Lebanon council approves $10,000 downtown grant and temporary street closure for fire picnic and parade

Lebanon City Council on June 22 approved two routine but locally visible items: a $10,000 business-district grant for improvements at 118 E. St. Louis Street and a temporary street closure to accommodate the city’s fire picnic and parade.

The finance committee recommended a $10,000 grant to Lance Ott to replace a roof and redo stairs at the property east of the Mermaid House; the applicant plans a short-term rental on the second floor and commercial space on the ground floor. Clerk Paul read the grant recommendation and the council approved it by roll call.

Separately the Streets & Alleys committee recommended a road closure request for July 9 (noon) through July 12 (4:00 a.m.) to allow setup, rides (if rain forces the event onto the road) and cleanup. Council discussion noted the extended window was requested so the event organizer could move rides onto the road if the park area was too muddy after rain. The council approved the recommendation in a roll-call vote with one recorded “No” from Washington.

Council members asked logistical questions about set-up/cleanup times and whether rides would be moved to school property in dry conditions. The city clerk confirmed the closure is a committee recommendation carried to the council for final approval.

What happens next: the city will notify event organizers and contractors of the approved closure and the grant recipient will proceed with permitting and project work; staff said any required follow-up or permits will be coordinated through the appropriate departments.