The Centralia City Council is expected to vote on Monday night on allowing the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce to utilize Fairview Park for Balloon Fest August 17th through the 23rd. The request includes closing West Broadway between Buena Vista and Brooks Avenue from 11 am to 11 pm on the days of Balloon Fest. The city will furnish barricades and the assistance of ESDA for the duration of the event. The chamber will have to provide at least $1 million in insurance coverage for the event. Vendors will also have to agree to indemnify the city in a hold harmless agreement. The chamber is looking to move Balloon Fest from Foundation Park due to electrical issues.
The council will look at creating two new Class A Liquor Licenses for businesses that currently hold a Class E license which is limited to beer and wine sales. Rail Coffee Room at 216 East Broadway is seeking the full pour and package sale license due to a change in the business. Food Mart Cafe, Inc. at 609 East 15th is seeking the Class A license to allow for all liquor sales so they can compete with other area businesses.
A request will come before the council to allow the Farmers Market to return to the City Parking lot at Locust and Second Streets starting in mid-May through October 24th, the week prior to the Fall Festival. The resolution would also authorize Terry Herrell as Market Master.
The council will be asked to lease two new front line police vehicles at $1,356 per vehicle per month for a 48-month term. In addition, the council is being asked to purchase a used 2022 Dodge Durango from Kansas State Police for $33,750. It will be used for administrative and investigations personnel.
The meeting begins at six Monday night at Centralia City Hall.
