The Knoxville City Council approved a pair of draft ordinances that were brought to Aldermen’s attention in recent weeks. The first was prohibiting cannabis possession. City Attorney Robert McCoy told the council the city currently has an ordinance in place for cannabis paraphernalia but not for cannabis possession. Updated Illinois state law now considers possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis a petty offense with a maximum state fine of $200. “The statute that was adopted by the state legislature still allows municipalities to regulate cannabis and have fines at a higher rate,” McCoy said. “(I) talked to the Chief, and thought it would be appropriate to have a higher rate fine both as a deterrent and a source of revenue and we could have our own system there.” The ordinance was drafted for a $150 administrative warning ticket for possession and was approved by the council.
The second draft ordinance was prompted by District 202 contacted Knoxville police on enforcing truancy. The current ordinance for truancy on the books was outdated, and not in accordance to state law. State law made municipalities enforce a maximum ticket of $100 – plus progressive fines – Knoxville’s was still at $500. If the child is under 13, the parent pays the fine. The draft ordinance was approved by the council.
Knoxville Aldermen approved a pair of applications for Tax Increment Financing within the downtown district during last night city council meeting as well. Pete Alfano, owner of 201 East Main Street – the former George’s Diner building, and the adjacent 205 East Main Street – which currently houses The Great Outdoors – hunting, fishing, and camping supply store submitted the applications. For 201 East Main, the work being done includes interior and exterior rebuilding – brick replacement, plaster removal, and mortar joint replacements. Work also included painting and window replacements. Similar work is planned for 205 East Main. There was confusion with the council over what Alfano had planned for the buildings. “…So I’m looking at all this – yes, I want to help him out but…what are we doing?” Ward 3 Alderman Toby Myers said. “No I understand,” Mayor Dennis Maurer said. “When he’s finished, he’s going to have to go back through an give us an accurate account of what he did and did not use off those invoices. If he did not use six bathtubs, he won’t be paid for six bathtubs.” “I’m just hoping…when he’s doing this, he’s not going to come to the council when it’s done and it’s not all George’s Apartment Building,” Myers added. “No, I don’t believe that is his intent,” Maurer said. The council approved the application and would result in $40,000 from TIF funds pending the project’s completion.
