Nokomis approves COVID-19 grant payments

NOKOMIS — The Nokomis City Council would approve $1,000 payments to seven of eight business applicants to the city’s grant program. The program, directed at businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was available for a short period of time. The approval of these payments would take place at the regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 14.

There was no naming of businesses receiving the grant monies. However, commissioners Ann Brookshire and Derek Durbin expressed abstention on the matter. The vote was otherwise unanimous among commissioners Louis Stauder and Jonathan Nash and interim mayor Michael Holliday.

Due to the short window of this initial round, there was a discussion on extending the grant program. However, no action could be taken during the meeting. It will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Nokomis business owner speaks on water usage issues

Todd Stewart, owner of Main Street Car Wash, would address the council regarding his water bills and meter.

Stewart would state that there were some discrepancies in his usage and billing. Referencing June, his bill would state he used 20,000 gallons more than usual. In July, he would state the amount was 30,000 over. The same was also true for August.

He would mention that he searched the property for a leak, finding none.

Following a conversation with the city’s water department, the water meter would be replaced in September. The old meter was sent for inspection. As a result, testing would reveal that it was registering fewer gallons going through. With the new meter, water usage has normalized to its usual numbers.

Stewart would also add that his electric bills with Ameren Illinois were rather consistent, with no water entering his facilities.

He is asking for the council to consider a fair adjustment to the bills for those three months. Holliday and the council stated that they would follow up with him on the matter.

Council approves advertisement for sale of real property

The council would approve Ordinance #2072, which authorizes the advertisement for the sale of real property under the current ownership by the city.

It is not currently known what the real property is of press time.

Kroger corporate seeking an additional liquor license for gaming

There was a brief discussion regarding an additional liquor license request from the Kroger Company. The company currently owns the building that the store currently resides, 415 N. Spruce.

The representative from the company wants to add the sale of individual alcoholic drinks. There is a pending specified area they plan to utilize a portion of the store for video gaming. However, the official plans are unknown.

No action was taken on the matter, but the request is still under consideration.

Other business by Nokomis council

The council would approve revenues of $35,057.59 and bills for $40,674.62 for the month. Due to Durbin participating via Zoom conference, a breakdown of revenues was not available.

A motion would be approved to clarify that Holliday, Stauder, and city clerk Rachel Hill are authorized individuals for their names to be listed on all city bank accounts. This allows all three to cash out and allow for the creation of new certificates of deposit with approval from the city council.

The council will reconvene on December 28 at 7 p.m.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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