Staff writer
Lincolnville Parks and Recreation Chairman Sherri Pankratz reported to the city council Monday receipt of a $2,500 grant from Tri-County Telephone Association. It comes from the company’s Community Development Initiative program.
The money will be used to erect two adjustable basketball goals in the tennis court in the city park. Along with an additional $100 from the city, the grant covers the cost of concrete for goal setting and stabilization and paint to distinguish lanes, free throw lines, and 3-point lines. The projected completion date is May 31.
Pankratz said providing additional opportunity for community recreation will help to retain the local population and will provide a more rounded facility for social gatherings.
“Lincolnville hopes to reverse the trend of a declining rural population,” she said.
Pankratz credited Tom Stoppel of Hillsboro for assisting her in writing the grant application.
The council approved purchase of two 24x36-inch signs crediting TCT for the improvements. Another smaller sign will be purchased for placement on the new playground equipment installed last fall, crediting the late Irma Pagenkopf Levy for providing the funds.
Pankratz said the Centre Girl Scouts will beautify the northwest corner of the park. After two old trees are removed, they will plant new trees and place decorative boulders in the area.
The council approved a contract with Herington Municipal Hospital to conduct a medical clinic in the city building two half-days a month for a $25 rental fee for each half-day. The contract includes a clause allowing either party to discontinue the arrangement at any time. The contract will be reviewed after six months. Council member Joe Vinduska voted against the contract. Service is expected to begin in May.
Mayor Barb Kaiser announced she has been attending meetings with other city officials regarding a municipal hazardous mitigation plan for the county. She said if the city of Lincolnville participates in the plan, it could qualify for grants, such as to install storm shelters. The last meeting will be April 26 at the community center in Lincolnville.
Kaiser said the new siren had to be manually activated during the two tornado warnings that were issued for the area on Feb. 28. She said the siren is equipped with a telephone system to activate the siren but the system was not connected. The company from which the siren was purchased was contacted to fix the problem.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 2.