Although video gaming machines inside liquor establishments are beginning to be allowed by the state, Geneva officials have tentatively decided to ban that form of gambling in the city.

Aldermen held a lengthy discussion on the issue Monday night during a special committee of the whole meeting.

The motion to opt out of video gaming was approved 9 to 1. First Ward Alderman Sam Hill cast the sole vote supporting research on the issue rather than opting out.

but the vote was not official and the proposal will come back to the council to vote as an ordinance at an upcoming meeting.

also Monday, aldermen were split 5 to 5 in asking city staff to research an ordinance that would allow Geneva residents to have chicken coops in their backyards.

Mayor Kevin Burns cast the tie-breaking vote against researching the issue citing the ordinance would take up too much of staff's time and cost the city money to appease only a few residents who might want chickens.