Independence council approves park equipment installation

The Independence City Council approved the use of American Rescue Plan Funding (ARPA) money to install playground equipment at Island Park. 

Members voted to approve the $7,322.40 cost presented by R.J. Jurowski Construction. Some members also requested an update on the ARPA fund balance for the next meeting. 

Some committee members had expressed concern about the wording of the ATV ordinance, which allows city residents “and their guests” to take the most direct route onto the ATV trails. The language was vague enough that anyone could claim to be a guest.

Discussion was tabled until the next meeting in order to hear from the city’s attorney. 

“There’s no harm in having to wait another 30 days,” Mayor Baecker said. 

Council members also discussed further clean-up efforts in the city.  Derrick Skroch had received a letter about his 6th Street property earlier in the year, and a later check-in had seen improvement. Police chief Chad Halvorsen confirmed that the owner was working towards compliance; the council voted to give him another 30 days to clean up the property.

Halvorsen also provided an update on the police department’s hiring process. None of the candidates for assistant chief worked out, so they’re staring over. The application deadline has been extended to Aug. 1. 

The council approved several liquor, cigarette, game and bartending licenses, as well as a picnic license for Independence Days.