Staff writer
Florence Mayor Greg Winn and members of Florence City Council expressed unanimous appreciation Monday night for a well-attended annual fall festival event held Saturday at Grandview Park.
Florence Chamber of Commerce, the library board, and the fire and ambulance crews hosted the third annual family event with help from community volunteers and the Labor Day committee.
Winn praised the efforts of the sponsors and volunteers. Council members echoed his comments. More than 100 people attended the evening party that included food, spooky hayrack rides, games, stories, a campfire, and a fortune teller.
“Everyone had a smile,” said councilman Trayce Warner. “At the end of the evening when they were cleaning up and putting things away, every single person there had a big grin on their faces.”
Chamber member Mary Jane Grimmett noted that many of those helping were first time volunteers. “It was great to have so many new people helping out,” she said.
On a more serious note the council reviewed evidence and information related to a break-in Oct. 28 at the city building. Since there was no forced entry it was assumed that either a door had been left unlocked or the individual had a key.
The police department was entered and employee desks were searched, but there was no indication of theft.
Council members voted to change all locks in the building and re-issue keys.
In other business, the council:
- approved the appointment of Phil Baldwin to the fire department.
- approved a request by city clerk Janet Robinson to implement a program to accept credit card payments for utility and municipal court payments.
- heard from city superintendent Phil Baldwin city employees continue to fill cracks and holes in the streets, a sidewalk was repaired on Marion Street after a water leak, rock was added to cemetery lanes and Kimball Street, and a tree that blew down on Fourth Street was cleaned up and hauled to the burn pit.
- heard a proposal from ADA compliance officer Del Leeds to install a new handicap accessible drinking fountain at Veteran’s Park as other upgrades to the park are completed. Leeds proposed a second fountain be installed at Unity Park. Funds would come from the city’s ADA budget. Leeds will return to the next meeting with installation bids.
- discussed a problem with grease buildup in the city sewer system in the area of Town and Country restaurant. Baldwin agreed there was a chronic problem although the restaurant staff has assured him they clean their grease traps regularly. No action was taken.
- approved the purchase of a five-gallon bucket of degreaser for use in the sewer lines at a cost of $197 and the purchase of two aerator valves for the water plant at a cost of $178 each plus $25 shipping.
- heard from Warner that there is some progress being made with an investment group interested in developing the former nursing home as an apartment complex.
- entered a 15-minute executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel and took no action on return to open meeting.