Council finalizes Tomato Days dinner logistics: menu, volunteers and QR payments discussed

Council members spent an extended portion of the work meeting organizing the Tomato Days community dinner. The discussion covered menus from prior years (pulled pork, hamburgers or hot dogs), donated items, and handling of perishable items; members agreed last year's menu was popular and suggested skipping baked beans this year because of cost and logistics.

The council discussed logistics and volunteers: Jamie (noting she would set up tables and provide a cash box) and other members recommended recruiting the sheriff's department, fire department, missionaries and family volunteers; one council member offered to contact Chad Funk, who cooked meat in prior years, and volunteers to coordinate supplies were assigned informally.

Payment and equipment plans included reusing QR-code payments and the possibility of borrowing watering troughs and a Traeger grill. Members discussed advertising and potential extra attendees from a neighboring city's canceled fireworks; the fire marshal advised continuing with planned fireworks and standard water-preparation steps.

Why it matters: Tomato Days is a high-attendance community event; the council's planning affects public safety, volunteer coordination and the city's public-relations presence. The council set assignments for follow-up and agreed to revisit logistics at the next meeting.

Next steps: Council members will contact prior volunteers and vendors (Chad, Kent's bakery, Sam's Club), confirm donated items and equipment and report back at the next council meeting.