TOWN OF FLAVORTOWN
TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 208
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Council Chamber, Town Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Flavortown Town Council was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairperson Kessling.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Kessling, Councilmembers Tassel, Thornquist, Whitcomb, Delgado, and Hasegawa.
Absent: Councilmember Fenstermacher.
Also present: Carol Ann Albrecht, Town Clerk.
A quorum was present.
3. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Councilmember Tassel objected to the characterization of his remarks in the minutes of the November 12, 2024 regular meeting, specifically the word "at length." Councilmember Tassel moved to amend the minutes to read "in detail"; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. The amendment carried, 6–0. (Ayes: Kessling, Tassel, Thornquist, Whitcomb, Delgado, Hasegawa.) Councilmember Thornquist moved to approve the minutes as amended; seconded by Councilmember Tassel. The motion carried, 6–0. (Ayes: Kessling, Tassel, Thornquist, Whitcomb, Delgado, Hasegawa.)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was received.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Posted hours of the community garden
This item was removed from the agenda of the November 12, 2024 regular meeting to be re-noticed. The Council considered whether the posted hours of the community garden falls under the Bureau of Water Features or the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Adjacent Green Space. The item was placed on the agenda at the request of Dale Brummett. During discussion, Mr. Brummett withdrew the request.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Splash pad
The Council considered whether the splash pad should be dedicated to the Flavortown Volunteer Fire Company or to the late Dorothy Kimball. The item was placed on the agenda by the Bureau of Water Features. Councilmember Tassel moved to dedicate the splash pad to the Flavortown Volunteer Fire Company; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. Councilmember Whitcomb moved to table the item pending additional information; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. The motion to table carried, 5–1. (Ayes: Kessling, Tassel, Whitcomb, Delgado, Hasegawa. Nays: Thornquist.)
B. Flag at Town Hall
The Council considered whether the flag at Town Hall falls under the Division of Seasonal Decoration or the Flavortown Historical Preservation Commission. The item was placed on the agenda at the request of Connie Vandersloot. Councilmember Thornquist moved to assign the flag at Town Hall to the Division of Seasonal Decoration; seconded by Councilmember Whitcomb. Chairperson Kessling asked whether there was any further discussion. There was. Discussion continued for 12 minutes. Councilmember Whitcomb moved to table the item pending additional information; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. The motion to table carried, 4–2. (Ayes: Kessling, Thornquist, Whitcomb, Delgado. Nays: Tassel, Hasegawa.)
C. Fence at the splash pad
The Council considered whether the fence at the splash pad should be relocated eight feet to the north. The item was placed on the agenda at the request of Wendell Prue. Councilmember Tassel moved to relocate the fence at the splash pad eight feet to the north; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. Chairperson Kessling asked whether there was any further discussion. There was. Discussion continued for 21 minutes. Councilmember Whitcomb stated, "We have been over this." The motion failed, 3–3. (Ayes: Kessling, Tassel, Thornquist. Nays: Whitcomb, Delgado, Hasegawa.)
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Kessling opened public comment at 8:48 p.m.
Marjorie Pletz spoke regarding the posted hours of the community garden. Ms. Pletz stated that the site sits at a low point and that the matter was therefore one of drainage. She stated that she would not elaborate, as the Council was aware of her position.
Connie Vandersloot thanked Chairperson Kessling, Councilmember Tassel, Councilmember Thornquist, Councilmember Whitcomb, Councilmember Delgado, and Councilmember Hasegawa individually for their service and commended them for their dedication to the community. Ms. Vandersloot then stated that the geese have been watching the splash pad. She thanked the Council again.
Gus Aldaco stated that the Norway maple at Fennel and 4th is still there and asked that this be entered into the record. Mr. Aldaco stated that he has raised the matter for fourteen years and will raise it again.
Ray Tolliver stated that he would be brief, and asked where everyone is supposed to park.
Patrice Hollingsworth-Ng spoke in opposition to the motion to assign the flag at Town Hall to the Division of Seasonal Decoration. She stated that things had been better when matters of this kind were settled without a vote. Councilmember Tassel asked when this had been. Ms. Hollingsworth-Ng stated that it had been before.
Denny Frawley spoke in strong support of the item. Mr. Frawley stated that a ceremony honoring the splash pad was the best idea he had heard in some time. He offered to volunteer.
Dale Brummett read into the record a prepared statement of seven pages concerning the condition of the crosswalk striping on Fennel Street. At the three-minute mark, Mr. Brummett was advised that his time had expired. He stated that he had not been aware there was a time limit and asked to finish. Mr. Brummett concluded at 5 minutes and 18 seconds.
There being no further speakers, public comment was closed.
8. MAYOR'S REPORT
The Mayor was not present.
9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Bureau of Water Features: The Bureau reported that the splash pad has been winterized.
Flavortown Historical Preservation Commission: The Commission reported that the gazebo remains historically appropriate.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Delgado moved to adjourn; seconded by Councilmember Thornquist. The motion carried, 5–1. (Ayes: Kessling, Thornquist, Whitcomb, Delgado, Hasegawa. Nays: Tassel.) The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Carol Ann Albrecht, Town Clerk.