Plans for Octoberfest underway
Staff writer
The 2009 budget adopted Monday by the Lincolnville City Council after a public hearing keeps the mill levy at 58.713, the same level as the previous year.
Due to an increase in valuations, the amount raised in taxes will increase from $44,849 in 2008 to $48,703 in 2009.
Treasurer Clay Simons reported Monday that the city is in good shape financially. He said rentals for the community building are covering the costs of utilities and maintenance.
General fund receipts totaled $8,386.14 in July, including $2,314 from franchise taxes and $945 in local sales taxes. Approximately 63 percent of the 2008 budget authority has been spent.
Celebrations chairman Sylvia Bailey reported on plans for Octoberfest. The theme will be “The Circus Comes to Lincolnville.”
An official master of ceremonies will direct activities throughout the day.
The traditional 11 a.m. parade will take place this year in the afternoon.
Jimmy the Clown will entertain kids, and an amusement park will include face painting. The pumpkin carving contest will return.
The performance platform will be located near the community building.
The Octoberfest planning committee will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Bailey’s home. Anyone wishing to assist is welcome to attend.
In order to finalize an emergency plan for the city, council members are trying to determine if the “safe room” in the community building was constructed according to specifications as an official emergency shelter.
In the absence of city clerk Jane Pigorsch, the council voted to send her a letter requesting that by 6 p.m. Monday, she produce all documents and plans pertaining to the construction of the community building, including blueprints and the final plan.
There will be a special council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall to review the documents. Community members are welcome to attend.
Recreation chairman Dawn Kaiser reported that at least $800 was spent to improve the ball diamond in preparation for the Marion County men’s softball tournament which occurred there Friday and Saturday.
Volunteers painted three sets of bleachers, trim and doors on the concession stand, and trash barrels. Six new trash barrels were purchased.
“I’m really pleased with the way things turned out, and I appreciate the volunteers who worked hard to make it happen,” Kaiser said.
According to Sherri Pankratz, tournament receipts totaled $372.
Evelyn Matz took Greg Holub’s place on the council several months ago, after Holub and his family moved out of town to a new house on the farm.
Matz reported the purchase of a fan for the community building. She announced that Anita Svoboda is working on landscaping the facility and will be conducting a stepping stone painting event there on Saturday as a fundraiser.
The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 2. It will be on Tuesday due to the Labor Day holiday.