The Minonk City Council signed an agreement with the Economic Development Council of Central Illinois to provide consulting services and guidance in promoting development opportunities for the City. Mayor Bill Koos said Minonk is taking the lead in promoting development by hiring the EDC to not only help bring new businesses to Minonk but also to provide support for the current businesses in the city.
Koos said the main functions of the EDC are:
Recruitment of new businesses by marketing Minonk through networking, conventions, research, etc.
- Managing the revolving loan fund that makes funds available to local businesses.
- Business retention and expansion in which the EDC would help local businesses get grants or loans and also make businesses aware of available training programs for employees.
- Reporting on the progress in development opportunities.The Mayor said that job retention is just as important as bringing in new jobs. He said that Greg Truninger will be the local EDC contact with the city. Koos said that Truninger is familar with Minonk and its environment and can help make local businesses more competitive by providing professional guidance.
The Council agreed to pay the EDC $20,000 a year for its services payable on a quarterly basis.
Audit Report
The council heard a report from the City's auditor who said that the City's financial books are in order and in good shape. The auditor said that the City's debt is far below the allowable limit set for cities of its size.
Other business
The council approved the Mayor's request to allow Lavon's Restaurant to serve liquor in an outdoor setting next to its establishment for the Tim Hovey Benefit to be held on October 13th from 1:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. The liquor is being furnished from another tavern and all proceeds go toward the Tim Hovey Benefit Fund.
The hours for trick or treating on Halloween will be between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Mayor's Comments
The Public Works Department has hooked up the sewer to the new ambulance shed.
Thanked the volunteers who helped lay the sod for the east baseball diamond at Veterans Park.