Ash Grove Board of Aldermen gives go ahead for downtown Shine Inc. event, car show, concert

Board told old water tower in good shape, ‘can last another 100 years’ with maintenance
 
The Ash Grove Board of Aldermen granted a request by Aimee Gerla to close a portion of west Main Street on June 20 to accommodate an inaugural event held by Gerla’s non-profit Shine Inc. Gerla’s organization provides prom attire for high school students who might not otherwise have the means to purchase the apparel.
The 50’s themed fundraiser in question will be from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, June 20, and include a car show, food and beer garden, a silent auction, live music and a fashion show of prom dresses through the decades.

Mama Loca’s lends a hand
The live music for the evening will be performed by 2 Country 4 Nashville, courtesy of Mama Loca’s Cafe, who will also be providing the beer garden. Owners Marc Schwenn and Dolores Coble were also in attendance at the Monday night meeting to offer Gerla support and help answer any questions that may arise. The board also, seemingly, granted any clearance needed for Mama Loca’s beer garden.

FFA concert
The board also unanimously granted permission to the Ash Grove FFA chapter to hold an evening concert event at Ash Grove City Park June 12, which may also include an antique tractor show.

Water tower contract
In other action, the board approved a contract presented by Tom Stechmann, with Suez Utility Service Company to maintain the two city water towers. The cost includes a renovation of the interior and exterior of the water tower on West Main Street, and the maintenance of both towers henceforth.
 The cost will be $59,714 a year for three years, and $10,159 every year thereafter—in perpetuity. The contract can be canceled by the city at any time, however, can’t be canceled by the company.
Stechmann said the Main Street water tower is in good shape and “can last another 100 years” with maintenance.
Also during the meeting
Downtown building owner Mike Wagner requested an adjustment be made to his $900-plus water bill, following a leak during the historic cold spell in February. Wagner, during a 19-minute presentation, contended, repeatedly, that the city somehow pulled apart his water line from its joint while they were digging nearby.
Public Works Director Larry Harrison, who was in attendance, said the work they were doing would’ve had no affect on Wagner’s line and that the extreme cold temperatures were to blame. Wagner, despite bringing multiple PVC pipes to use as visual aids, was unable to provide evidence of his claim and was rewarded no adjustment. Unsatisfied, Wagner said he would pursue the matter further.