Lincoln Council Considers New Event

LINCOLN -- A request to use Lincoln Square to host a vintage market, similar to the Junk Ranch in Prairie Grove, was tabled last week and referred to the council's Parks and Recreation Committee.

Steve Whitney of Lincoln handed out a flyer that proposed a market show called High on the Hog, Vintage Market Shindig. The event is described as a "rustic rendezvous" with items for sale including vintage, repurposed, handmade, restyled, found treasures, jewelry and boutique items.

He proposed to have the market Oct. 21-22 and to have another one in spring 2017.

Whitney said typical craft fairs are changing toward more vintage shows, adding he believes Lincoln's Apple Festival probably needs to "shift gears" in this direction in the future.

"It's become a very large industry," Whitney said, adding that he believes a new vintage fair on the square would benefit Lincoln.

Council member Johnny Stowers asked Whitney if he had considered other locations for the vintage market. Stowers noted grass on the square is trampled by crowds attending the Apple Festival and said he didn't think the square would be ready so soon for another big weekend. The Apple Festival is always held the first weekend in October.

"The square is not designed for crowds like that," Stowers said. "The grass won't hold up."

Council members Doug Hutchens and Bobby McDonald agreed.

"After the Apple Festival, the grass is gone," Hutchens said.

McDonald said he didn't want to "close the door" on Whitney's request but indicated the Council needed more information before making a decision.

Whitney replied that he would comply with all city permits and rental fees for the square and vendors would get city business licenses for the weekend. He added that he thought the square was the best location for a new vintage show.

His flyer shows an admission fee would be charged but City Attorney Steven Parker said an admission fee could not be charged because the square is a public place.

Council members said they thought the committee would be able to meet in the next few weeks and be able to respond to the proposal at the August Council meeting.

In other action at their July 19 meeting, Council members voted to accept a dedicated right of way of land along West Avenue from Harps Food Store. The Council also approved a lot line adjustment for Harps. Harps has purchased four acres along Pridemore Drive, west of Lincoln Post Office, for a new, larger store.

The right of way and lot line adjustment will "square up" the boundaries for Harps' property and provide an easement for a water line, according to Hutchens.

Council also approved an ordinance to amend the city's Land Use Ordinance concerning non-conforming situations. The changes were made at the recommendation of the city's building inspector.

The main change is for a mobile home or manufactured home approved as a non-conforming use. The amendment says that when a mobile home is destroyed, demolished or removed, a new mobile home can be placed on the property as a non-conforming use only if it is placed within 30 days.

In addition, the Council approved $750 per month as the base salary for a contracted, part-time code enforcement position. The personnel committee next will work on a job description for the position. The person mainly will act as a case manager, keeping track of cases where people have been cited for a code enforcement violation.

Rhonda Hulse, city grant coordinator, announced three grants received by the city and community: $1,700 for the soccer program, $2,500 for the Back to School Bonanza and $2,500 for Lincoln Public Library.

General News on 07/27/2016