The Norris City Village Board approved writing up a Class “D” restaurant/gaming license to Smith Co to put in gaming machines and sell alcohol. The vote was four to three, with Mayor Roy Kissell providing the tie-breaking vote. Board members Joe Skaggs, Norman Trousdale and Carl Whipple voted no. There will be a licensing fee and limits on days and times liquor could be served. You have to buy food with the alcohol and nothing can be taken out of the gaming area, which will be in a separate room. Smith Co is considering an automotive area for basic things like changing flats, replacing batteries and maybe an oil change. There would have to be a manager for the automotive area that must live within city limits. The license will be put together with the details, for passage at next month’s Board meeting.
Salvatore Galvan addressed the board about bringing in a Mexican restaurant. He and his family own three others, including one in Fairfield. The board was open to the idea and Galvan said he would provide more details at next month’s meeting.
The Village is looking for a new laborer, as Terry Rumsey is retiring, with his last day being on April 30th. The Board gave permission to advertise for a replacement. Applications will be due by April 16th, with an interview period that runs April 16th through the 30th. The new employee would start on May 1st.
The Village received the mineral deed for Boyd Park and the new sign has been erected there.
The Board agreed to sponsor three holes for the NCOE golf scramble, at $100 per hole.
There will be a town-wide rummage sale May 4th and 5th and cleanup week will the week of May 7th. Residents must have items out by Wednesday, may 9th. No car or truck tires, electronics, paints or construction debris will be accepted and no tree limbs will be picked up that week.
A resolution was approved to demolish the house at 506 North Division Street.
All water customers must complete a cross-connection survey that will be mailed out this week, according to new Illinois EPA regulations.
Mayor Kissell gave an update on TIF district business: The Wild Bunch is up and running, Shorty’s BBQ building is going up and should be open by June, no information on Dale Park and the downtown stage is available yet, work on Do Over Décor will start next week and a new house that will be built on the Southern Illinois Lumber property.
They have received a check for $450,000 from their insurance company on repair of the trickler building at the sanitary plant. Total cost of the repairs is $490,000 and the Village could possibly receive another check after the job is done.
In the police report for March, there were eight reports written, one arrest for a warrant and aggravated fleeing and 15 citations issued. There were also twelve 9-1-1 calls made.
The next Village Board meeting will be Monday, May 7th at 7 p.m.
