To help cope with the struggles of doing business during a global pandemic, the village board approved an amendment to liquor licensing that allows all bars and restaurants in Homewood to operate video gaming machines.
The move is aimed at boosting revenue for existing businesses and allowing for another income stream for potential new ones. Only those businesses with a “package carry out” liquor license, such as grocery and liquor stores, would be ineligible.
The board approved the change 5-1 at its Feb. 9 meeting with Trustee Jay Heiferman voting against it.
In other business, the purchase of a new color marquee for village hall was approved for $28,200. Roeda Signs in Lynwood was the lowest of six bidders. The price includes the removal of the existing sign and installation of the new sign.
Trustees amended the budget by $3,200 to cover the cost. The board originally set aside $25,000 for the new sign in the 2020-21 budget.
Homewood will buy a pair of Ford 250 pickup trucks for the public works department for $88,893 from Curie Motors in Frankfort. One will replace a utility tech truck used to support water plants, lift stations and street lighting maintenance and repairs. The other is used for locating utilities, hauling materials, trailers and shoring equipment, water distribution and sewer maintenance.
The board also approved almost $35,000 to upgrade lighting in municipal facilities to LED bulbs. ComEd will match the amount as part of its Energy Efficiency Program.