Council creates playground and memorial funds, confirms treasurer appointment

The City Council voted to establish two municipal funds to accept private gifts for ongoing landscaping and maintenance: the Zinns Playground Landscaping and Maintenance Fund (341 Groveland St.) and the William Masic Memorial Landscaping and Maintenance Fund.

Andrew Hurle of Community Development said the Zinns playground project will use Community Development Block Grant money for equipment and site work and that the council had budgeted about $70,000 for playground equipment and related redevelopment. Deborah Hennigan Zins and local volunteers described a fundraising campaign and an Oct. 30 benefit; the council approved establishing the city fund so donors can give through the city treasury.

For the William Masic Memorial Park, the council voted to create a similar landscaping and maintenance account; the meeting record includes a contractor quote of $2,185 to begin landscaping around the memorial stone and plaque. Mayor Barrett said Newnans would start work and the council moved to create the account through the treasurers office.

Separately, the council received and placed on file the mayors non-confirming appointment of Lynn Spitaleri as treasurer and collector of taxes (term noted through 12/31/2025). Spitaleri, previously assistant treasurer in a neighboring town, briefly introduced herself to the council. The roll calls for the funds and the appointment were unanimous (11-0).

Councilors framed the actions as efforts to leverage CDBG dollars, enable private fundraising for maintenance, and preserve pocket-park amenities; final spending from each fund will be administered through the city treasurers office.

The council did not allocate additional city operating funds at the meeting; it authorized the mechanisms for receiving private gifts and committed to public notice when donations are accepted.