The Knoxville City Council met Monday night with a packed-agenda after canceling the first meeting this month due to weather.
An issue that was brought up to council during committee reports was by Police Chief Ron Poyner – who in the next two weeks will be down two more officers.
“I had some interest until they found out the pay, then their interest stopped,” said Poyner.
“It’s hard to find trained people, at the rate we’re paying, in police work anymore. So it looks like we’re going to have to pony-up and hire somebody to send to school. And that’s fairly expensive now. The school is twelve weeks and it’s like [$6,500 – $6,800] plus that person’s salary while they’re gone.”
Poyner received a letter of resignation from Officer Tim Miller – who stated he was willing to stay on the force as long as needed until a replacement was found.
Officer Emily Ordaz – who joined the force in July of 2017 also submitted a two-week notice.
Poyner said he’s seeing a lot of officers leaving for offers with Galesburg or with Knox County.
Being short-handed Poyner said there’s “plenty of overtime being used” but he sees a real challenge in getting what he needs to do done on the streets and at the station.
Alderman Toby Myers and Poyner each pointed out that the officers leaving were not about money – but opportunity.
Mayor Dennis Maurer encouraged the Police Committee to get together to see what options the city has.
The council revisited the sale of a city-owned lot located at 207 E. North Street were a dilapidated house once sat.
Listed at $10,500, the property hasn’t received any bids – so the council decided to table any action on the property for another month in hopes of finding an interested buyer.
The City had received a Facade Redevelopment Grant request for 220 E. Main Street – and for 222 E. Main Street – from Ghada Company.
The former Goff’s Building and former Main Street Tanning and Video building are being redeveloped for offices for rental.
The council decided to table the discussion until the full council was present – and after more redevelopment plans were available to see.
Aldermen also heard a presentation from representatives of America’s Best Value Inn in regards to a Class D Liqour license.
Owner Pete Patel wishes to install a bar in the lobby of the hotel and expand the dining area – and with that would come some gaming machines.
Council decided until they saw plans for the expansion – and after reviewing city ordinances which does not allow Class D licenses, the discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
The city was approved on a permit from IDOT for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th and the council also unanimously approved a donation of $20 per student for KHS Project Graduation.
