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LISBON --The Chamber of Commerce is making tentative plans to hold the Christmas parade at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds, but village council wants the chamber to still explore the possibility of having it downtown.
Mayor Peter Wilson told council at this week's meeting the chamber has tentatively scheduled the parade for Dec. 5 at the fairgrounds. Because of the Covid-19 virus, it would be a drive-through event in which parade participants would remain in place while motorists drive through the fairgrounds to observe them.
Council President Dawn Thomas was encouraged the chamber intended to still host a Christmas parade, but she asked they not completely rule out having it downtown. She believes there is enough room to still do it in a safe manner,
Wilson said he would take that message back to the chamber, but he is not sure whether the crowd would practice social distancing and wear face coverings. He also said they may need council to serve as parade volunteers to help pull this off.
Council member Jerry Cox said he would also like to come up with a way for Santa Claus to continue holding court with children at the gazebo while maintaining social distancing and perhaps handing out treat bags.
Fire Chief Mark Hall said because of the virus the fire department will likely not have its annual event where children can have their photograph taken with Santa at the fire station.
In related news, Wilson and Cox report the city of Columbiana is replacing its 10-year-old downtown Christmas lights, and local businesswoman Julie Vrable is purchasing them and would like to donate them to Lisbon.
Council voted to accept Vrable's offer, but officials decided it was too late in the year to come up with a plan to string the lights throughout the downtown business district this holiday season. There is a lot involved logistically, and additional materials are needed, which Vrable has promised to purchase.
A volunteer group has decorated the town square for Christmas the past two years, but the new lighting would go beyond that area. "I like the way Lisbon looked last year ... It looked like a Hallmark card," he said.
"I agree. Sometimes less is more," Thomas said.
In other business, Cox said they need to consider prohibiting street department employees from taking vacation time during certain times of the year. Cox was talking specifically about the fact one of street department employees was allowed to take some days off this week while they were in the midst of picking up leaves. The street supervisor was also off.
"I come from a background when it's busy season, it's busy season," he said. "To me, that's poor decision making."
Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner, who serves as council clerk, weighed in. Wonner is in charge of the income tax administrator and indicated she would never let her take vacation time during peak tax collections.
"I agree 100 percent," said Council member Tom Darcy, who recalled having this conversation on the same subject several years ago.