The
Minonk City Council pondered the wording in an amusement tax ordinance
that would place a 3% tax on all amusements with the City of
Minonk. The tax would only affect "for profit" individuals or
groups and would be placed on the gross receipts from ticket sales for
each event.
Alderman Bill Koos wanted wording that would specify that each owner of an amusement should be notified in advance that they could be
audited,
if necessary, to determine the amount of tax. The council agreed
to put in this wording before voting to approve the ordinance.
Currently, the only ticket sales that would be affected would be for
the proposed racing events that are in the process of being
developed. Specific use of the revenue generated from this tax
could be dedicated annually, by agreement if so chosen, for such areas
as the Fieldcrest School District through a grant or donation.
Council approves CMS Agreement
The
council approved a motion to participate in a program with the State of
Illinois Law Enforcement Support Office that would allow local law
enforcement agencies to obtain federal government surplus items at no
cost. The annual fee of $300 allows the city to access a website
showing all of the surplus items available. Such surplus items
could be anything used by the military, including portable generators
of which the city is currently in need of to replace the backup
generator for the office and the police department building.
Alderman Ron Redenius said that all kinds of equipment is available
including M16 rifles, riot shotguns, radio equipment and other
technical equipment.
TIF Agreement approved with Kane McKenna
The
council approved a "Letter of Agreement" with TIF consultants Kane
McKenna in order to facilitate the implementation of a TIF district on
a portion of Section 6. The contract is based on an hourly rate
but is estimated to cost between $20,000 - $25,000. However, the
preliminary work already done by the city will reduce the price
considerably. In a related item, the council also approved an
ordinance that complies with requirements of the new TIF Act. The
ordinance requires the city to develop and maintain a registry of
anyone wishing to be notified personally of the Annual meeting for a
given TIF district.
Other news.
City
Administrator said that the Culpepper Meriweather Circus will be
setting up its tent in Minonk on September 4th, Labor Day
weekend. The circus is the same one that gave a performance in
Minonk 2 years ago. The circus will be located at the south end
of Sutton's Park. Racetrack developer Randy Hillyer told the
council that the city is welcome to use the racetracks facilities for
any future circuses to be held in Minonk at no charge.
John
Hawk of East Fourth Street asked if the street flooding problem near
Locust and Fourth is being addressed. City Administrator Trent
Smith said that city engineers will be looking into the problem next
week. Smith said the water lines will be inspected again.
He said it will probably be necessary to reshoot the grade and lay new
lines to solve the problem.
JoLena Catarinicchia of Joe's
Pizza in Minonk asked raceway developer Randy Hillyer if local
establishments will be given preference when choosing vendors for the
racing events. Hillyer said that for the majority of the events,
the raceway will provide its own concessions. However, for larger
events, outside vendors will be asked to provide additional
concessions. He said vendors should contact raceway authorities
now but emphasized that local vendors will be given first chance for a
vendorship. Catarinicchia also asked if handicapped access and a
street light could be installed in front of their pizza house on Oak
Street. Mayor Mark Spencer said the public works department will
review her request.