Council thanks workers for successful city event
Staff reporter
Florence Labor Day Celebration was a success.
This was the news the Florence City Council heard at the Sept. 7 meeting from committee member Scott Zogelman.
Zogelman reported attendance for some events was fewer than previous years but other events were successful.
"Big hits were the kids' ranch rodeo and mutton bustin'," Zogelman said.
Twenty-seven motorcycles participated in the poker run. The winner of the run donated the money back to the committee.
"We need to capitalize on the Cassoday ride," Zogelman said. Motorcyclists gather in Cassoday the first Sunday of each month.
The council asked if the parade was larger than previous years. Zogelman said there was more individual participation in the parade but only three floats.
Councilman Bryan Harper said he would like to see the parade go to the end of Main Street. This year the parade ended at Main and Fourth streets, the next to the last block.
It was noted new American flags were displayed along Main Street. The poles that came with the flags were not used because of the poor quality. Other poles were purchased and used.
City superintendent Ken Hoffman reported two flags and poles were stolen over the weekend.
Welcome flags were ordered and were supposed to arrive before the weekend but the wrong flags were delivered.
Zogelman said the information hot line was utilized by people to verify the schedule of events.
The Lumberyard of Hillsboro furnished 2x4s for the melodrama, Zogelman said.
Bert Zogelman, Florence resident, commended the city crews for work in preparing the city for the event.
The council expressed appreciation to the committee for their efforts.
In other business:
— Darla Gore, city clerk, reported she had contacted the city attorney regarding the city mowing and trimming trees at the former school property currently owned by Larry and Karen Hastings of El Dorado.
Gore said the attorney suggested the council handle it the same as any other mowing assessment, with a registered letter to the owner with sufficient time to mow and remove trees that are causing a nuisance. If the owners do not comply in the allotted time, city crews or contracted labor will mow, trim, and remove the necessary trees. The owners will be charged for the work. If the owners do not pay the bill in the allotted time, the charges will be placed on the owner's property taxes.
Two bids have been obtained, said Gore. One bid was for mowing and trimming trees, a second bid for mowing and removing trees.
Councilman Randy Mills suggested only dead and dangerous trees be trimmed or removed. Gore was instructed to send a letter to the owners.
Harper suggested the tree service that is contracted by the city be bonded and provide proof of insurance.
— Councilman Dan Ludwig reported he ordered 10 loads of millings from Ritchie Paving at $4 per ton.
— Councilman Ed Robinson suggested the pool close prior to Labor Day weekend because of low attendance over the holiday weekend.
— The council declined advertising in the Marion High School yearbook.
— The council adjourned to a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The first 10 minutes of the session was attended by council members and the second 20 minutes included Gore.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the city building.
