The Washington City Council finalized the passage of two ordinances Monday evening. The first ordinance will allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages at events at the Commons when it opens later this year. The Council also discussed using a new state law to establish a DORA district, such as the one created by Jasper. DORA stands for Desinated Outdoor Refreshment Area. While a DORA is still on the table, it will take some time to establish, and passing the new ordinance will establish rules for alcohol at events at the Commons without waiting for the DORA designation. The second ordinance repealed an old and outdated ordinance setting fees on juke boxes and pinball machines and limiting other amusements in the city.
In other business, the Council passed a bookkeeping resolution shifting $405,000 in EDIT funds into different accounts. The Council also agreed to begin a storm sewer study to determine what, and at what costs, could be done to lessen the effects of a five-inch rain in a short period of time.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads said the Old 50 project should begin this week. The mayor said he expects Harned Avenue, Center Street, and Mill Street to be major detour routes.
Following the council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety met. Board members approved a request from Real Recovery and the Recovery Cafe to hold their first annual Rock the Block Party and close NW 1st Street between VanTrees and Walnut from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11th.
The Board also approved several changes at the Street Department. Beginning March 16, Aaron Mullen will serve as Street Commissioner. Mullen’s promotion began a chain of job changes in the department, which were also approved.
