The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening at the first regular January council meeting to review ordinances, discuss committee reports, and hear from public officials. After the minutes were approved, the council discussed an ordinance amending section 10-8-3 of the Taylorville City Code concerning off-street parking requirements for taverns and bars. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says the ordinance was about how much parking is required. 

The Planning Commission had met earlier in the evening and unanimously voted against updating the city code and keeping requirements the way it is now which would stop the bar from being built. Aldermen Randy Mitchelson voiced his concerns on what would be a new bar in the area. 

The motion needed a 2/3 majority to pass to approve the bar/tavern and it passed 6-3 with Alderpersons Kathy Driskell, Chris Skultety, Jeremy Wilson, Doug Brown, Megan Bryant, Steve Dorchinecz voting Yes and Randy Mitchelson, Jim Olive, and Mayor Bruce Barry voting No. 

A motion was approved for a liquor/gaming license to Lisa Robinson, with the Backyard LLC pending a ten-day waiting period 7-1 (Mitchelson: No).  A separate motion for jack's Italian Bistro at 102 East Park Street was tabled, as the limit for gaming/liquor licenses was already maxed with the Backyard receiving the last one. 

The following motions were also approved:

– A letter to the Board of fire and police commissioners to hire a replacement police officer from the lateral list
– Non Bargaining Pay increases as presented in committee effective January 1st.
– the bid for the upgrade of the fire alarm system at the firehouse.
– new rescue equipment
– changes to the ambulance rates to $16.50 per mile, Residents $850 for Advanced Life Support and $600 for basic life support, Nonresidents $900 for advanced life support, $700 for basic life support, and $200 for an intercept fee.
– 9 portable radios for the police department.

The next regular city council meeting is set for January 20th.