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The Linden City Council donated $300 to Project Merry Christmas, which is a holiday toy and clothing drive organized by Marengo County Department of Human Resources that benefits foster children and children in low income families, during their Dec. 18 meeting.

They also agreed to give municipal employees Dec. 26 off in lieu of a Christmas bonus, closing down city hall Dec. 24-26.

Attorney Heather Hill, who was filling in for City Attorney Woody Dinning, told the council that the local amendment specifically for Marengo County dealing with golf cart usage that was passed during the November elections was a voluntary amendment.

“That’s something that Linden can opt in to if they so choose,” she said, with Mayor Charles Moore and the city council deciding to opt out.

The city council also signed an indemnity agreement absolving the city of any liability while a police officer lives in a mobile home at Scott Park. The officer’s request to place a mobile home at the park was approved during the Nov. 6 meeting. Secretary to the City Council Bruce Ward said that municipal employees sometimes live at the park as security.

Other business discussed at the meeting includes:

• Moore told the council that the estimated shipping date for the new lights at Scott Park is in March. “I’m trying to go to other sources and see if we can get them quicker,” he said.
• reappointing Billy Sheffield to the Utility Board
• rescheduling the next city council meeting from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2.
• Moore offered praise for this year’s ChiLLy Fest, saying that he felt Ward, who coordinated the event, did an “excellent job.” He said, “I would consider ChiLLy Fest a success.” He also congratulated the Linden High School Patriots for their successful season, which took them all the way to the championship game.

The Linden City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at city hall at 4:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2 due to New Year’s Day.