attract visitors to the lake and help generate revenues for the city. Mr. Roberts stressed that the association wants to partner with the city to assist any way they can to help generate revenues to keep the roads going. The association will cover the costs of the structures and the building. They also agreed to hold the city harmless and maintain insurance while they are building. The mayor asked the city attorney and clerk to check with the city insurance company on coverage after the structures are completed.

The mayor also inquired as to whether Mr. Roberts received any complaints from lake residents about the city initiating the boat permit fee. Mr. Roberts stated that no one had approached him and opposed the fee. Rather, everyone seemed agreeable to help.

Ms. Cindy Shepard took the podium and asked the city to consider banning hunting on the city lake. The mayor responded that it had been tried before but lake residents were hesitant. He suggested that the association get a proposal together and then come back to the city and revisit it.

Joyce Poole asked for another extension on the cleanup of her property due to Judge Campanella’s absence. Mayor Alongi granted an extension until the 28th.

Adjournment:

The City Council adjourned at 6:31 pm.

Motion: Commissioner Kirkpatrick Second: Commissioner Genesio

Ayes: All Nays: None

http://duquoin.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Council-Minutes-3-14-2022.pdf