Du Quoin City Council discusses towing ordinance

Even with a nearly empty agenda, the Du Quoin City Council still had something to discuss on Monday.

During public comment, Police Chief Les Vancil approached the council about adding a $200 towing fee for vehicle code and criminal violations, such as DUI or drug-related charges, and not derelict vehicles.

Vancil said the fee would be based on the median salary of two officers, plus the dispatcher, for two hours of work. All money generated by the fee would go into the DQPD's DUI fund, which helps support training as part of its K-9 program.

City Attorney Aaron Atkins noted towing fees started being implemented four or five years ago and he had previously helped the village of Dowell institute one.

"This has been upheld in court and is part of state statute," he said.

Mayor Guy Alongi stated police and fire don't generate a lot of money, and the fee could help compensate the officers' time spent on incidents. He was also adamant about the ordinance specifying exactly where the money would go.

"I don't want us fighting over this six months from now," he said.

Vancil was asked how many cases of this type the DQPD handles per year and he responded that the number was between 200 and 300. He added that DUI cases already come with a six-hour vehicle hold and the towing fee would have to be paid before the vehicle would be released.

Commissioner Michael Ward said he had no problem at all with the towing fee as long as it related to DUIs and criminal charges.

The ordinance is expected to be brought up for a vote at the council's next meeting, which is February 12.

In other news, Vancil said all DQPD officers will now enforce the city's property maintenance code. He stated that one person typically operates as the property maintenance officer, but the rest of the department's roster will chip in.

"We want to make sure these derelict properties are taken care of as we definitely don't want to go backwards," Alongi said.

Commissioners' Comments

Commissioner Ward thanked Vancil and others who conducted the "Shop with a Cop" program.

"It's a program close to my heart and I appreciate all the help," he said.

Commissioner Dale Spencer noted the sidewalk underneath the awning in front of City Hall had become a liability for falls during icy weather. He said paint mixed with sand would be applied to help people more traction on the surface.

ROUNDUP

The council approved bills in the amount of $66,962.20.