Council discusses video gaming changes, moratorium extension
Decatur, IL – On Tuesday night, the Decatur City Council had a lengthy discussion on slots/video gaming and what changes they could make to slow its growth in Decatur. They also indicated a desire to extend the current pause on issuing any new video gaming licenses.
Council has heard concerns from the community about the growth of video gaming establishments and machines throughout the city. A public survey (www.decaturil.gov/your-input) with over 800 submissions shows 84% of respondents believe the are too many establishments with video gaming in Decatur. During the meeting, Council also heard from business owners that have video gaming and how changes might affect their operations.
Changes to video gaming would require amendments to the City’s Alcoholic Liquor Code. At the direction of Council, City staff is proposing several amendments, with a summary of changes listed on the City’s website (www.decaturil.gov/your-input). These proposed changes are intended to limit the expansion of video gaming in the city, and, potentially, create a reduction in the number of video gaming establishments over time.
The Council decided they needed more time to consider each change and indicated they may extend the current six-month moratorium, set to expire later in July. An extension could be considered at the next meeting on July 17.
Tuesday night’s discussion on video gaming was a discussion-only item. No action was taken at this meeting.
In other business
In other business…Council approved the temporary closure of a portion of Lost Bridge Road to accommodate the 217 Wiffle Ball Classic, an annual fundraiser for Alzheimer’s awareness. The small portion of Lost Bridge Road will be closed from August 1 – August 6, 2023 only during the hours of the tournament: 6-10 p.m. the 1st and 2nd, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. the 3rd through the 6th. The City will assist with rerouting vehicle traffic and the tournament organizers promised to provide volunteers/staff to man the gates where the road will be closed.
Council also approved an agreement with Decatur Public Schools to connect the new FFA building on US 51 to the City’s state-of-the-art Fiber Network. Nearly all DPS facilities are connected to the City Fiber Network and enjoy fast internet speeds at a low monthly cost.
More information about these topics can be found in the City Council Agenda packet, downloadable/viewable here: www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/
Comments