Deputy mayor Carol Ferguson told council that a resident approached her with concerns about branches and broken trees being left on many properties in town, including on the town-owned Pate property.
“I do agree that we should all take a little more pride in Main Street,” said Ferguson. “It’s true, how long would it take to even grab a tree off of somebody’s property, even if they are ignoring it?”
Coun. Joey Dumville suggested it might be prudent to call residents and seek permission before going on and picking up dead branches.
Council suggested maintenance staff could schedule a day and pick up yard debris that residents put curbside.
The possibility that O’Leary, as national winner of the Kraft Hockeyville title, might get to host a National Hockey League exhibition game in September is helping to heighten the pride factor.
The game will be between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators, but the location has not been determined.
O’Leary recreation director Jeff Ellsworth said the Hockeyville committee is proceeding as if the game will be in O’Leary.
Tashia Maynard mused that the Stanley Cup might even make it to O’Leary, especially if the Senators go all the way this spring. The possibility has made her a Sens fan, she admits.
“We really want to make Main Street and O’Leary look as eye-pleasing as possible,” Coun. Blake Adams acknowledged.
“As members of council, too, we should be cognizant of it, be on top of it,” said Ferguson. “If we have to make some phone calls, we have to make some phone calls.”
Main Street is also in line for a fresh layer of asphalt this year.
In appreciation for all the work he did to help O’Leary’s Hockeyville committee with its efforts, Council presented a card and gift to Ellsworth. In presenting the card, Adams called the Hockeyville title “a massive accomplishment for the town.”
Council is working with the Hockeyville committee on plans for a sign for the entrance to town to acknowledge the accomplishment.
