Tuscola City Council approves “Little Free Pantry”

By Kendra Hennis
The Tuscola City Council meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 8 with Alderman Mike Morris absent.

During the approval of the consent agenda, the council approved the Tuscola Odd Fellows placing a “Little Free Pantry” on Festival Corner in downtown Tuscola. The project will be run by the Tuscola Odd Fellows and will be monitored by volunteers. After much discussion, the council additionally approved permission for a live band at Ervin Park on June 5, 2021 for the wedding of Debbie Butts and Michael Jones. They noted that while this allowed them the permit for the live band, it did not reserve any part of the park for them. Ervin Park is still open for the public and all pavilions at the park are available on a first come first serve basis. It was also noted that the same park rules apply including no alcohol and all COVID restrictions currently in place.

The council additionally set committee meetings for the process of the upcoming budget. The finance and administration committee is set to meet March 31, public works on March 23, public safety on March 29, and community development and planning on March 25. Following their meetings they will have a draft of the budget to present at the April 12 council meeting.

The council also:
* Approved the minutes of the February 22 city council meeting.

* Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $114,904.17.

* Adjourned at 7:50 p.m. until the next March 22 council meeting at 7:30 p.m.