Afton Pre-Fourth Celebration brainstorms fireworks, drive-in

AFTON - Early preparations at a quiet regular city council meeting gave a sneak peek to events in Afton, including some new ideas involving a drive-in movie and fireworks.

Devon Springer of the Afton Community Club attended Tuesday’s meeting and was able to obtain permissions for various events, including Tuesdays in the Park and the Pre-Fourth Celebration. As a part of her notices to the board, she outlined ideas the community club had for other events.

Early planning for a Pre-Fourth Celebration event involves a drive-in movie at the rec field near the Union County Fairgrounds. Similar to how the lawn near the pickleball court is often used for extra parking during baseball rec leagues, the community club hopes to use the space as an open lawn for the drive-in.

In an attempt to simulate how the fairgrounds releases fireworks for the county fair, the community club is planning to gain permission for the use of the fairground space for their own Fourth of July-esque fireworks show after the drive-in is finished. Springer hopes to use the same commercial firework company as the fairgrounds to make the process easier.

Springer noted to the board how details for this new event aren’t finalized and are in early stages of planning.

City council approved alcohol presence in the park square for five music nights for Tuesdays in the Park. While the schedule is not finalized, five nights on the calendar will be bring your own beer.

In other Afton city council news...

The Afton Development Corporation gave updates to the board about two projects involving the Afton Lake. The first required the board to approve the installation of a pit toilet. The other was a notice of early plans for the construction of a shelter. ADC President K’Lea Johnson presented the board with designs of repurposed feed silos, not only planting a representation of local history but providing a cost-effective way method of construction.

Mayor Michelle Burger noted how the ADC could have presented city council with these projects earlier with the intent to help fund the projects. Burger noted personally how she had wanted similar developments. Additional funding for the projects will come from grants the ADC is seeking.

Clarifications around the use of the building with the address of 201 E Kansas St. was given, including a recommendation to change the zoning of the building to fit within business intentions and city code. A business group had previously offered to renovate the building into a dual-purpose commercial business, with apartments in the rear and a storefront facing the street.

Following a meeting with the zoning board of Afton, a public hearing will take place for the public to give comments on the future use of the building. The zoning board has the ability to make an exception to city ordinances.

City council approved a quote for asphalt from Blacktop for $64,000. Asphalt will be replaced in three areas in Afton which were damaged from repeated semi travel. These areas include a portion of East Fillmore Street, the east side of the intersection of Fillmore and Webster streets and a portion of Railroad Street by the co-op.

A cemetery board report from council member Sheryl Parham outlined plans for a “cemetery walk” for an upcoming holiday. The event will have local actors from Afton and East Union playing the parts of certain individuals who are buried within Greenlawn.

A deteriorating ash tree will be removed in the park square, partially in early preparation for new playground equipment to be placed. The board noted how the tree was unsafe and dropping limbs.

Council member Kristie Nixon was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.