By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the Aug. 25 regular meeting of the Panora City Council, Councilmember Brian Dorsett led the meeting due to Mayor Curtis Thornberry’s absence. The council considered proposed changes to the city’s Ordinance 359, relating to park hours and camping. The proposed new wording states, “Camping is not allowed at city parks.” The council approved the first reading and waived the second and third readings and voted unanimously in favor of the amendment as proposed. The amended ordinance will be in effect once it has been published in the city’s official print publication.
On behalf of the Lions Club, Pat Subbert requested a reduced rental rate for the club’s occasional use of the Community Center for fundraiser events. She said the current rate of $175 is excessive. She told of the many ways the Lions Club has worked to better the community.
Councilmember Mark Sheeder agreed with the good performed by the Lions but objected to setting a precedent.
“There are a lot of good causes, so where do we draw the line?” Sheeder said.
The council discussed possibly creating a rate just for nonprofit organizations.
Councilmember Blake Michelsen pointed out that the council would then need to define “nonprofit,” since some groups consider themselves nonprofit but do not have any official verification of that status.
The council chose to address the issue individually for now and voted to approve a $90 rental fee for the Lions Club.
City Administrator Lisa Grossman said the concrete for the new basketball court has been poured, and lines will be painted when feasible.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).