City Council approves fireworks permit, TIF grant for Flesor’s repair

By Kayleigh Rahn
Sparks in the Park will fly at dusk Saturday, July 7.

The city council, during its meeting Monday, June 11, approved a permit for Jamaica Pyrotechnics to again provide the fireworks show during the 2018 Fourth of July weekend celebration at Ervin Park.

The city has planned a day’s worth of family fun for the annual celebration including the 5k race at 7:30 a.m., the parade at 10 a.m., children’s activities starting at 11 a.m., and the area-favorite mud volleyball tournament starting at 2 p.m.

Also, during the council meeting, city aldermen approved a $15,000 Tax Increment Financing Grant for Flesor’s Candy Kitchen to aid in the repairs of their traditional soda fountain.

The grant was approved by the TIF committee last week and will be used to repair the leaking equipment.

“This is a unique piece of 1940s equipment,” city administrator Drew Hoel said during the TIF committee meeting. “This is an integral part of their business and what drives visitors to their restaurant.”

The repairs will be completed by a shop, American Soda Fountain, Inc., located in the Chicago area, that specializes in the installation and repair of old soda fountains.

The council also approved several housekeeping items including a resolution concerning the review and release of executive session minutes and the destruction of executive session audio recordings.

The council also approved an ordinance ascertaining the prevailing rate of wage for laborers, workmen, mechanics employed in public works of the city, which is required by state statute to be approved annually.

In other business, the council:

• Approved the minutes from the Monday, May 29 meeting.
• Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $91,313.89.
• Approved the community building lease with alcohol for Curt Welch for a retirement party on July 27.
• Adjourned until the Monday, June 25 meeting.