LIQUOR SALES IN GREENVILLE TO BE DISCUSSED BY CITY COUNCIL
At Tuesday nights Greenville City Council meeting, Joe Koppeis presented information regarding his interest in bringing commercial and retail businesses to Greenville. Koppeis owns several strip-mall locations and is looking into the old Value City building, while adding additional space, along with a possible other location in town. One thing, however, that he said could hinder restaurants and other stores from wanting to be a part of the strip-mall is the lack of being able to get a liquor license in the city limits. City Manager Dave Willey said this is a great opportunity for Greenville, and the residents are the ones to decide if liquor sales should be allowed in the city. He said that this isn't the first time that the liquor issue has turned away prospective businesses. Council members will hold a special meeting in the next week to discuss possibly moving forward with getting petitions for a liquor ordinance question to be on the November ballot.
In other business, City Manager Willey read a letter that was sent to various entities regarding the possibility of the IEPA granting Ameren a permit for a pump station on the East Shoal Creek Reservoir. The letter, from the Greenville City Council, clearly states their opposition at this time, until a meeting can be set up with all involved parties to discuss a possible alternative solution for shared use of the water supply.
The Planning Commission's recommendation to not grant Lee Simmonds a Special Use Permit to operate his business, in a home on Winter Street, was brought before the council. A motion to overturn the recommendation failed the council, by a vote of 2-3. Mayor Alan Gaffner then amended the motion, adding a one-year lookback and architectural clause. This motion again failed, but with a different vote of 3-2.
Discussion on what to do with the park area on north Idler Lane, was tabled until the next meeting, to see if there is room in the budget.
STEPHENS FEARS ANOTHER SUMMER SPECIAL SESSION
Representative Ron Stephens expressed concern recently that with only three weeks remaining in the regular General Assembly Session, another drawn-out summer session, like what was seen last year, might become a reality unless the Democratic leadership puts aside their differences to get the budget work done on time. Other important items to be addressed include high property taxes and the soaring costs of gasoline and food. Stephens finished by saying, "It is my hope the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House, will put aside their differences and rise up and be the leaders we expect them to be."
