Let out the dogs to raise funds for the cat

MEEKER — With only a few months left and funds currently “well below” what is needed for the installation of the bronze mountain lion statue at Fifth and Main streets this summer, the Meeker Chamber of Commerce announced a “family-friendly” fund raiser planned for Saturday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at Circle Park.
Chamber director Suzan Pelloni said the first annual Bark in the Park will be themed “Dogs for the Cat.” The family, and pet-friendly, event will include a pet parade, dog costume contests, pet look-alike contest, Frisbee and agility courses, dog washes, working dog demonstrations, a vaccination clinic and other activities.
“We wanted to create a community event people can come out to and have a great time,” Pelloni said. Funds for the statue will be raised through a human entry fee, refreshments and entry fees for the contests and events. A leash law and security detail will be in place.
Anna Smith, town planner, presented a staff recommendation for the board to approve a special use permit for Randy and Carrie Fries to operate a day care facility for a maximum of 15 children at First Love Pentecostal Church at 388 Ninth St. The suggested hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“We’re excited,” said Randy Fries. “There’s been a flurry of phone calls. It’s a tremendous need in Meeker and we’re very excited to be able to help the community this way.”
According to her husband, Carrie Fries has more than 10 years of experience running a day care facility and all employees will undergo background checks and necessary training.
The recommendation was approved contingent on the applicants obtaining necessary off-street parking and state licensing approval. In order to get state approval, the applicants need a letter of approval from the town.
The board discussed the need to remove the town’s wood chip pile from the fairgrounds property and where to relocate the pile. City Park and Ute Park were offered as possible locations for the pile, but the decision will not be made until the town has been able to contact the Ute Park committee. The wood chips are free to the public for landscaping use.
In other business, the board:
n Approved the renewal of a liquor license for Gary’s Smokehouse.
n Approved the appointment of Judy Brown to the Housing Authority Board.
n Gave approval to town staff for reimbursement for officer educational training for Meeker Police Officer Jeremy Muxlow, contingent on his willingness to contract with the town for two years.
n Authorized the mayor to sign permits for the use of Ute Park with Becky Dunham and the Smoking River Pow Wow committee.