The controversial 7 Spa in Morris has closed down.
During a random inspection at 7 Spa on Feb. 13 by Building and Zoning Officer Bill Cheshareck, it was found that the business had no licensed massage therapists in the building during its operating hours.
The business advertises itself as a massage parlor, but has been rumored to provide sexual services.
The business was open until midnight daily and asked patrons to go through the back door of its location at 1836 N. Division St., Morris. Multiple Internet reviews cite the spa as offering illegal services.
The city filed an ordinance complaint against the business in Grundy County Circuit Court for the lack of licensed employees. The city code violation requires a hearing. An administrative hearing was set to be held at last month’s council meeting, but the attorney for business owner Seven Turtles Inc., and its president, Lynn Mida, asked for more time, said Mayor Richard Kopczick.
The hearing was held at Monday’s regular meeting and the council approved a settlement agreement with the business where it has voluntarily relinquished its business license. In return, the city will dismiss its violation complaints related to the Feb. 13 incident, said City Attorney Scott Belt.
Belt pointed out that the settlement also states the owners cannot seek a business license to operate any spa or massage-related business from the city for five years.
No one from 7 Spa spoke at the meeting nor appeared to be present.
The business was in operation in Morris for about 10 years. It is now closed, said Kopczick after the meeting.
Morris Police Chief Brent Dite also said after the meeting that the police department has had multiple complaints against the business through the years. Previous on-site checks have found employees with the appropriate licensing.
In other business, Kathy and John Maddox thanked the city council for taking Pete McGrath of Narvick Avenue to court for operating a mechanic’s business out of his house.
The city had three counts in its complaint against McGrath that was in court last month: operating a business in a residential area, creating a nuisance, and violating the city’s business license ordinance. The charges stemmed from McGrath working on vehicles out of his garage and driveway. Judge Lance Peterson found McGrath guilty on all three counts.
“Instead of coming in and complaining about what’s going on in my neighborhood, I thought I’d come in and say thank you,” said Kathy Maddox.
Her husband, John Maddox, mirrored her comments and thanked the council for doing its job.
Kathy Maddox asked if McGrath had come to the city for a business license. Kopczick said he had not.Cheshareck said McGrath was hand-delivered an application though.
Kathy Maddox said he was operating a business on Division Street. The mayor asked Chief Dite and Cheshareck to look into this.