Council Honors Wrestler, Approves Liquor License

The St. Charles City Council met on March 31, 2022, to recognize local athletic talent, approve city business items, and acknowledge the contributions of city staff during high-profile events. The meeting featured the honoring of state champion wrestler Ben Davino and approval of an H1 liquor license for GME, a catering license streamlining off-site alcohol service.

Meeting Overview

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting began with a call to order and roll call, followed by an invocation led by Rita Pay Lightner, emphasizing community gratitude, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Ben Davino, State Champion Wrestler

A prominent portion of the meeting celebrated Ben Davino, a two-time state wrestling champion.

• Davino’s dominance was noted, with only 4 points scored against him this season and 2 points the previous season.

• Both the Mayor and Coach Potter praised his athletic achievement, humility, and mentorship of younger wrestlers.

• Davino was honored with a street sign commemorating his accomplishments and contributions to the local wrestling community.

The recognition highlighted the city’s commitment to celebrating youth achievement and community role models.

Omnibus Vote

The council then moved to standard legislative business:

• The Omnibus Vote, which included routine agenda items, was presented and approved unanimously.

H1 Liquor License Approval for GME

The meeting addressed a new business item concerning an H1 liquor license application for GME, located at 31 South First Street.

• Police Chief Mr. Peppers explained that the H1 license allows businesses to serve alcohol off-site alongside food service, streamlining event operations without repeated special event licenses.

• This license aligns with other local businesses such as McNally’s and Graceful Ordinary.

• The Liquor Control Commission had already recommended approval (2-0), and the council voted to approve the license unanimously.

Mayor’s Announcements

The Mayor shared updates and appreciations:

• Gratitude to the St. Charles Business Alliance for organizing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade despite cold weather.

• Recognition of city staff from Police, Fire, and Public Works departments for supporting Netflix movie filming in St. Charles.

• A reminder about Spring Break for District 303 students.

The Mayor noted she would personally reach out to staff to express thanks for their hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

The March 31, 2022 City Council meeting highlighted both community achievement and city operations. The honoring of Ben Davino reflected St. Charles’ commitment to celebrating local talent and mentorship, while the H1 liquor license approval demonstrated efficient governance supporting local businesses. Combined with public acknowledgments for city staff, the meeting emphasized the balance between community recognition, operational decisions, and forward-looking civic support.

FAQs

Who was honored at the March 31 St. Charles Council meeting?

Ben Davino, a two-time state champion wrestler, was recognized for his athletic achievements, mentorship, and contributions to the local wrestling community.

What liquor license was approved by the Council?

The Council approved an H1 liquor license for GME, allowing off-site alcohol service alongside food for events, streamlining local catering operations.

What is the significance of an H1 liquor license in St. Charles?

The H1 license enables businesses to serve alcohol off-site without repeated special event permits, supporting catering operations and local hospitality businesses.

What community and staff recognitions were shared by the Mayor?

The Mayor acknowledged the St. Charles Business Alliance for organizing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and thanked Police, Fire, and Public Works staff for supporting Netflix filming in the city.

How does this meeting reflect St. Charles’ community values?

By honoring local youth achievements, supporting small businesses through liquor license approvals, and recognizing city staff contributions, the Council balanced civic celebration with operational governance.