A discussion was held Monday, December 16th during the Knoxville City Council meeting in regards to ceasing the collection of electronic items in the city. At the December 2nd meeting, Third Ward Alderman Toby Myers noted that the city offers electronics pick-up for residents that pay for the $10.00 ticket but there isn’t a place to easily dispose of large electronic items. Large, heavy console televisions were at the center of the discussion. Waste Management in Galesburg doesn’t take commercial drop-offs. Typical rates for large-item disposal is 40 cents per pound. A suggestion to offer a second, $50 ticket for large items was discussed but ultimately tabled until the next City Council meeting.
Council also made an amendment to the Cemetery Rate and Procedure Charge Ordinance. Grave-opening rates for weekends and after-hours- which is after 2:30 pm – is $600. Effective January 1st, the city will not do burials on federal holidays unless the city is paid the NEW Sunday rate of $1,495. The measure passed.
The council approved amendments made to the zoning code regarding adult-use recreational cannabis businesses. Some of the highlights from the ordinance include: allowing a dispensary or retail sellers of cannabis in business districts and it will allow craft growers establishments to be combined with a dispensary. State law prohibits a dispensary or craft grower to be within 1500 feet of another dispensary or craft grower. “Following the City Council’s direction, other distance restrictions mirror those in the liquor code,” said Mayor Dennis Maurer. “Under the revised ordinance a cannabis facility may not be located within 100 feet of any church, school – other than an institution of higher learning, hospital, or home for veterans. Daycare centers are no longer mentioned.” The ordinance also copies the liquor ordinance where dispensaries could stay open as late at 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The measure was approved by a 5-1 vote with Third Ward Alderman Charlie Gruner the lone “no” vote and Fourth Ward Alderman Lester Naslund absent.
Third Ward Alderman Toby Myers called the ordinance a “great start.”
