The Chatfield City Council meeting held on January 27 was unusually brief. Councilor Mike Urban was absent.
Brian Burkholder informed the council that Union St. waterway repairs will need to be done before April 15, as per the Department of Natural Resources rules. The work is necessary because of damages sustained during the June 27 flooding event. Cost for the waterway work between Highway 52 and Union St. will be shared with FEMA. He estimated the city’s 25% share would not be more than $3,500.
A revision to the Chatfield Center for the Arts extended liquor license for February 1 was approved. The CCA collaborating with the Chosen Valley Community Foundation wants to hold an outdoor fundraising event during Chill Fest, “Carhartts and Kegs.” The license extension will include an area in front of the CCA, where a beer keg station will be located within a fenced in area.
Councilor Josh Broadwater reported on the Park and Recreation committee that met prior to the council meeting. Issues with the Mill Creek ball park and possible improvements were discussed. The number one problem is the lack of drainage. There is interest in adding both a storage shed and dugouts.
At the next meeting the council will be asked to consider the replacement of a 2015 wide area mower with the purchase of a new 2020 wide area mower.
The hiring process for a new pool manager was discussed, along with the most cost effective way to purchase food items for the pool’s concession stand.
A couple of residents came to the meeting to discuss the construction of an off leash dog park, possibly at Groen Park. Several issues around the construction of a dog park include cost of construction, maintenance, fencing, and noise.
The Community Foundation has requested a shelter be erected at Lonestone Park. Replacement of the playground equipment is being discussed.
Mayor Russ Smith commented that people have been doing a good job getting their cars off the street for snow removal.