Elks presents city with donation

The Pontiac Elks has presented the city with a $7,500 check toward the upcoming Independence Day fireworks celebration, set for June 27.

“We are excited to partner with the city again this year for Independence Day fireworks,” said Pontiac Elks Lodge 1019 Exalted Ruler Bruce Mustread who appeared before the Pontiac City Council Monday evening.

Mustread is happy the organization can participate and provide funds to make it a great event for the big 250^th celebration for America.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the Pontiac council heard new information from Parks and Recreation Director Gary Beckman pertaining to the Rec Plex playground proposal. They added plans for a crawl through tube for younger kids along with a small climbing wall.

“Those were some adjustments to incorporate,” explained Beckman.

This will be outside of left field on Field 5 on the north side of the complex. The proposal from Team Reil was approved for this via ARPA funds.

Beckman also gave an update on the splash pad which opened early last week, noting that the area has been busy and “packed.” Everything is operational and running smoothly so far.

A concrete addition was approved for the downtown Centennial Plaza. It was recommended the city contract with Eppel to concrete the patch of land.

“This will be a TIF I project,” noted City Administrator Jim Woolford.

The next phase in the City Hall renovation project was approved for a portico to cover the door for the council chambers and city offices. The material cost is $10,428.36.

Surplus property disposition of two sheds was authorized as the city proposes selling the sheds at Block 59 which they weren’t going to use. This will allow the street superintendent to put out a bid package.

“We may have a use for one more of those sheds,” said Woolford.

An agreement was approved between the city and Police Benevolent Labor Committee (PBLC) to create a trial rank of detective sergeant. It will incentivize the investigative position.

“I think this is a wonderful idea,” stated Fourth Ward Alderwoman Jayme Bradshaw.

Mayor Kelly Eckhoff reported there was more park vandalism recently.

“We all need to be neighborhood watch,” said Eckhoff. “These humans are smart enough not to be doing it when the police are around.”

The mayor recapped a recent Broncos on 66 event where everyone who participated came to Pontiac from somewhere else. The organization’s goal was to get people to Pontiac to see what the city has to offer.

“They made an impact like all of those things do.” 

City Administrator Jim Woolford said the story walk at Humiston Park was certified as a Route 66 event this summer for families to take their kids to. He also reminded the group of the first Rockin’ at the River concert this Thursday.

The consent agenda was approved which included May 18 meeting minutes, payment of bills, a Peddler’s License for Sunrun, raffle application for Heartland Community College Foundation and a street closure for the Route 66 Caravan.