By Kara Linaburg
In the July 10 City Council meeting, a few of the items on the agenda were set aside for a later date due to the people they concerned not being able to attend. Mayor Rodney Strait said that in a future council meeting there will be an award given to Bear, a dog from the police force, from Modern Woodman, and a proclamation for Saint Ann’s Catholic church.
Regarding the 4th of July celebrations, city manager, Chad Edwards, said that there was some miscommunication regarding the events in town. “Next year we will have a communication group,” Edwards said. He plans to have one text thread for people, such as the fire department who needs to be in the know, and to make sure the times and possible cancellations are announced more smoothly.
Edwards said that no one this year was in disagreement of this or was trying to create chaos, but that there “were a lot of moving parts,” when you take in regard the number of people involved in the celebration, such as band members and media crew.
Edwards said that they are also looking for creative ways to keep expensive sound equipment dry and to not have to cancel if there is a chance of rain for the 4th of July in 2024.
Rodney Strait said that he attended the 4th of July celebrations held in town and was thankful for the Lion’s Club’s flags hung around town.
In his city manager report, Edwards said, “I want everyone to know that the DOH came in and I met with them,”
Edwards said that he told the DOH that he still had plans to finish the parking lot to the DOH’s regulations, and the DOH, “actually came to offer some assistance with potholes and stuff like that.”
Edwards also discussed budgets with the council in his report. “Balance forward on the access levy is $141,138 and that with the projected income, we should have a revenue of $290,038.” He explained the percentages “broken down” according to what the voters passed, and said that $43,505.70 of that money “will go to the park.”
Edwards said with the money used for the park, they are completing the pavilion as well as “tons” of other things that need done. “There’s no shortage.”
Mary Ann Ferris asked if some of the park money could go to pickle ball courts and Edwards said, “absolutely.”
Lawn care is also included in the cost going towards the upkeep of the park, and Pat Kovalck, council member, said that it’s “money well spent.”
