Council praises July 4 events, parks director says Gentry Park near completion; council to consider playground dedication to Terry Briggs

Council members on July 16 thanked Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers for the city’s July 4 parade and fireworks and discussed upcoming park events and projects, Parks and Recreation Director Kane said.

"A big thank you to the city and the Parks and Rec for the wonderful parade and outstanding fireworks," public commenter Mike Zonderman told the council during public comment. Jim Hartog, another commenter, asked the council to address the presence of political signs in parade areas, saying, "I think it's ridiculous and shouldn't happen." Mayor and staff later told Hartog the matter is being worked on and that the city attorney will weigh in.

Parks and Recreation Director Kane reported that Gentry Park has reached substantial completion and that staff will complete punch-list items after the final week of day camp; he said the department will plan a ribbon cutting once verbiage and signs are finalized. The parks board has recommended dedicating the playground area at Gentry Park to the late Terry Briggs; council members said they expect park staff to bring proposed wording for the dedication back to the council for a vote.

Council member Suttell and others praised staff for managing the parade and events despite high heat, and Council member Luke encouraged residents to attend upcoming public planning meetings for Helle Busch Park (the next meeting listed for Aug. 7 at 6 p.m.).

A separate agenda item regarding no-parking signage on Taplin Court was tabled to the next meeting at the request of council members, without substantive discussion during the July 16 meeting.