A significant highlight of the meeting was the proposal to commemorate the city’s centennial celebration with a special edition bourbon. Council members expressed interest in collaborating with Point Distillery to produce and sell this centennial bourbon as part of the festivities. However, concerns were raised about the legalities of selling alcohol, with suggestions that the sale be limited to pre-orders to mitigate financial risks. The possibility of featuring this bourbon at the mayor’s ball, a key centennial event, was also discussed, though logistics and regulatory considerations remained unresolved.

The council also delved into the logistics of various city events, placing particular emphasis on the need for a streamlined registration and fee collection system. Concerns were raised about the current cumbersome processes and the potential overload on the city clerk’s office. Discussions highlighted the necessity for a digital platform to facilitate efficient participant registration and payment collection, with JobForm or Google Docs being considered for their capabilities in managing these tasks. The council acknowledged the importance of clear promotional communication, especially in terms of sponsorship visibility, to ensure successful public engagement.

In addition to the centennial bourbon, financial considerations for a planned golf tournament were a focal point. The council debated the feasibility of hosting the tournament given the high costs, including a nonrefundable deposit of $3,000 and overall expenses projected to reach $122,000. Discussions included the possibility of reducing the team entry fee to attract more participants and exploring alternative venues like Wentworth to cut costs. The idea of a mini-golf tournament was introduced as a more cost-effective option that might increase participation.

Attention shifted to the logistical challenges of organizing upcoming community events such as a field day, chili cook-off, and 5K run. The council discussed the need for plansning, including setting vendor fees, finalizing race routes, and ensuring proper branding on promotional materials. A proposal to introduce a tug-of-war event was met with safety concerns, particularly regarding the risk of participants falling into the river. As a solution, the council considered using a distance line instead of a water crossing.

The meeting also tackled the planning of a parade, with discussions on potential routes and the management of traffic flow. The council debated starting points, with Walmart being considered due to its ample parking space, and the possibility of using Old Post Road for the route. The feasibility of crossing major roads like Highway 19 was questioned, necessitating coordination with local police for traffic management. Participation fees for groups entering the parade were proposed to offset associated costs.

The council recognized the importance of clear promotional strategies and the establishment of a digital infrastructure to streamline registration and communication processes.