Residents plan town hall and Fall Festival as they raise safety, dumping and nonprofit concerns

Resident Diane Walker announced she will host a town hall for municipal candidates at Daisy Church of God on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m., inviting candidates and asking the city to post the event on the City Hall sign; Mayor Everett and Commissioner Shipley said they supported the idea.

Cindi Sanden said the Fall Festival is scheduled for Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that 180 vendors have registered; she added that Webco is donating a large piece of granite for the Industrial Park sign and noted nearby business changes, including OB3B closing.

Several residents raised safety and neighborhood concerns. Travis Beene said comments about child safety and parking at the north ballfields showed the two goals — safety and convenience — sometimes conflict; he said guardrails are not the answer and suggested speed humps. Beene also raised questions about shipping containers used for storage, saying Hedgecoth has containers at the park while the current ordinance does not allow them. City Manager Burt Johnson said shipping containers are not allowed under the existing ordinance but that staff are considering an amendment that could permit them in some areas if owners improve appearance.

Nate Sanden reported people were illegally dumping behind the Bait and Tackle on Dayton Pike; Public Works Director Grant said the city will clean the site and, if the owner cannot be located after proper notice, place a lien on the property.

Commissioner Shipley described the Kids Club (more than 600 children are registered) and said it operates through volunteers and is tax-exempt rather than a formal 501(c)(3). He and others urged keeping volunteer and emergency organizations apolitical; Diane Walker objected to criticism of nonprofits and urged clarity about what commissioners meant. Commissioner Keith said a Keep Kids Warm coat drive will coincide with the Fall Festival.

Mayor Everett praised volunteerism across the city and noted staff longevity; commissioners reported recent hires for firefighter positions and a public-works equipment operator. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.