There was a somber tone at Monday's meeting of the Du Quoin City Council, as the city's commissioners regretfully accepted the resignation of Commissioner Dale Spencer.
Spencer, whose resignation was effective upon adjournment of the meeting, was forced to resign after a recent Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) audit showed he would lose his pension if he continued to serve on the council.
Spencer would also have to pay back his pension payments for the period of May 11, 2015 through March 2018. He was elected to the council in 2015 after, according to a news release from Mayor Guy Alongi, being advised by IMRF that year that his election would not have any effect on his pension.
During brief comments on Monday, Spencer called the situation "circumstances beyond my control" and also thanked his fellow commissioners and the people of Du Quoin.
"I want to thank the people of Du Quoin for electing me three years ago," he said. "It's been a pleasure serving you."
Spencer told his fellow commissioners "I'm a phone call away" and pledged to keep up his volunteerism in the community.
Alongi's news release stated the city plans to appeal IMRF's decision. The commissioners met in closed session to discuss Spencer's replacement, but were not anticipated to take action.
"I think you got some bad advice in 2015," Alongi said to Spencer during the commissioners' comments portion of the meeting.
During their comment period, Spencer's fellow commissioners shared positive feedback of working with him.
"You always had the best of Du Quoin at heart, we're going to miss you," said Commissioner Michael Ward.
The only other major point of discussion was a special event liquor license being requested by a person who was interested in selling beer and wine during the opening night of an art show.
The individual, who wasn't named during the meeting, would also offer the alcohol beverages for sale per bottle to be consumed on or off the premises.
City attorney Aaron Atkins noted the city's current liquor ordinance restricts any person who doesn't have a liquor license from selling wine and beer from outside the city.
Atkins suggested an ordinance allowing those who are selling Illinois beer and Illinois wine for a maximum of three days and a fee of $50 per day.
Spencer had questions regarding the frequency of the special event licenses.
"Hypothetically, it could be for every weekend of the year if they're willing to pay the $50 per day," Atkins said.
As the city's liquor commissioner, Alongi noted he doesn't have to give out the special event licenses.
"It's awful expensive to get a liquor license from us and also go up and get one from Springfield," he said.
Commissioner Gerald Whitley asked if the council was promoting the art show or the beer/wine sales with the ordinance.
"Are we promoting the art show or are we promoting somebody to sell their wine?" he asked.
"Anytime you promote downtown, these people come into town and are going to spend money here," Ward said.
Ultimately, the council approved putting the ordinance on public display.
ROUNDUP
• The council approved putting an ordinance on public display that amends the budget to add a revolving loan fund. The purpose of the funds will be restricted to either economic development of new businesses or extending water and sewer service inside the city's industrial park.
• The council gave final approval to redevelopment agreements with the Du Quoin Community Development Corporation on the proposed redevelopments of 307 E. Main St. and 20 N. Division St.
• The council gave final approval to redevelopment agreements with Baked on Division owners Gene Krone and Scott Latta and Tracy Fenton. Fenton is devoting $100,000 to the renovation of the former Green's IGA building.
• The council gave final approval to a Tax Increment Financing agreement with Chester Construction Supply, Inc. regarding the sale of 9.71 acres in the Du Quoin Industrial Park.
• The council approved to put a resolution on public display that authorizes the relocation of solar equipment and accessories from the Du Quoin Solar Park to 1237 Industrial Park Boulevard to benefit Burke Tool and Manufacturing.
• The council approved awarding its final two roadblock permits of the year to the Du Quoin American Legion and Du Quoin Baseball Inc.
• A proclamation was read that recognizes the Du Quoin Youth Club and the March 10 Charity Ball.
"The Du Quoin Youth Club has touched a lot of lives in this city," Alongi said. "We hope the Charity Ball makes a bunch of money for you."
• During public comment, the owner of KeKe's Kloset asked the council for permission to organize a downtown sidewalk sale for late April. The council granted her request.
