American Legion offers shelter MOU and community event support; developer volunteers to repaint town hall and assist parks

Phil Jordan, incoming commander of American Legion Post 434, told the Kingsford Heights council that Post 434 is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Leaport County to serve as an emergency shelter and a heating/cooling center for residents during outages or storms. Jordan said the post is pursuing grants for a commercial backup generator and wants to partner with the town on ceremonies and events such as Hog Days (Aug. 1) and a fall trunk-or-treat. "We want the council to be the first to know that we're currently finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Leaport County to officially designate Post 434 as an emergency shelter," Jordan said.

Council members discussed parking-lot maintenance near the legion and direction for event coordination; one member recused herself from votes concerning the Legion because she is a member. Council authorized Phil Jordan to coordinate Hog Days logistics with the marshal and park staff to ensure timely planning for the Aug. 1 event.

Separately, a developer associated with recent homebuilding in the town offered to repaint the exterior of town hall at no cost and to bring volunteer crews to repair concession stands, dugouts and related park infrastructure. Council members welcomed the donation and asked the developer to coordinate details with the clerk and to ensure any food vendors obtain health-department permits and vendor registration as required.

Council also discussed park fundraising ideas (raffle baskets, mobile-payment options) and how to prioritize park capital requests during budget season. The council asked staff to collect price estimates for playground equipment and signage and to return with budget recommendations at the July meeting.