The City of Taylorville held their bi-monthly City Council Meeting on Monday evening. During the meeting, the main topic of discussion was COVID and what the City could do to help stop the spread. City Attorney Rocci Romano said that according to the Illinois Municipality League, the city had some options. 

Romano said that the city could enforce a mask mandate and the Mayor can pull a liquor license from any large gatherings. The City Attorney said that you can put out ordinances, but you put the city at risk for lawsuits if you do. Romano continued by stressing that the State’s Attorney is protected if he wants to shut down a business, but Taylorville is not. Alderman Shawn Burtle asked what happens if the city does nothing, and Attorney Romano said that the city is not the enforcer of the department of public health.

Alderman Shawn Burtle encouraged Mayor Bruce Barry not to do anything.

Alderman Larry Budd said the city can not idly stand by and do nothing. With the increases of COVID-19 throughout the community, Budd felt that the City Aldermen owed the city to at least do something. After much discussion, a motion was put on the table to encourage everyone to wear masks when among the public. The motion passed 5-3 with Aldermen Kathy Driskell, Megan Bryant, and Lee Lanzotti voting “No.”  Alderman Driskell explained why she voted "No" on the motion saying that the City already tells people to wear a mask.

According to IDPH Guidelines and an executive order from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, all indoor dining in Region 3 which includes the city of Taylorville is closed with the exception of takeout, eating outdoors, and delivery.

In other news from the City Council meeting:

• The Council voted to give $10,000 towards the new Veteran’s park at Lake Taylorville.
• Alderman Shawn Burtle announced he will not be running for another term in Ward 4.
• Mayor Bruce Barry applauded Taylorville School District for going back to remote learning
• The next Street and Sewer meeting is moved to Tuesday, November 24th.
• The next city council meeting will also discuss whether or not the city needs a leaf burning ban.

The next City Council Meeting is set for December 7th.