Tuesday,  June 4, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 319 • 3 of 27

Softball on the decline

• Girls softball seems to be on the decline. Chuck Padfield had called 15 communities that have had softball programs in the past and only five have reported having teams, making for a very short schedule. In fact, Groton will not be fielding a 14U softball team as no one signed up. The midget and peewee programs is also facing the same issues and many towns that used to have midget programs are no longer having one.
• The pool managers have requested to close the swimming pool on August 19 due to the lack of lifeguards at that time. The council decided not to make a decision on closing the pool at this time. They want to wait and see what the weather will be like before committing to a closing date.
• The city will not be fielding a team this year in the annual Chamber Golf Tournament. Mayor Roy Olson said with the street project and other things going on right now, the city simply does not have the personnel to field a team.
• Over the years, three lots have had their homes town down, leaving a garage in its place. Councilman Scott Hanlon attended his first Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and reported to the council on their thoughts. City ordinance states that a garage cannot be left on a lot without a primary structure. It was agreed to concentrate on the garages where there is a mess and to have they tidied up.
• There was discussion on the strict application of special exceptions, mainly about the newly created apartments downtown. Lowary said she picks her battles and with some of the old and not used apartments being rejuvenated, she said she is happy that something is being done to the buildings. The downtown district is zoned com

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