Ban on alcohol for events on city property could be loosened

By PAIGE CARR

Staff writer

“No parking” signs and a “no drinking” ban got opposite reactions Tuesday at city council.

No parking signs for Fourth of July Fest were a no-go for now after some council members objected to how much they would cost.

Signs would be needed every 200 feet on the east side of 9th St. to keep people from parking along the west side of Peabody City Park, public works director Ronnie Harms said. That equals about two per block.

Harms estimated the cost for signs and posts to be $1,387.15.

That drew strong reaction from council member Travis Wilson.

“I have a hard time making that kind of purchase for one day,” Wilson said. “That’s a lot of money for one day.”

Council member Lindsay Hutchison agreed.

“That’s what I think,” she said.

Wilson said that he wanted to think about it before moving forward with a vote. The matter was tabled.

An upcoming county men’s softball tournament to be played in Peabody was cause for discussion about revamping the city’s policy to prohibit alcohol consumption on city property.

Mayor Larry Larsen said the policy was put in place to respond to situations dealt with more than three decades ago.

“In the early 80’s there was a whole lot of drinking at the Fourth of July,” he said. “It ended up being a problem for the city and local law enforcement.”

Wilson said he wouldn’t mind allowing alcohol at certain events, such as the tournament, but wanted a contract with those staging events to ensure facility cleanup.

Wilson appeared to suggest that allowing alcohol could be a draw for more special events.

“People do like our city park,” said Wilson. “It’s got a lot of shade, and it’s a good place to hang out all day.”

Council member Tom Spencer suggested a $200 application fee that would be refunded after an event has been cleaned up.

No objections were voiced to formally reviewing and updating the policy.

In other business, Roy Young Sr. was hired to do city mowing at $10 an hour.

No action was taken after a 35-minute executive session to discuss work performance of nonelected personnel.