The Knoxville City Council met last night where the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations were approved for the city. The Council also approved the hiring of part time Police Officer Randy L. Wilson. At the July 2nd Council meeting, Aldermen were presented a petition to review the idea of allowing ATV’s and golf carts on city roadways. The discussion turned semi-heated when members of the community opposed to the idea spoke up against it last night. The original idea was to allow golf carts on roadways as long as they were operated with a valid driver’s license, insured, and featured working brake lights and turn signals. The council then asked Police Chief Ron Poyner his opinion. “If you look at the vehicle code, there’s no mention of seat belts,” Poyner said. “It’s just a matter of time before we catch a child on it or there will be someone who is not qualified to drive it because they lost their driver’s license or had it canceled or revoked or suspended, or they’re intoxicated. I could go on for ever and ever and ever – and I just think it’s a can or worms. I’m not for it. That’s not saying I object to people that like to do these types of things, but from a police point of view, I’m not for it at all.” The topic was tabled until more research could be done by the city council.
Lead water service lines within the city and how to replace them came up during the July 2nd meeting. Mayor Dennis Maurer informed the council that it costs $4,000 per home to replace the lines. The project would involve a 20-year forgivable loan for $600,000 and around 141 homes qualify for replacement. Maurer said a survey is to be sent out to residents. “(We) tried to explain to them we can bring the cost of this down per household, but they will be responsible for the remaining cost of $2,000 if they choose to participate,” Maurer said. The deadline to reply is July 30th. The council also approved the creation of a part-time Painting Employee position for the City. Knoxville native Marty Sterr will be hired to fill the position as painter for city-owned projects moving forward. Alderman also approved the purchase of a 2019 Ford F350 from Bob Ridings Fleet Sales of Taylorville, Illinois for Knoxville Street Department at a cost of nearly $59,000. The Knoxville City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 6th at 7:00 pm at the Knoxville Police Station.
