By Anne Thom

There are people in Stacy who think it's time to make some park improvements.

Dennis and Jackie Rausch made a return visit to the Stacy City Council April 24, bringing with them Stacy Lions Club members Jerry Schroeder and Jim Duchaine.

The Rausch's had attended the April 10 council meeting at the request of Councilor Mel Aslakson in order to give the city a preview of what the city's park committee hopes to accomplish.

Jackie Rausch has worked with landscape contractor Leo Lunzer. She presented a design that would showcase the Veterans Monument in Lions Park.

"This is going to be an icon in the park," she said. The centerpiece design is for a fire pit constructed of paving stones, surrounded by small shrubs and plenty of flowers.

There is approximately $50,000 in the city's Park and Recreation fund. City Clerk Sharon Payne said that another resident had approached her about bidding on the landscaping. The council discussed that ordinance doesn't require a second bid if the work to be done is less than $50,000.

Rausch prefers to work with Lunzer as she said she is familiar with the quality of his work, and he is familiar with what her designs require. Mayor John Daher requested that Lunzer agree to a one-year warranty on the work.

Rausch talked about landscaping with planter boxes, trees, shrubs and a variety of flower gardens. The design will be incorporated into a new sign for Lions Park. A motion was made to spend $1,500 on the flowers and shrubs in Rausch's proposal and $10,305 on the landscaping.

Rausch also asked if Park and Recreation funds can be spent for entertainment. She had created a list of ideas for potential use from garden clubs and garage sales to teddy bear tea parties and talent shows.

The council said that park dedication funds only stipulate the money must be spent for parks.

Councilor Michael Carlson said he recommended putting together a comprehensive park plan before looking at spending money "here and there."

The mayor thanked Rausch for her interest and recommended that she continue to work with the Park and Recreation Committee.