This week's headlines
Construction is underway on the Maverik convenience store at the corner of Highway 92 and 50. As the steel beams go up and ground is excavated for curbs and gutters, Delta City Council members are learning they're more involved in the project than they realized.
The first "bombshell" came from Paul Suppes, city parks director, who asked for an increase in his budget to purchase flowers for three flower beds that had reportedly been promised to Maverik by former city manager Joe Kerby. Two flower beds will be built into the curb work along Highway 50 and one along Highway 92. The three flower beds will require 250-350 plants each.
As budget discussions continued last week, Wilma Erven, director of culture and recreation, told council members Maverik is also hoping the city will help fund a mural on the exterior of the new building.
"Maverik uses murals on the inside walls of their stores, and they thought the murals in our community were so exceptional they wanted to get in on the project and have a mural on the outside of their new building," Erven said.
Erven said she explained the process that's been used in the past, from budgeting the project to developing a design concept and putting out a call for artists.
Then last week the construction manager called to commit $5,000 to the mural, if the city would match that amount for a $10,000 mural. They would like the mural completed before the convenience store opens in January, but Erven said even if the city's $5,000 share can be found, it's difficult to paint a mural in the middle of winter.
"As far as you know, there is no firm commitment made to them at this time?" councilmember Ray Penick asked.
"There is not from me," she responded. "If there's a firm commitment made by someone else, I'm unaware of it."
There was no further discussion from council.