DeKalb business owners expressed their objection to the increased parking fines at the city council meeting Monday night.

Parking fines were raised from $3 to $10 to punish repeat parking offenders. Business owners said the increased fine has affected their businesses.

Megan Morrison, owner of the store Megan Morrison, was against the $10 fine and said it should be lowered, and that the hour parking spots in front of her store need to be raised to two hours.

“I have customers in my store for longer than an hour,” Morrison said. “We have a following. People come from all over to come to my store, and getting a $10 fine is their reward for doing so.”

Rhonda Thomas, owner of Fleur Furnishings, also thought the increased fine will hurt her business.

“I came to the downtown for the uniqueness of the downtown,” Thomas said. “I can’t make a business if you keep cutting us off.”

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker understood the business owners because he had a business in the downtown area.

“I echo the problem. I’ve been in town since ’74,” Baker said. “I still don’t think there is enough parking downtown.”

Council members agreed to come to a solution in two weeks and make an ordinance but suggested the fine will be $3 for the first offense and $10 for the second offense on the same day.

However, it was brought up that one of the main reasons the city was in the black this year was because of parking tickets.

The council also discussed differentiating between Class A and Class E liquor licenses.

The council thought that although there were laws, some establishments may not follow them.

“If they’re not enforcing, then we’re creating a worse situation than we had to begin with,” 2nd Ward AldermanKris Povlsen said. “There has to be a difference between As and Es.”

The council made a resolution to try to have Class E license-holders to close at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight Friday and Saturday.

The council also discussed the bars asking for an extra hour on Thursdays.

“I don’t think it’s healthy for the student body or the community,” 5th Ward Alderman Patrick Conboy said. “It’s like we’re encouraging them to have a four-day weekend.”

Instead of voting down the idea, the council voted to discuss the extra hour at a later date.

The final issue discussed was the closing of Eagle food store.

Former Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos brought a petition that asked city leaders to find another grocery store to replace Eagle as soon as possible so other businesses aren’t affected.

“This is a gateway into our city, and it will have a negative impact on the south side of town,” Chronopoulos said.

Tim Lehan, owner of Lehan Drugs, also urged city leaders to find a replacement soon.

“I would like the city to direct staff to seek out a grocery store to replace the vacated area,” Lehan said.

Council members agreed with finding a suitable replacement.

“Mr. Lehan, you’re in the driver’s seat,” Baker said. “We want a business to come in and complement what you have.”