Wayland City Police Chief Mark Garnsey Tuesday night said he has taken the lead in planning a special volunteer appreciation event sometime later this year.
Garnsey, who insisted the event would not involve any taxpayer funding support, said he already has secured the new Carpenters/Millwrights school on Reno Drive as the host site.
The City of Wayland in recent years decided to terminate an annual community appreciation dinner on the advice of the city attorney that public funds cannot be used for such an event.
The chief acknowledged that the biggest reason for trying to make it happen is morale for employees and citizens.
“If they volunteer and you show some kind of appreciation, they’re more likely to come back,” he explained to the council. “And we would like to make this annual event.”
City Manager Josh Eggleston said great care must be taken not to spend public tax dollars on such an activity.
“I just want to make sure we roll this out correctly,” he said “We don’t want this to be viewed as a city-sponsored event.”
Councilman Norm Taylor said it’s important somehow to thank volunteers, citizens and city employees when they do good deeds for the community.
Garnsey promised council an update on progress of the project soon.
In other business Monday evening, the council:
• Went into closed session to evaluate Eggleston, who is finishing his third year as city manager.
Citizen Nan Olney said, “I think he (Eggleston) is very knowledgable. He may be the smartest city manager we’ve ever had.”
• Was told by City Clerk LeAnne Claussen she alrerady has lined up “Uncle Jessie” as one of four entertainment acts for the Concerts in the Park series set for next August.
• Congratulated City Treasurer Cherie Parrish for earning her certified public fund management designation.
