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Charities could get half-price bus tokens

JANESVILLE — Charitable organizations could buy a total of 5,000 bus tokens at half price to help needy residents if the council approves an ordinance at Monday's council meeting.

The ordinance would reduce the regular fare from $1.25 to 60 cents.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled.

The council at a previous meeting delayed a bus fare increase that had been scheduled to take affect in July. Members asked staff then to return with a plan to allow non-profit agencies a chance to buy bus tokens at a discount.

The proposal requires that agencies buy a minimum of 500 tokens at the regular rate before qualifying for the reduced rate. This lessens the city's revenue loss, according to staff.

ON THE AGENDA

The Janesville City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St. Residents can speak about items on the agenda that do not require public hearings during time set aside at the beginning of the meeting. The council asks that residents sign up to speak before the meeting. Residents can meet informally with council members in the break room on the fourth floor at 6 p.m.

Items on the agenda include:

-- A public hearing on an ordinance regulating the display of sexual toys and novelties. The city would require that material deemed "harmful" be displayed so minors cannot see them.

-- Approve an economic development grant for Red Robin Restaurant, 2430 Humes Road. The grant refunds a $10,000 fee that the state requires the company to pay to the city for a liquor license.

-- Review the downtown parking garage project. The four-level parking garage would include 220 parking spaces. Construction would be $4.4 million. An alternative plan would cost $4.1 million and hold 185 cars. The parking ramp would be a boost to downtown businesses, according to staff.