Event raises $10,000 for pool

COLFAX— The City Council heard an update on a fundraising barbecue during its Monday, Aug. 21 meeting.

Councilmembers also discussed a grant to purchase a scoreboard for the softball field at McDonald Park and trees along Main Street.

The pool fundraising barbecue occurred Friday, Aug. 18, at the municipal pool, 1301 N. Morton. St. It raised $10,000, Mayor Jim Retzer told the council.

Retzer said he had been approached by people who still want to donate to the pool.

He said the barbecue was well-attended.

City Administrator Chris Mathis added that the event attracted 250-300 attendees.

Retzer mentioned that Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, was in attendance, as well.

"Thanks to everyone that participated," Retzer said.

Parks and Recreation employee Steve Larkin has been working on getting all the parts and other supplies for the pool update.

Retzer said that despite the ongoing fires, volunteer firefighters still took their time to barbecue for those in attendance.

Other business

In other business, Councilman Mark Mackleit reported on the effort to install a scoreboard in McDonald Park.

He said county commissioners awarded a .09 grant to the School District to put in a new scoreboard.

Mackleit thanked Mathis and Downtown Association Executive Director Whitney Bond for helping him finish that, adding that County Commissioner Michael Largent also lobbied for it.

After bills and claims were approved, the council discussed the issue of Main Street trees blocking street lights.

Public Works Director Matt Hammer said the trees are getting extremely large and asked the council what they want to do about them.

"Let's just not cut them all down and replace them at once," Councilman Jim Kackman said.