The Guthrie Center City Council met Monday night in regular session.

The Council heard an update from Parks and Recreation Board Members Nicki Herbert and Blake Michelsen. They say the Board wants to improve Mitchell Park. Some of the possible improvements discussed include building a more presentable bathroom, creating a dog park or frisbee golf course, implementing outdoor movie nights and establishing greater use of the shelter house. Plus, they mentioned partnering with a local landscaping business to build a coach-pitch softball field. Additionally, they asked Public Works Director Bob Secoy to start attending their monthly meetings to act as a resource in answering technical questions about the City’s amenities.

Plus, the Council met with Julie Tallman, who is seeking to fill the Council seat left vacant by the resignation of Patrick Halsey, who is moving to Adel. Councilor Nickel says he’s glad to see Tallman interested in the position, noting that her status as a younger female would add a diverse voice to the Council. Upon reviewing her qualifications, Councilor Patrick noted that Tallman was qualified to be an effective council-member. In comparing Tallman to another individual who has shown interest in the seat, former Councilor Carolyn Masters, Councilor Halsey says the people of Guthrie Center made their choice last November when they voted Masters out in favor of younger candidates. Tallman closed by stating she wants to help the City and respects whatever decision the Council makes. The Council is expected to re-address the issue at their September 26th meeting.