Danville council adopts new liquor, video gaming ordinance

Jennifer Bailey, Commercial-News, Danville, Ill.
·3 min read

Mar. 5—DANVILLE — After final changes to lower the cost for package and pick-up and delivery riders from $600 to $300, at the request of business owners, the Danville City Council Tuesday night approved a new liquor and video gaming ordinance.

The council voted 11-2 on the changes, with aldermen Jon Cooper and James Poshard voting against it and alderwoman Carolyn Wands absent.

Increased fees include: Class A liquor license for bars, $1,500 from the current $1,375; Class R liquor license for restaurants also would be $1,500, from the current $1,375; and a video gaming hall license would be $2,100 from the current $600.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council approved the appointment of Leon Parker as the city's next corporation counsel and he was sworn in. He is replacing retiring James Simon. The city still is looking for an assistant corporation counsel, as the prospective hire withdrew, Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said.

Parker has practiced law for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Vickie, were born and raised in Danville and they also raised seven children here.

Their children: Lucas Parker of Champaign; Druhan Parker, Rachel Parker and Brooke Parker all of Chicago; Kayla (Kevin) Beaulier of Oakwood; Breana (Kevin) Albers of Fithian; and Lukas Wright of Danville. They also have three grandchildren: Lylah and Hallie Beaulier and Emmor Albers.

"I look forward to working for the city in the city's best interest," Parker said.

He said he's glad to be a part of exciting things coming for this community.

Parker attended Elmwood Elementary, East Park Jr. High, and graduated from Danville High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, and his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has practiced law in a private practice since he returned to Danville in the fall of 1997.

Parker is a past member of AMBUCS, served as a past vice chair of the East Central Illinois Community Action board, and served as a past member of the Danville District 118 school board.

In other reports, it was announced that Danville's Got Talent winner was Delanie Robinson. A video was to be available online to view the event.

The council also heard from a resident regarding the city saying he's illegally parking his food truck on property he owns near his home on Martin Street.

In other business, the council approved:

* Authorizing the purchase of two police service canines and accepting a police K-9 agreement with Midwest Professional Canine Services and Paw-A-Day K9 Suites, LLC.

* An application for an AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant. The $15,000 grant would be for enhancements to Lindley Sign Post Forest area and the adjoining alleyway from East Harrison to East North streets, to improve walkability and safety of citizens in downtown Danville.

* Amending city code pertaining to compensation of municipal employees. Changes: the employee salary for assistant corporation counsel: $95,000 (was set at $86,694); salary for golf course manager: $75,000 (was $44,117); salary for community wellness and aquatics manager: $55,273 (new position); salary for rehabilitation specialist (CDBG): $60,000 (was set at $49,837); the position of rehabilitation specialist (IHDA) is eliminated; and salary for municipal building custodian: $45,677 (was $36,316).

* Authorizing an application for an Assistance to Firefighters grant. The grant would cover 90% of the cost of 10 sets of personal protective equipment and require a 10% local match by the city, to come from the general fund. Total estimated expenses are not expected to exceed $60,500 with a local match not to exceed $6,050.

* An application to CSX for a Community Service Grant. If the city is awarded $1,000-$5,000, the Danville Police Department will utilize the grant for completion of maintenance work to the existing CSX rail car and surrounding areas at Friendly Town in Lincoln Park.