Mayor Bill Koos announced the appointments to the various committees at the normal Monday night City Council meeting.  The Mayor created a new committee called the 2013 Community Comprehensive Planning Committee.  He said the committee will attempt to gauge business and citizen sentiment in order to develop priorities for the community.  Koos said that priorities have changed over the years and the City has to react to changes in state funding and other unpredictable events.  The Mayor said the committee's function is to determine the community's wants and needs and then incorporate those needs into the budget.  He said he hopes to have a report in 18 months on the goals and needs of the community to provide a map of where the community will be 5 or 10 years from now.

For a list of the Mayor's committee appointments, click here.

Cathy McKay Recognized

The Mayor presented a plaque to Cathy McKay who is retiring from her 10 years of service as head of the Fourth of July Committee.  The Mayor said Cathy made things happen and added, "It takes quite a person to run a celebration like the Fourth of July and Cathy was that person.  She planned the event, organized volunteers, and conducted public relations."  

Alley Closed for St. Jude Event

The council approved a request to close the alley between Fourth and Fifth Street to the west of Chestnut Street, more commonly known as the "business alley", for a fund raising event for the St. Jude's Marathon.  Music and refreshments will be included in the event.

Identity Protection

The Council approved Resolution 2011-01 which is an Identity Protection Policy.  City Administration Doug Elder said the City is required by the State to protect the Social Security Number of City employees, which the City already does.  The resolution makes the policy official.

Council Comments

Alderman Justin Faulk said he wants to address the safety issues of the parking problem at Veterans Park for softball games.  He wants the City to work out a deal with the township board that would allow parking on the property owned by the township at the northeast corner of Veterans Park.   Alderwoman Keri Carls agreed the parking issue is important.

Mayor's Comments

Mayor Koos said the storm sewer project should be started within 30 days. 

The Mayor announced that Jack Jochums is retiring from being an announcer at the Fourth of July Parade and from the Parade of Lights.  The Mayor thanked Jack for his long service as a community volunteer and said anyone who wishes to take over Jack's services should contact Jack or the Mayor.