The Knoxville City Council met Monday, April 1st. A variety of topics were covered – and the majority were tabled until more information was gathered. The city was approached by Knoxville and Galesburg businessman Keith Vaughn in regards to liquor licenses for his St. Mary’s Chapel wedding venue. According to Mayor Dennis Maurer, Vaughn wishes to set up a tent at the chapel to host wedding receptions and serve alcohol. The chapel already has a number of weddings scheduled at the venue this year. Knoxville ordinance says liquor licenses do not allow consumption of alcohol in a tent. Maurer told aldermen that part of Vaughn’s plan for the chapel is an additional building or pavilion-style shelter next to the chapel for receptions. Aldermen decided to table the topic until they got more information from Vaughn.
The City was also approached by a resident that wishes to place a cargo container on his property as an accessory building. Knoxville ordinance does not allow for such structures in residential districts and the measure was denied saying the resident would require a foundation. Cargo containers or “Pods” are allowed in business districts or if residential construction is taking place – but only for a limited time.
The council sent bids out to replace the roofs of the two shelters at James Knox Park. In an effort to spread out the expense the council decided to re-roof the larger pavilion at the park in all steel and the smaller of the two in another year. Aldermen were going to get a more comprehensive bid from contractors, estimating that the cost would be in the range of $8,000 – $10,000.
The council also established the Fourth of July Fireworks celebration for the City of Knoxville at James Knox Park will be on Thursday, July 4th with a rain date of July 5th. Mayor Dennis Maurer told the council that anyone interested in selling food or accessories during the 4th should come to a city council meeting and present their intentions.
Maurer also informed the council during his mayor’s report that there will be no Knoxville Youth Fishing Derby this year, but the city still plans on stocking the pond at James Knox Park.
