Afton council reviews playground, tree grant

AFTON - A quiet December regular meeting of Afton city council on Tuesday, Dec. 10, prepared for future city goals.

Tentative plans regarding a playground for Afton and preparation for the IRA Tree Planting Grant were discussed during the meeting. Three different designs for a playground were presented to the council, although they have not chosen a plan yet.

Locations for placing trees if the city were to obtain the grant were discussed, with the majority of trees being placed in the rec field, with additional trees to be placed at Greenlawn Cemetery and Afton Lake. Additional plans, such as the tree services for planting and upkeep to be hired if the city were to be awarded the grant, were also discussed.

City Clerk Kayla Lacina reminded the council and public both of these plans were in early stages, especially plans for if the city would obtain the IRA grant, which she described as “highly competitive.”

After a discussion of fine details relating to the resolution, the council approved a resolution authorizing a 90-day pay raise for Utility Clerk Crystal Thomas. Starting Dec. 19, Thomas will have her pay increased by $1/hr to $18/hr for the next 90 days.

Lacina praised Thomas, who gave her oath of office in September, for the hard work she’s done, and said, “She’s really trying, and she’s doing a good job.”

Another resolution was accepted by the council to allow Lacina and Thomas to be point of contact and representatives for the Afton Raymond James account. The city primarily uses the account for Greenlawn Cemetery expenses.

In other Afton city council news...

Brandon Cosner was accepted by the council onto the rec board, replacing Ben Clear who had resigned from the board. Cosner will complete Clear’s term.

Afton council prepared for their search for a mower for Greenlawn Cemetery in 2025, revising guidelines and vetting an advertisement which will be sent to publications in January.

Councilmember Steve Kinyon attended Tuesday’s meeting via telephone.