Stefanelli to step down from Oglesby City Council

For the third time in less than a year, Oglesby City Council will have an opening.

Commissioner Tony Stefanelli announced Monday he is resigning from the City Council effective March 3. He is moving out of Oglesby and must relinquish his seat.

Stefanelli said he and his wife are moving out of Oglesby to be nearer to her family.

“My family comes before everything,” he said.

The city will have 30 days after his departure to appoint a replacement.

Stefanelli’s departure will be the city’s third in about 10 months. Terry Eutis resigned as public safety commissioner in May and his replacement, former Mayor Don Finley, resigned in December. The council recently gave Finley’s post to Hilary Moyle, who is running unopposed in the upcoming municipal elections.

Liquor store update

Separately, the council wants additional information on a proposed liquor store before granting a license. The issue was tabled while the applicant answers more questions for hesitant commissioners.

As previously reported, Kamleshkumar Patel wants to open a liquor store and gaming parlor at 210 N. Columbia Ave., across from the Root Beer Stand. Patel owns other locations including Route 66 Tobacco Liquor and Gaming in Braidwood.

In other matters, the council:

• Directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance to hire an assistant event coordinator
• Approved updated building codes in keeping with a recent law, Public Act 103-051.
• Agreed to seek bids for pool repairs