Tom Latonis Breeze-Courier Writer

(PANA) — The Pana City Council unanimously approved the establishment of the Pana Lake Nature Park, which is to be located south of the spillway of the Pana Lake dam. The action took place during the Monday night meeting in the Council Chambers of pana City Hall.

Council members heard a presentation on the park at the last Council meeting and the vote was 7-0 with a vacant seat still not filled in the Third Ward.

In addition, the Council approved allowing the planning for a disc golf course in the park. It was described as a 72- hole course which will have little equal across the country according to the organizers.

Private contributions are being utilized for the project. Once the design is complete, plans will be brought before the Council for approval.

In addition to the disc course, plans are to have a picnic pavilion, restrooms, playground area, parking lot and a nature trail.

Approval was given to complete the TIF deal with Nick and Amanda Kroenlein for their new business, Scoop’d, on the east side of Pana. The grant is for $30,000.

The couple have converted a former service station on US Route 51 and Illinois Route 16 into an ice cream parlor and coffee bar. Nick Kroenlein told Council members they had served 3,000 customers during their first week of business, nearly 800 per day.

Despite the success of the business, Kroenlein felt there should be some type of manual from the city to outline all of the steps needed to open business. He said the process to start the business was efficient and smooth. But during the final stages of the opening, he said there was a worry they would have their grant pulled. Apparently, a sign erected at the business had not bee permitted.

“I should have been concerned about my business instead of worrying if my grant was going to be withheld,” Kroenlein said.

Mayor Nathan Pastor said this was a “learning experience” for city officials and promised things would run smoother for future business endeavors.

Residential garbage pick up rates are going up to $16 per month. The Council approved the second reading of the ordinance during the meeting. The ordinance includes provisions which does not allow the vendors to charge for rent of containers and fuel adjustments. The rate increase will be looked at on an annual basis.

Tri-R Disposal was given the contract to pick up garbage at location owned by the city. Cost is $1,045 per month.

Funds for police body cameras, the…