QUINCY—A new agreement between the Quincy Police Department and the city council has been adopted.
A first-year officer would make an average of $67,000 annually under the new two-year agreement. Senior officers with over 20 years of experience would make $95,000 a year.
Before the year began, the city had been in negotiations. In April, the current police contract came to an end.
The police would raise their monthly insurance flat premium from $80 to $100 in exchange, according to Kelly Japcon, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.
Keeping our police officers is our first priority, Japcon told Muddy River News. More importantly, we need to make sure that when our senior cops retire, we have younger officers to replace them. We are definitely competitive with other similar cities because of this.
In the first year, the wage increase is 4.7%, and in the second, it is 4.5%. Japcon claimed that by achieving this agreement, the police pact is now comparable to the fire department agreement, enabling the city to negotiate all union contracts in 2027.
Following the discussion, QPD Chief Adam Yates stated, “I think it’s a good thing.” In the end, our most recent contract was arbitrated. The police department and the city of Quincy will benefit greatly from the fact that we were able to get this one approved without going through arduous and time-consuming procedures.
A new service agreement for three Quincy Police Department School Resource Officers for the 2025–2026 academic year was also approved by the council. Half of the salary will be covered by the district. The full cost of the pensions will be borne by the city.
According to Yates, the agency also got $13,572 in critical funding for Starcom 21 with Motorola Solutions, which will enhance the department’s current fleet of portable and mobile radios. In an emergency, it will enable city officers to contact with other authorities, including the Illinois State Police.
Yates told MRN that it is frequently what I call a disaster preparedness system. Therefore, we might turn on those radios in the event of a severe calamity, such as a tornado or flood, in Quincy. We could then utilize them internally or in cooperation with the state police, and we could even lend some to other organizations that needed to communicate.
In order to improve the department’s capacity to monitor documents and officer performance, council members also authorized $8,982 for Frontline Public Safety Solutions. Additionally, it will expedite the process for community people to file complaints by enabling them to do so online or over the phone rather than in person at the downtown police station facility.
The city is suing a nuisance property owner for the first time in years, according to Mayor Linda Moore.
The property at 2nd and Locust is what Moore referred to as a junkyard.
To force them to clean things up, we’re going to court. In the end, we might have to take legal action to regain control of the property and clean it up ourselves. The nuisance property has been a problem for us for years.
Regarding the upcoming construction, the council members unanimously agreed to grant developers of the defunct Welcome Inn special authorization to build a hotel with 85–90 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant.
In addition to being for hotel guests, the rooftop will provide a unique amenity for the Quincy community, according to the St. Louis-based company New + Found. They also promised something unique and exceptional that will honor the Quincy riverfront at 3rd & Maine.
The geography and slope of the property will limit the additional height that is needed for the proposed hotel, according to city authorities. When completed, it will rise around 20 feet over the Microtel Inn & Suites, which is close.
According to Jason Parrott, the city of Quincy’s planning director, the new hotel does not yet have a name, but he is confident it will be fantastic.
When you cross the river from Missouri, you will see this. Parrott said, “You’re going to see this jewel.” It will benefit the View 21 development, which has made a significant investment in that real estate. Additionally, considering the millions of dollars spent on the Atrium (hotel) conversion to a Double Tree. It clearly demonstrates the attention being paid to the downtown area.
The council approved a revised expansion plan at Driftwood Campground and RV Park for individuals who prefer a rougher experience. Water runoff and drainage issues must be addressed in the site plan assessment. The owners will be permitted to install 13 new RV spots close to 2300 Bonsansinga Drive if the site study is successful. Building new structures or infrastructure is prohibited under the special permit.
Additionally, a former hair salon at 601 South 22nd is thriving with new developments. The opening of a flower store and design studio was authorized by a special use permit under the Neighborhood Land Use Plan of 2013. In exchange, the owner has promised that patrons will only park in the lot east of the building and not on Ohio or South 22nd Streets. Monday through Saturday, the store will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to the proprietor, the majority of customers will only be there by appointment, and there shouldn’t be any disruptions to the neighbors.
Regarding the application for a special event for Pride in the Park on Sunday, September 21 in Clat Adams Park, there was not a unanimous vote.
Jake Reed (R-6th Ward) and Mike Adkins (R-3rd Ward) were the council members who voted against it.
Reed told the council, “Drag shows worry me.” When grown guys disguise themselves as women and do dances for dollar bills in front of youngsters, I find it unsettling.
The majority of the council approved the special use permit, allowing the event to take place from midday until six o’clock. The Department of Utilities and Engineering approved clearance after the organizers provided the necessary papers.
