Error in Committee Minutes Causes Misunderstanding Regarding Neillsville's Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Visit
Friday, October 30th, 2020 -- 9:12 AM
-The Neillsville City Council discussed the city’s tree lighting ceremony at their meeting on Tuesday.Mayor Diane Murphy stated that the Beautification Committee’s October 7th minutes stated that “Due to COVID-19 there will not be a tree lighting ceremony or Santa at the Gazebo”. Mayor Murphy stated she is not in agreement with this, stating her feelings on how the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa visit could both be done safely and requested permission to move forward. Diane Kren, the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, stated that the chamber did not cancel the Tree Lighting, they were contacted by Santa and he stated that he would not do it this year. The Chamber was in the process of trying to work things out. They worked hard in the past to get the tree lit all the way to the top. Kren stated we all want respect, we have to be respected and the chamber did not cancel the event. The chamber took over from the city and is happy to do the Tree Lighting event.
City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth stated that the city and chamber can work together on it. Council Member Dan Clough stated that the city had done it for many years, before they asked the chamber to take it over. Council Member Dave Harnisch stated that there was a misunderstanding of the Beautification Committee minutes. There was discussion but no vote to cancel the Tree Lighting or Santa visit. It was stated the city needs to do what is best for the City of Neillsville, not do what others are doing and not comparing Neillsville to other communities. Mayor Murphy asked what they have to do to proceed with the event? City Attorney Wachsmuth stated no vote is needed, since there was no motion to cancel the event, meaning the event will continue.
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