Apr. 18, 2012
By Conrad Easterday
editor@pratttribune.com
Pratt’s Leadership 2000 Plus class finally won approval Monday night for a downtown City Park at Fourth and Main — along with an initial package of assistance from the City Commission worth about $14,000.
At least one commissioner, however, thinks the civic group may have “a tiger by the tail.”
Gary Skaggs and his fellow commissioners seemed chiefly concerned by the group’s ability to raise the necessary funds for the project — even though it will rely on bricks leftover from the Main Street project to resurface the gravel lot and donated water and electrical lines from the city for utilities.
The group has only $1,500 in its coffers, but many potential donors have been waiting for the Commission to approve the project and accept the deed for the land from The Peoples Bank, said Tracey Beverlin, who presented the Leadership class proposal to the Commission. In addition to beautifying the empty corner lot, the Leadership class hopes to re-establish a farmers market that will be both better regulated than its predecessor at the Presbyterian Church parking lot and more exclusive.
The commissioners also expressed concern about the farmers market and its potential to attract vendors who often sell their wares directly from their vehicles. To reduce expense and to maintain its “park” atmosphere, vehicles will not be allowed on the brick surface.
Mayor Bill Hlavachick encouraged Beverlin to ask Peoples Bank representatives for permission to use the gravel parking lot next to the Parrish Hotel on market days. Vendors with vehicles could set up shop there, he said.
In other business, the Commission:
*Welcomed newly elected Commissioner Luke Kumberg who defeated incumbent Vic Graf in the April election.
* Chose Bill Hlavachick to replace Jeff Taylor as mayor. Both men have held the position several times.
* Watched a presentation by Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall about the city’s efforts to promote itself over the next decade.
* City Clerk Lou Kramer recites the oath of office for new City Commissioner Lucus Kumberg at Monday night’s regular meeting. Kumberg defeated incumbent Vic Graf in the April election. The Commission also chose Commissioner Bill Hlavachick to be the new mayor.
