Highland Council Paves Way For The Game Yard
By Stephanie Malench
smalench@timestribunenews.com
The Highland City Council met on May 17 and approved two new appointments and several reappointments by Mayor Kevin Hemann . Shaun Voegele and Susan Martz were appointed to the Library Board. Lee Rinderer was reappointment to the Police and Fire Commission, George Marron, III was reappointed to the Telecommunications Advisory Board, and Tim McGinley was reappointed to the Liquor Control Commission.
The Municipal Code was amended to allow for recreational venues as a special use within the C-2, C-3, I, and MX Zoning Districts. A recreational venue is defined as “an establishment that provides a recreational or entertainment service to the general public. Use shall include escape rooms, arcades, laser tag courses, axe throwing lanes, ropes courses, bowling alleys, mini golf and other similar uses. Use shall not include motion picture theaters, performing arts theaters, dance halls, nigh clubs, private clubs, or private lodges”.
This amendment set the ground for approval of a special use permit for The Game Yard a recreational venue offering axe throwing and indoor/outdoor games at 2641 Northtown Way.
An ordinance was passed increasing the number of A1 liquor licenses to four, allowing for a resolution granting The Game Yard, LLC to receive a liquor license.
The City of Highland is participating in the Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program, a temporary, emergency program created by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on April 22. Households may apply for one time assistance of between $250 and $5,000 towards the past due electrical portion of their utility bills to prevent disconnection.
Only customers who have been previously qualified for the LIHEAP program are eligible. Funds are through the Madison County Community Development Office.
The first application to the Facade Improvement Program was approved for the Unwind Salon Spa’s Lounge at 101 Walnut St.. The total cost of the project is $22,126, making the project eligible for $5,531.50 in incentive payments. Improvements and repairs include covering the brick with metal, landscaping, a brick entryway, exterior lighting and a sign.
The police department submitted a request to go to bid for two Ford Police Interceptors was approved, replacing 2016 and 2017 Ford Explorers. The state bid for each unit is $35,700 and the department would like to find a better deal.
The next meeting will be held on June 7 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
