Main Street McMinnville representatives told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen they intend to use remaining downtown grant funds to purchase picnic tables that would match existing downtown furnishings and to place them within the historic downtown district.

Justin Scott and Jennifer Flatt presented the proposal, saying the group has about $34,000 remaining from a downtown agreement grant and wants to buy five picnic tables — including one ADA-accessible model — plus matching trash cans and benches. “I do wanna ask y’all what you think about them,” Jennifer Flatt said, asking the board where the tables should be located and whether umbrellas should be included.

Why it matters: The tables are part of a broader downtown revitalization program funded through a phased facade and downtown grant program. The officials said purchases must be auditable by the grantor and sited within the historic downtown district to comply with grant requirements.

Discussion touched on practical concerns including weight and moveability of the tables, umbrella management in local winds, storage once tables arrive, and who will be responsible for deploying or securing umbrellas. Justin Scott said the tables in the proposed style weigh about 300 pounds, are shippable and could be positioned primarily on the public lot; the group plans at least four matching tables plus one ADA unit. Several board members expressed informal support for placing most tables on the central lot and for limiting umbrellas because of wind and maintenance concerns.

Board members asked that Main Street notify the city before placement and provide exact locations so staff can document items for grant auditors. The board did not need to authorize city spending at the meeting; Main Street representatives said the grant covers the purchase and the city will help maintain the furniture.

What happens next: Main Street expects a quick delivery window once ordered and will coordinate with city staff on placement and storage. No formal board vote on purchase or placement was recorded at the meeting.