Council opens audience dialog at public meetings

Town of Saratoga Councilman Steve Wilcoxson told the audience at the Saratoga Town Council meeting last Tuesday he wanted to clarify a misconception in town about the SSG Tyler Pickett Park. Wilcoxson said the the town has purchased the land, but the American Legion and its volunteers are responsible for the park itself.

Wilcoxson said several people are involved in raising money and Carrie Craig has volunteered to write grants for the park, but that the town has never promised to build the park.

“I just wanted to clear things up,” Wilcoxson said.

Mayor John Zeiger told the audience the town council is going to try something different at the next meeting. Items from the Public would be moved to the end of reports from Boards and Commissions and before Business, so the audience has an opportunity to respond to any business conducted during the meeting. Zeiger told the audience they would be limited to three to five minutes and would be required to stand at the podium and introduce themselves.

Tasha Michaelson-Worthington thanked the mayor and council for the change in the agenda.

Microphones were placed at both tables in front of the council. Zeiger advised anyone representing the town speak into the microphone, so they could be heard by the audience.

The town council accepted Randy Raymer’s resignation for the planning commision.

The Planning Commission recommended Rod Weinman for reappointment to the board. Councilman Mike McWain said he would prefer both positions be advertised. The council approved to advertise the position in two different motions, one to complete Raymer’s term and the other advertising for the five-year term.

McWain stated he believed that anyone who may be interested in the planning commission position should have an opportunity to apply.

Director of Public Works Chuck Bartlett told the council the force main from the pump station to the lagoons has been repaired.

Despite telling the public that the items from the Public would be changed, the mayor and council allowed people from the audience to speak before adjourning.

The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Town Hall.