If there is a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, etc., why are some establishments in Gibson City still allowing smoking?
Signed Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
There is an Illinois ban on smoking effective January 1, 2008. There's some good information at www.idph.state.il.us/smokefree/index.htm.
I cannot answer questions for individual businesses but, here's some information (quoted) that I received from the above referenced web site.
How will the act be enforced?
The owner, manager or operator of an area open to the public covered by the act must make a reasonable effort to prevent smoking. The Illinois Department of Public Health, state-certified local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies will enforce the law.
Where can I file a complaint?
Complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health on the Web at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov or by telephoning the Department's toll-free Complaint Line at 866-973-4646. Complaints also can be made to a state-certified local health department or a local law enforcement.
GCPD Chief Cushman emailed me with the following: "At this time, law enforcement has not received a clear cut method of enforcement for the smoking ban. This has been an area of confusion since the smoking ban was put into effect. However, the Gibson City Police will assist persons with smoking concerns in filing a complaint with the Ford Iroquois County Health Department."
Mayor Dan
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Swimming Pools...
So do those individuals have to pay a fine for not having a fence? Or does someone have to turn them in first and then they will be fined? How much is the fine? My guess is cheaper than putting up a fence....
Signed Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I'm sure Chief Cushman could answer these questions better than I can, but I'll give it a go.
Remember, it's the depth of the water, not the height of the pool. We actually checked a couple pools and were surprised to find that the water level was less than 24". We have heard that there are larger pools in city limits that don't meet ordinance requirements and the GCPD will follow up in those situations as they find out about them.
If a nuisance violation is observed or a complaint is received and verified the GCPD would contact the individual in person or by letter asking the individual to correct the problem within a certain time period. We also try to work with individuals, especially in situations with extenuating circumstances. If the violation is not corrected within the time period a ticket could and probably would be issued, but compliance is always our main goal.
According to our ordinance, fines can range from $75.00 up to $750.00 for any one offense and multiple citations can be issued for a single violation if problem is not remedied in a timely manner. The amount of the fine is determined during court proceedings.
If you have any further questions concerning violations or enforcement, please contact the GCPD at 784-8666.
Mayor Dan
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Gibson City have an ordinance that states if a person has a body of water (i.e. pool, pond, etc.) at their property that has more than 2 feet of water they need to have a fence around that pool or pond? I have seen many pools around town lately that have no fencing and are 3-4 feet deep.
Signed Anonymous.
Dear Anonymous,
You are 99% correct. The only difference is that it only covers a body of water "which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming". The following ordinance was adopted a couple years ago because the Council was concerned with the safety of our community, especially the safety of our young children.
City of Gibson Revised Code Article V, Section 40-5-5, Paragraph H states: "Swimming pools, in all residential districts shall be located not less than twenty feet from any principal building on an adjacent lot and the pool or yard shall be fenced to a height of not less than five feet with the type and location of the fence approved by the City Superintendent. "Swimming pool" within the meaning of this sub paragraph, shall be a depression in the ground, either temporary or permanent, or a container of water either temporary or permanent and either above or below ground in which water of more than twenty-four inches is contained and which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming. (Ord. No. 06-15; 04-24-06)
Basically, No swimming pool should be closer than 20' to any neighbors home and the water in the pool should not contain more than 24" (depth) of water unless it is totally enclosed by at least a 5' fence. Hope this helps.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the GCPD at 784-8666.
Mayor Dan
Signed Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I'm sure Chief Cushman could answer these questions better than I can, but I'll give it a go.
Remember, it's the depth of the water, not the height of the pool. We actually checked a couple pools and were surprised to find that the water level was less than 24". We have heard that there are larger pools in city limits that don't meet ordinance requirements and the GCPD will follow up in those situations as they find out about them.
If a nuisance violation is observed or a complaint is received and verified the GCPD would contact the individual in person or by letter asking the individual to correct the problem within a certain time period. We also try to work with individuals, especially in situations with extenuating circumstances. If the violation is not corrected within the time period a ticket could and probably would be issued, but compliance is always our main goal.
According to our ordinance, fines can range from $75.00 up to $750.00 for any one offense and multiple citations can be issued for a single violation if problem is not remedied in a timely manner. The amount of the fine is determined during court proceedings.
If you have any further questions concerning violations or enforcement, please contact the GCPD at 784-8666.
Mayor Dan
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Gibson City have an ordinance that states if a person has a body of water (i.e. pool, pond, etc.) at their property that has more than 2 feet of water they need to have a fence around that pool or pond? I have seen many pools around town lately that have no fencing and are 3-4 feet deep.
Signed Anonymous.
Dear Anonymous,
You are 99% correct. The only difference is that it only covers a body of water "which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming". The following ordinance was adopted a couple years ago because the Council was concerned with the safety of our community, especially the safety of our young children.
City of Gibson Revised Code Article V, Section 40-5-5, Paragraph H states: "Swimming pools, in all residential districts shall be located not less than twenty feet from any principal building on an adjacent lot and the pool or yard shall be fenced to a height of not less than five feet with the type and location of the fence approved by the City Superintendent. "Swimming pool" within the meaning of this sub paragraph, shall be a depression in the ground, either temporary or permanent, or a container of water either temporary or permanent and either above or below ground in which water of more than twenty-four inches is contained and which is used primarily for the purpose of swimming. (Ord. No. 06-15; 04-24-06)
Basically, No swimming pool should be closer than 20' to any neighbors home and the water in the pool should not contain more than 24" (depth) of water unless it is totally enclosed by at least a 5' fence. Hope this helps.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the GCPD at 784-8666.
Mayor Dan
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Mexican Restaurant...
I just received my first question: "Can you try to get a Mexican restaurant here in Gibson City?"
I too enjoy Mexican food, but I would not actively pursue getting a Mexican restaurant in Gibson City. We currently have 10+ eating establishments in our community and I'm not sure our population base could support many more. At the same time I would not discourage this type of business if it decided to locate here as I am a firm believer in the free-market system.
I do believe that we should continue to make our local environment favorable to new (and existing) business and residential development and as a result we will further increase our job prospects and population. This will help us attract new service type businesses such as restaurants. Who knows, maybe a Mexican restaurant is in our future.
I might suggest giving Percfection Coffee House a try on Friday nights. My family and I found their Mexican food to be authentic and very good. Give it a try.
Mayor Dan
I too enjoy Mexican food, but I would not actively pursue getting a Mexican restaurant in Gibson City. We currently have 10+ eating establishments in our community and I'm not sure our population base could support many more. At the same time I would not discourage this type of business if it decided to locate here as I am a firm believer in the free-market system.
I do believe that we should continue to make our local environment favorable to new (and existing) business and residential development and as a result we will further increase our job prospects and population. This will help us attract new service type businesses such as restaurants. Who knows, maybe a Mexican restaurant is in our future.
I might suggest giving Percfection Coffee House a try on Friday nights. My family and I found their Mexican food to be authentic and very good. Give it a try.
Mayor Dan
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Welcome...
Welcome to my new blog "At Your Service". I'm looking forward to answering your questions concerning issues involving Gibson City. Also, please feel free to share your ideas and to post comments that you may have concerning our community.
At times I will also post information relating to current events, council meetings and other news as it relates to our city.
I would like to thank WGCY for this opportunity. I believe that this type of forum is a great way to communicate with residents on issues that involve all of us.
Mayor Daniel Dickey
At times I will also post information relating to current events, council meetings and other news as it relates to our city.
I would like to thank WGCY for this opportunity. I believe that this type of forum is a great way to communicate with residents on issues that involve all of us.
Mayor Daniel Dickey
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