City council roundup: Royal council approves use of city property for Summerfest

George City Hall to get new flag pole

By RACHAL PINKERTON

Staff Writer

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Council met on Tuesday, April 16. During the meeting, a special event application for the Royal City Summerfest was approved. Summerfest, which will occur on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, features a parade, glow run, fireworks and barbecue. Resolution 19-01 allows Summerfest to hold the celebration on city property, according to Shilo Christensen, finance director for Royal City.

Christensen reviewed the first quarter budget for 2019 with the city council.

“There were no surprises,” said Christensen. “A lot of revenue comes later in the year. We are not at 25 percent revenue. This is normal for first quarter.”

Police Chief Darin Smith told the council that their new police officer finished the state police academy on April 17. Yered Farias-Ramos started academy in December and began work on the streets of Royal City a few days after graduation.

Smith mentioned a new police vehicle that department is purchasing. He is also working with the city clerk to get dogs in town licensed.

Public Works Director John Lasen reported that spring cleanup was a success.

“Five dumpsters were completely filled by Sunday afternoon,” said Christensen.

Lasen also talked about advertising for engineering services that would last for at least a year. Currently engineering services are advertised on a project by project basis.

George

The George City Hall will be getting a new flagpole, according to George Mayor Gerene Nelson. The new flag pole was discussed during a George City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 16. The previous flagpole blew down last year. James Krautscheid is doing the leg work as part of his Eagle Scout project.

George will be doing work on several projects this spring and summer. Royal Anne Drive, the main street in town, will be repaved from the frontage roads to Montmorency Boulevard during the summer months. The past few summers, the city has been able to repave both Frontage roads east and west.

“It has been nice to get some repairs done,” said Nelson. “Truck traffic takes its toll.”

In addition to the road construction, the irrigation system along the road and accompanying walking path will also be replaced. The current irrigation system is old and failing.

New engineered wood will be going in under playground equipment in town. This is to keep the playground up to state requirements.

In other news, the George city council set a public hearing and informational meeting for Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be to educate residents on the switch from the $20 license plate fee to an added sales tax for the city.

“We need the revenue to maintain the streets,” Nelson said. “We are doing an informational campaign for voters. We’re getting people aware of what we will be voting on – the pros, the cons and the benefits.”

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.