June 28, 2011
06/29/11 Members of the Plymouth Common Council gave Plymouth F.O.P. 195 preliminary approval to proceed with plans for a 2012 Memorial Day Grand Prix Go Kart Racing event.
Plymouth F.O.P. 195 President Hurshel Hunter was back before the Board of Public Works and Safety with additional information for council members of the proposal of conducting a fundraising karting event in the downtown area next year. He also provided information from Martinsville’s Grand Prix and one in Goodland including contact information so council members could discuss their concerns with a city currently hosting a similar event.
Council member Mike Delp commended Hunter for taking the initiative to speak with nearly every business in the downtown area that could be affected by the Memorial Day weekend event. He not only included the businesses and owners names but also many of their comments.
Councilman Don Gardner said, “I’ve talked to a few people and all were in favor of it, and enjoyed it when we had it before.”
The “Plymouth Little 500” was a fundraiser for the Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program in the Plymouth Schools about 15 year ago. It was a huge success and a huge undertaking. Hunter said, “It was wall to wall people and the downtown was packed.”
Mayor Mark Senter expressed his concerns. He said, “My main concern is a manpower issue and secondly insurance and liability protection for the city.”
Hunter explained that the prior event used members of the football or baseball team at the high school for set-up and tear-down. He also indicated that they basically have the same board as was in place for the Plymouth Little 500 with a couple of additions.
Hunter will be at the August 22nd Board of Public Works and Safety meeting with additional information about volunteers and insurance protection. The Board could give their final approval at that time although Hunter has until early in February to back out of the project.