Liquor Committee

City of Watseka 201 Brianna DR PO Box 338 Watseka Il 60970 LIQUOR COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 16TH, 2026 6:00 PM PRESENT: Mayor Marcier, Aldermen Brault, Petersen and Miller ABSENT: Alderman Garfield GUESTS: Scott Watts and Shelia Summers from the Porky Barn Mayor Marcier opened the meeting at 6:00 pm. David Watts and Shelia Summers spoke during public comment. Mr. Watts stated he is in the process of purchasing the Porky Barn and he will pay any expenses that the current owner owes. He has applied for his liquor and gaming licenses and has his background check done. He will using the same manager as the current owner has. The committee was ok with this. There was a short discussion concerning the Bookish not having a manager living the city limits per city ordinance. The owner was told by the previous mayor that since she had a Watseka address that would be ok, she would not need a manager. After some discussion it was decided to change the ordinance that the manager would need to live within 15 miles of the city. This will not take effect until 2027-2028 liquor licenses. Bookish is also wanting to open her business ASAP, so she needs a liquor license from March 25, till April 30th. The committee is waiving the fee for the 1 month. Alderman Brault makes a motion to recommend to the council to waive the 1-month liquor fee for Bookish and Alderman Petersen seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. Alderman Brault makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the liquor licenses for 2026-2027 contingent on the few that haven’t paid are paid in full and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. Gaming licenses were discussed next. Alderman Petersen makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the gaming licenses for the 2026-2027 contingent on the few that haven’t paid are paid in full, Alderman Brault seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. Cigarette licenses were discussed next. Alderman Brault makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the cigarette licenses for the 2026-2027 contingent on the few that haven’t paid are paid in full, Alderman Petersen seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. Raffles licenses were discussed next. Alderman Brault makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the raffle license and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. Alderman Brault makes a motion to adjourn at 6:23 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 4-0. ______________________________________ Benny Marcier, Chairman