Macomb, IL – Macomb restaurants will need to obtain a permit in order to offer al fresco dining.
Aldermen this week approved the idea of the sidewalk cafe permits on a vote of seven to two. Those opposed to the measure were the fifth ward's Dave Dorsett and the sixth ward's Tim Lobdell.
Lobdell points out some restaurants have already been offering sidewalk dining. He says this will force them to take extra steps to continue doing so.
You can hear more of Lobdell's comments by clicking on the audio button.
The permits will ensure the city is not liable for any problems connected to the sidewalk cafes. The permits will need to be renewed every year and will not cost anything.
The new ordinance goes into effect within the next ten days.
Also this week:
Aldermen unanimously approved a new three year contract with the city's firefighters.
The department says 16 firefighters are covered by the pact, which is retroactive to May 1.
The contract will give the workers a pay raise of 2.75% in year one. That will be followed by raises of 3% and 3.25%.