Gaming proposal revisted Feb. 22

BENTON — Public Health and Safety Commissioner David Moore has requested the city revisit an issue brought before the Benton City Council late last year.
At the Dec. 28 meeting, Mike and Krista Szczeblewski, owners of K&M Liquors on Illinois 37 North, requested the city consider a pouring license for a gaming parlor near their business. The request was made through David J. Schmitt of Universal Gaming Group.
At the time, the council took no action on the request.
"I was asleep at the switch, trying to do my homework when K&M came and asked for a pour license. I didn't have all my answers at that time. I do now. I regret making that motion. So at the next meeting (Feb. 22) I want to put it on the agenda to reconsider that pour license," Moore said. "I regret publicly that I didn't make that motion and let it go to a vote (last time)."
Moore made the comment during the Monday night meeting of the council under "old business."
The building under consideration for the gaming parlor is located on Illinois Highway 37 North, in the former fitness center and Ted's Fashions.
"They want to purchase the building, redo the front, and invest some money and make it into a four business strip mall. The two in the middle will be Sizzlin' Sevens, a gaming parlor similar to a Mickey's or Lucy's place. These gaming parlors are for people that want video gaming entertainment. They drink soda and coffee and the medium age is 55 to 85," explained Schmitt at the December meeting.
Schmitt said the owners would have to go through background checks by state and federal officials and be fingerprinted.
"It's good for everybody. The city gets 5 percent of the cut and the state 25 percent of the cut. It would be a nice shot in the arm for that side of Benton."
The Sczeblewskis have operated K&M Liquors in Benton for 30 years.
"We just want to have a nice place for people our age who don't want to go to a bar, who want to gamble and just have fun. I don't want a tavern," Krista Sczeblewski told the council.
Mayor Fred Kondritz favored the proposal when it was presented. Councilman Ronnie Baumgarte said he would be voting against the proposal. With one vote in favor and one against, that would leave the proposal in the hands of commissioners Dennis Miller and Don Wyant, who offered no comment at the earlier meeting.
It's been previously reported that West City is currently in negotiations with a convenience store chain interested in bringing gaming opportunities to the village.
In other action at Monday's meeting, two purchase orders presented by Moore were approved for the Benton Police Department — a $4,000 purchase for two in-car video systems; and a $7,000 outlay for nine new bullet proof armored vests.