Sunday, February 26, 2006

Mayor responds to article on Enterprise Zone

Sunday, February 26, 2006 - Posted 8:07:00 AM

Mayor Bill Koos cleared the air on the city's stance on a proposed Enterprise Zone mentioned in an article on the Peoria Journal Star.  The following is a statement made by the mayor made at the Minonk City Council meeting last Monday night.


"Let me first preface my statement by saying that the City of Minonk sincerely appreciates and completely respects every opportunity to hear ideas or plans that may have economic benefits to our community.  All proposals made whether they be from the private or public sector are each given careful consideration and review and then acted upon accordingly and through the democratic process.

This brings me to the February 16, 2006 issue of the Peoria Journal State. Quote, “Minonk is asking Marshall County to lend a hand in efforts to spark commercial development at the edge of the small Woodford County city" end quote.  And then again quote, "A group of Minonk officials and business leaders are working to annex an area around the Interstate 39 interchange into Marshall County.  The annexation would include a proposed motor sports racing complex and is necessary to offer tax benefits to potential developers” end quote.

As the Mayor of Minonk I would like to clearly state for the record that the City of Minonk has NOT initiated any proposals or discussions on any matter concerning an Enterprise Zone.  The City of Minonk was invited to this meeting with the understanding it was for information gathering purposes only.  A way to learn about Enterprise Zones and their benefits.  The presence of city officials, (1) alderman, and the city administrator was to gather information so we could understand the advantages and/or disadvantages of Enterprise Zone tools being used by other communities.  Making assumptions by any and all parties in attendance at this specific meeting that the City of Minonk was somehow promoting or giving an endorsement of the plan was totally premature, and completely unwarranted.  As I stated earlier, the City of Minonk sincerely appreciates and respects any and all business proposals that may benefit our community.”

Other news

In other action the City Council hired Nathan Steinwedel as a full-time police officer for the City of Minonk.   Steinwedel, who is from Peoria and was a part-time police officer  for the City, will receive a starting salary of $25,695.

The council approved parking on the east side of the alley between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets.  The area had been designated a no parking zone for over 25 years but was seldom enforced until recently.

City Administrator Trent Smith said that three people will be interviewed on Tuesday, February 21,  for a new EMS Chief.  Smith also noted that the city-wide spring cleanup will probably be held on a weekend in the latter part of April.  The clean-up will be on a Tuesday and Wednesday following the town-wide garage sale.