Despite alcohol wariness, Afton approves more permits for summer

AFTON - With sunny weather and holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July on the horizon, Afton is preparing for an eventful summer.

The Afton city council approved several planning decisions for summer events while also reviewing recent incidents and what they could mean for future city decisions.

Visitors to Afton might have noticed various skid marks on Highway 34 on the west side of the Afton park square. These marks were left after an evening incident where drivers purposefully left them in the highway.

Both councilmember Sheryl Parham and Mayor Michelle Burger said some individuals involved were drinking alcohol in both the park square and the Afton Community Center.

The alcohol was brought by a group who had rented the community center, a city-owned location which does not allow alcohol on its premises. While the city guesses alcohol was consumed in the center, which isn’t allowed based on the conditions of the rental lease, they can’t confirm due to a lack security cameras installed.

Alcohol in city-owned spaces, including the park square, is not allowed without a permit. Parham said stronger restriction and stronger messaging on these city laws could be needed.

“There was drinking in the park on that day,” Parham said. “Since we voted to let Tuesday Nights have alcohol - I know you can say everybody should know - but I don’t think everybody knows they can’t drink in the park. If they see people drinking, how do we make sure that people are aware of that?”

Installation of a sign, such as one similar to one which already exists in Afton’s rec fields, was discussed.

Afton, despite increased attention to alcohol, still approved an alcohol permit for Gettin’ Slushed as a vendor for three Tuesday Night in the Park events. These days will be during adult nights on June 3, June 28 and August 5.

The Pre Fourth weekend received two new city approvals. The first approves a road closure of Kansas Street for the street dance on Saturday, June 28. Kansas, as well as Webster and Railroad streets, will also be closed around the park square for the June 29 Pre Fourth Celebration.

In other Afton city council news...

The city approved the purchase of a new refrigerator for the Community Center. The old fridge was mechanically “shot,” having froze after a group had used it over the weekend.

The fridge is already delivered and installed, with City Clerk Kayla Lacina noting the importance of a functioning community center with an influx of renters in the summer from graduation parties and other events.

The city of Afton accepted a South Central Iowa Community Foundation grant which awarded $4,000 for a speed sign on Grand Street. A final location will be scouted along a road which leads to East Union Schools. Afton sought out the sign as a way to encourage safer driving speeds on a route many students walk to school on.

Livestock permits received a short discussion over whether some areas of Afton would not be required to apply for the permit. If an area is zoned as agriculture, permits might not be necessary. One application was tabled until clearer guidelines were available.

Downtown facade and exterior beautification grants were reviewed and approved. The council chose to award funds for visually improving local storefronts to businesses who haven’t applied in recent years, opting for new recipients.

Three members were appointed to various city boards. These include Vicki Paulus appointed to the Afton Housing Commission, Zach Springer appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Jake Roan to the rec board.

Mayor Burger proclaimed the week of June 1-7 as National Garden Week within Afton. The proclamation recognizes one of the city’s longest-running community organizations, the Afton Federated Garden Club.