City Council discusses amusement tax

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.