By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Will Santa Claus arrive in Niles this Saturday, Nov. 17? That is one of the items being requested at tonight's Niles City Council meeting.
A request from the Greater Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual arrival of Santa Claus at the Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday and consideration to waive the $25 amphitheater application fee and provide other listed city services is among only a few items on tonight's agenda.
The council will also be asked to accept the low bid of $23,000 from Applied Excellence of Dowagiac for the removal of 62 dead, dying and dangerous trees and 72 stumps located throughout the city.
In the City Administrator's report, a consideration of adopting a resolution to approve a five-year lease with Masten Farms of Niles for leasing 138 acres of airport agricultural land for an annual revenue of $15,318.00 to be used by the airport.
One appointment to the Board will include the consideration of approving the appointment of Marie Weimer to a four-year term on the Public Parks and Recreation Board effective immediately and expiring on December 31, 2011.
Other items up for discussion include:
Consideration of adopting a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the 2008 FTA Certifications and Assurances required for receipt of federal assistance for transit operations (Dial-A-Ride).
Consideration of confirming the City Administrator's promotion of Sandra Naugle to the position of City Treasurer/Finance Director effective Dec. 1, 2007.
Consideration of authorizing Sandra Naugle to sign signature cards and corporate resolutions from 1st Source Bank as the new Finance Director/City Treasurer effective Dec. 1, 2007 in order to update all operating accounts in preparation for the retirement of current City Treasurer David Flowers.
Consideration of approving a request from Mr. William Stabb of 1449 Regent St. for approval of a housing rehabilitation loan in the amount of $7,041.00 and consideration of accepting the low bid in the same amount from All American Exteriors of Niles for completion of the work.
Consideration of approving a traffic order requiring 16th Street traffic to stop for Regent Street traffic.