They weren’t prepared ...
It seems we have this discussion every year ... changes to the Pumpkin Festival.
There is no denying the fact that last year’s rainy festival was a disappointment, not only to the Morton Chamber of Commerce, but businesses and members, as well. Festival officials needed to take a look at ways to expand and improve the festival long before last year, however.
I have heard concerns from village board members that the festival needs to be modernized (not that they should really have any say in the matter — the festival is not a village board obligation). I have heard concerns from residents that the location of the festival should change. I have also heard arguments that the festival should not be relocated, simply because it is closer to the downtown businesses.
So, a subcommittee unanimously approved a change in the PFest layout — closing Jefferson Street near the festival for the entirety of the festival, including the days leading up to the event.
Chamber officials made their case Monday night at the village board meeting, but they weren’t prepared. There were still plenty of questions that needed to be answered. And, to top things off, all the chamber officials present at the meeting left immediately after it was over, leaving me with questions that I thought still needed to be answered — but, I am not surprised, considering I knew very little about this before the meeting, and I am almost definite that was by design.
But, who am I to say they HAVE to talk to me?
But, they apparently did not talk to many on the village board, with the exception of Ginger Hermann who was involved in some of the meetings with the chamber subcommittee. When Darrell Vierling said he was unaware of these changes until just recently, something must not have been communicated properly to the board. Chamber officials wanted this voted on (and approved) Monday night — that was obvious. But, with my knowledge of the board, very rarely will they approve something they know little about — the board deserves credit for not succumbing to pressure.
Chamber officials also seemed to lack information regarding the Apostolic Christian Church parking lot situation. But, they mentioned it was one of their main concerns. It was mentioned that Jennifer Daly talked to the church about this. If that is true, why did she not provide notes from that discussion the chamber members presenting their case Monday night? Oops. That does not sound like it was a “major” concern.
This is a classic case of being unprepared — and, that is why it was not voted on Monday night.
That’s too bad, because the ideas for expansion seem to have the support of the community (from what I have heard). And, the police and fire departments are willing to give this a shot.
But, I would expect this situation will be resolved at the next meeting, with no hard feelings or backlash. This change needs to be supported, not only by businesses, but residents as well. It is a good step toward improving the festival. And, that is not to say it is a poor event — it deserves some revisions, though.
School district approves contracts ...
I am limited on time for this one, so I will provide a statement from the Morton District 709 administration ...
“The Board of Education and the Morton Education Association approved a new three year agreement for the school years 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012. The agreement provides for wage adjustments over the three years of slightly under three percent for the first two years and two to three percent in the third year. Both parties worked together to develop language to facilitate implementation of some of the new federal and state regulations and initiatives. Many issues were resolved through a spirit of cooperation and understanding. Given the impact of the current local, state, and national economic funding issues that affect education, the agreement represents a good compromise of the needs of both parties.”
Also regarding schools ...
I hope the article regarding Lettie Brown Elementary provided some perspective for the readers. But, I know what you all really want ... JEFFERSON INFO! I am going to meet with the superintendant and the principal of Jefferson Elementary tomorrow (Friday) morning. Expect a story next Wednesday.
Aside from that ...
• It is a beautiful, dry week outdoors. Be sure not to spend too much time on your computer and free yourself into the world of fresh air. This is the first week this season we have had consistently nice weather. I love it.
• The Chicago Cubs need to beat the St. Louis Cardinals tonight.
• The adopt-a-pot program, sponsored by the Morton Tourism Association, is underway ...
Last year, the Morton Tourism Association, with assistance from the village of Morton and the Morton Community Foundation, planted flowers in pots and under the trees in the downtown area to spruce it up.
This year, the organization plans to beautify the area again and the public is invited to participate.
An individual or family can “Adopt-A-Pot” along Main or Jefferson streets, plant flowers in it and maintain the flowers for the summer season. Organizers said it is a great way to get families involved in the village and teach children about volunteering to make their community a better place.
Each pot will have a plant stake declaring the adoptive person’s name. The Morton Tourism Association will be filling any “unadopted” pots and keeping an eye on the watering of all containers throughout the summer.
Main and Jefferson streets will also be sporting banners and hanging baskets along side the planters.
If interested in adopting a planter or for more information, contact Jenna Grimm at Grimm’s Inc., 266-7092.
• And, for your reading pleasure ... click here. (A Christian Science Monitor columnist contends reporters should be paid less).
• Glad to be back in action. Moving was a headache, but I am happy in my new office at 1 News Plaza in Peoria. It is much closer than our old digs on Pioneer Parkway in Peoria.
