Mayor Duncan applauds spending restraint; council accepts gift of houses; new building codes up next

The Du Quoin City Council Monday accepted the gift of houses at 115 North Division Street and 705 South Jefferson from mortgage lenders who want out from under them.

Acceptance hinged on the lenders being able to provide either clear title or mortgage insurance. They said they can.

It was a meeting where Mayor Rex Duncan applauded the spending restraint of department heads in a year where revenue had to catch up with spending. Mayor Duncan said revenues are beginning to get back to normal. "I am impressed by the cost containment," Duncan said.

He said the city's next challenge is to come up with new building codes that address deteriorating buildings in downtown Du Quoin. He said it will be a system of "carrots and sticks" referring to incentives and penalties, but it is too early to elaborate. The city Thursday did take down barricades on the east side of Blanca's Corner consignment shop which had been barricaded since the collapse of a wall in the Higgins Jewelry building. Mayor Duncan said there are issues with the building, but the dangers are not imminent.

Carson Bookstaver, son of Steve and Heather Bookstaver shared his work on improvements to West Park, which will soon be rededicated as Thelma Pettiford Park. Bookstaver is doing a lot of work at the site as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Recently the Du Quoin City Council concurred with the Du Quoin Park Board's plan to rename West Park near the swimming pool "Pettiford Park" in honor of longtime park board member Thelma Pettiford.

New Wave Communications representative Dustin Wilz shared with the council his finding on how much his company could save the city on its phone and internet bill. Current costs average $2,265 a month and he said NewWave could save the city an average of $462 a month. The proposal was placed on public display before final approval.

The council asked that Dane Mason, organizer of the summer concert series in Keyes Park so that it could extend its appreciation. Mason thanked the city for its cooperation in preparing the park. He thanked the sponsors for their financial support, as well.

"You have absolutely run with this," said Mayor Duncan. An average of 500 residents have been enjoying the Tuesday night concerts.

He said a fall festival will be held o Saturday, Oct. 4.

Mason will also be in charge of the city's promotional booth at the Du Quoin State Fair.

The council accepted the resignations of park board members Chuck Smith, Thelma Pettiford and John Peters and named Joe Stephens to the board. The city is seeking nominations to fill the other two vacancies.

The council approved the business license and operation of Action Pawn shop on South Washington Street.

The council voted to move its August meeting to August 7 at 6 p.m.

The council approved the police merit board list.

Council woman Kathy West congratulated the Swimming Indians on their weekend league championship and shared comments about conveyed to her about the team's sportsmanship and behavior.