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Constant liquor dicussion causing "negative business environment," owner says
The ordinance amending the city’s municipal code Chapter 38, “Intoxicating Liquors,” is dead for now.
At Monday’s city council meeting, the proposed ordinance, which was not voted on, spurred dissenting opinions from aldermen and residents alike.
Fourth Ward Alderman Donna Gorski attempted to postpone the vote, but did not receive a second motion.
Julie Lundeen, owner of Lundeen’s Discount Liquor at 1030 Arcadia Drive, spoke before the council, decrying the lack of positive communication between liquor distributors, the council and the liquor commission.
Lundeen said the constant discussion about liquor in DeKalb is “creating a negative business environment” for businesses that have roots in the community.
She also said the entire city is losing out on revenue because of the frequent alterations to city codes on establishments such as hers.
Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker said Chapter 38 should not be amended until more work was done to create a better ordinance.
“We need to hear both sides of the story,” Baker said.
The proposed changes would have made the chapter “more internally consistent,” incorporating a number of changes that would “make administration of the liquor industry easier … and more reflective of the true costs,” according to the City Council agenda.
Two ordinances passed adjusting the salary for both the mayor and aldermen.
The ordinances will reduce the salaries by 10 percent and make the cost for the insurance benefits 20 percent of the premium.
The Rockford Blacktop Construction Company received a bid for a “streetscape improvement project” on East Lincoln Highway between Third and 11th streets. The more than $900,000 bid is 7.2 percent above City Engineer’s estimate.
Though the project exceeds its estimate, there are sufficient funds from an earlier East Lincoln Highway project to pay for the difference.
DeKalb Paving, Inc. also received a bid for alley maintenance work.
Gorski asked City Engineer Joel Maurer why the company’s bid was nearly 39 percent lower than the lowest bid. He said the company used older equipment better suited for alley maintenance.
» Next City Article: Foreclosure notices increasing in DeKalb
3 years ago, City Attorney Guess was told to simplify the liquor code and correct glaring problems. It took her a year to present revisions in draft form and her effort simplifies nothing. This is like a criminal lawyer billing 100’s of hours in legal research to fight a jaywalking ticket.
NIU students continue to get ripped off with illegal cover charges which are banned under the current Chapter 38 unless the money goes directly to a live entertainer. Bar owners laugh to the bank!