Village of Bluffs Board reviews gaming proposal; approves tornado siren
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
The Village of Bluffs Board convened for its regular August meeting last week to address a range of municipal matters, with particular attention given to a proposal for gaming machines at Blue Jay Junction and the approval of a new tornado siren for community safety.
During the meeting, Bill Raines and Boomer Freesen presented a request on behalf of the Blue Jay to install five gaming machines and a redemption unit at their establishment.
To comply with state regulations, the business must obtain an on-premise liquor license. However, the presenters emphasized that alcohol would not be served or consumed in the gaming area. Instead, a cooler containing beer—unplugged and priced prohibitively—would be placed behind the counter, accessible only to staff. The machines would operate solely during gas station hours, with a staff member aged 21 or older present at all times. The board opted to table the matter for further discussion and will consider a motion next month regarding the additional liquor license.
In a move to enhance public safety, the board unanimously approved the purchase of a refurbished tornado siren at a cost of $12,600. The siren, which will be radio-activated and backed by battery power, will be installed behind the newly acquired building adjacent to City Hall.
Illinois Rural Telecommunications (IRTC) will supply and install the necessary pole for $1,700, with additional costs for electricity and installation to follow. The siren will feature a distinctive tone to differentiate tornado alerts from fire signals and will be tested monthly on the first Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Funding support has already been pledged by EMS and the Fire Department, totaling $2,500, with additional contributions anticipated from Bluffs School and Gary Westermeyer.
Other board actions included approval of a $6,600 contract with Burnett’s Plumbing Company to upgrade the sewer line on Oxville Road, a pay increase for village employee Clay Coats to $26.95 per hour in recognition of his expanded duties, and a $700 monthly contract with Leland Walker for sewer operator permitting.
Routine reports were accepted without issue, including the treasurer’s report, water and sewer updates, and monthly expenditures across all village funds. Police Chief Patrick Johnson reported minimal activity for July, with no arrests, citations, or traffic stops, and two investigations noted.
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. following a motion by Kathy Brooks, seconded by Chuck Pine.
