With a couple of adjustments, the Danville City Council has passed updated fees for liquor and video gaming licenses. It was last week that Big Four Tavern owner Michael Gregory spoke about wanting something done about $600 fees for BOTH “packaging” AND “pick-up and delivery.” After he and other tavern owners met with Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr; there was an agreement to cut both fees in half to $300. That amendment passed, and then the resolution passed. Gregory said it felt good to get the adjustment done.
AUDIO: I think it’s a win, and I appreciate Mayor Williams talking with us last week before we voted today.
Big Four Tavern Owner Michael Gregory addresses the City Council prior to vote on updated Liquor and Video Gaming License fees.
Mayor Williams said it was a matter of sitting down and keeping all interests in mind.
AUDIO: I think what we showed is that we want to partner with our businesses. And as long as we’re fair to everyone and they’re fair to us, we were able to come with an agreement that works well for everybody. I’m really appreciative of the feedback that they provided to us, and they’re willingness to help make this an ordinance that works well for everyone.
The Danville Police Department’s plans for two new K-9 dogs were also passed by the full Danville City Council.
The City of Danville and Vermilion County continue to work on plans for simultaneous tear downs of Bresee Tower (to be paid by the city) and the Courthouse Annex Building (to be paid by the county).
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, City of Danville and Vermilion County officials met to try and take another step towards the finalization to tear down both Bresee Tower, and the adjacent Vermilion County Courthouse Annex Building. The plan calls for the city to pay for the Bresee demolition, and the county to pay for the annex demolition, and for both entities to work together on securing a bid for the job. Mayor Williams says, progress was made on Tuesday.
AUDIO: There are three or four points that we needed to work through. I think we worked through those. The State’s Attorney’s Office is going to send us back some comments. And my hope is that within the next couple of weeks, if not a month at the most, we will be able to bring an agreement to the City Council, and to the County Board, for approval.
Williams says the idea remains to actually see the tear downs started this year.
PREVIOUS STORY ON LIQUOR/VIDEO GAMING LICENSE FEES:
Updated Liquor and Video Gaming License Fees Passed by Committee; On to Full City Council
PREVIOUS STORY ON POLICE DEPARTMENT’S PLANS FOR NEW K-9 UNITS:
Danville Police Department One Step Way from Restoring Full K-9 Team
