Commissioner Mike Burgess announcing the success of the city’s second annual Bigfoot Festival on Saturday. By Burgesses’ estimation Bell’s Tavern Park saw more than 2,000 attendees. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Park City Commissioners convened for their regular meeting earlier this week, marking the first session with newly appointed commissioner Linda Burgess and recently appointed mayor Donna Scavo. The evening, which began with routine introductions, quickly shifted into a discussion centered on ethics, transparency, and public participation in local government.
During public comment, longtime Park City resident Regina Hayden raised concerns about two married couples serving on the commission, questioning whether the arrangement posed a potential ethics issue.
“There are over 600 residents of Park City but only two and a half families are represented,” Hayden said.
Hayden was a person considered to fill the vacant seat to which Linda Burgess was appointed by the commission.
Commissioner Mike Burgess responded by noting that interpersonal relationships among elected officials do not, in themselves, constitute an ethics violation under state law. Mike and Linda Burgess are husband and wife.
“There is nothing unethical about family members serving if they are elected or appointed properly and follow state guidelines,” he said. Mike Burgess also explained that he had spoken to the city attorney before Linda’s appointment.
Mayor Scavo echoed that position and clarified that Linda Burgess was the only member appointed, not elected, to fill a vacant seat. Scavo emphasized that Park City residents have every opportunity to participate in government if they choose.
Donna Scavo served as a commissioner prior to being appointed mayor at the same meeting at which Linda Burgess was appointed to the commission. Her husband, Angelo Scavo, is also a commissioner.
“If there are only four seats up for election, and there are only four people running, then that’s who serves,” Scavo said. She added that Hayden had previously approached her about running for office, and reiterated that anyone living within city limits is eligible to file as a candidate with the Barren County Clerk’s Office.
“Anyone who wants to run is welcome to add their name to the ballot,” Scavo said. “We encourage people to get involved.”
Following the exchange, the commission moved on to other business, including discussion of rental rates for the Lions Club building at Bell’s Tavern Park. In an effort to cover maintenance and utility costs, commissioners voted to add a $75 refundable deposit to all rentals and increase the rental fee from $75 to $100.
The commission also entered closed session to discuss property matters. When open session resumed, it was announced that the city would move forward with accepting bids for the Masonic Lodge property located next to City Hall. The minimum bid was set at $200,000. Details on when bids will be accepted are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The next regular meeting of the Park City Commission is scheduled for Monday, November 11, at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
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