The Walnut City Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting 5-p.m. Thursday. During their session, the Council will hold discussion with regard to the Community Center. The Council will hear from Jim Thompson with Iowa Economic Development, and discuss: a part-time Custodian; Snow removal, and Family Inc.  A committee has determined their initial plans for transforming the former Walnut Community School building (built in 1913) includes: turning the music and band rooms into the fitness center with exercise machines, weights and other fitness items; Using the gyms for walking and jogging, along with exercise classes. The gyms could also be used to start a town volleyball and basketball leagues; it’s also hoped a room in the school building could be used as a youth area. A room with kid friendly games such as ping pong, foosball etc. would be available to students before and after the buses pick up and drop off. The room will be monitored by adult volunteers. They also hope to use some of the class rooms to host classes. We would like to bring people in to offer a wide variety of classes. (Art, floral, craft, cooking & baking).

Other business during the meeting will include: discussion with regard to operation of the Walnut Welcome Center; A request and possible action on Tourism support from the City; A recommendation for the Economic Development Committee and Council consideration of, two applications for the Small Business Start-Up Grant Program (from Banana Split & Walnut Market Village, LLC.); discussion about the Property Maintenance Ordinance, and Housing Rehab Grant.

The Council will also review the Preliminary Budget, and consider the adoption of a Resolution scheduling the time and place for a Public Hearing on the City’s proposed FY 2019-2020 budget.