by Kathy Crawford
Landmark reporter

A 5K run set for Oct. 10 to benefit the Platte County R-3 Education Foundation has been approved by the Platte City Board of Aldermen, but the vote was not unanimous.

At an aldermen meeting Tuesday night, city officials discussed a few issues surrounding approval of the special event permit for the 5K run, which Steve Fisher, chiropractor, submitted on behalf of the school district's education fund.

In the end, Alderman Tony Paolillo was the lone no vote.

Some businesses are considering closing during the 5K run, which is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and will follow Platte Falls Road beginning at Running Horse Road.

Paolillo mentioned the Waffle House and a “nearby gas station” and stated the time of the run is peak business time for those businesses. The run may also cause traffic problems for a “nearby church” since Oct. 10 falls on a Sunday.

“That's my thing,” Paolillo said. “I don't know how we're going to get customers into the businesses.”

Alderman Ron Stone said he didn't think it would be a big problem because the run will only last 90 minutes.

But 90 minutes or more is how long police officers will need to be on duty for extra help during the run, which is sponsored by Harding Chiropractic Center Inc in Platte City.

Jason Metten, city administrator, said that normally the city waives the fee for extra police when an event is for a non-profit, such as the Platte County R-3 Education Foundation. However, the public safety department suggested that in this case the city should collect the $50 fee, he said.

“We want to make sure taxpayers don't pay for this event,” Metten said.

Alderman John Higgins agreed with the recommendation on behalf of the public works department and said it was a fair request.

The board also approved a special event permit submitted by N.W. Audio at 2500 N.W. Prairie Road with little discussion. N.W. Audio will hold a car and stereo competition from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 12.

Mayor Frank Offutt warned board members to be prepared for a long meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 24 and encouraged members to “do your homework” when they receive their packets for the upcoming meeting. Budget talks are expected to highlight the meeting.

He also told Debbie Kirkpatrick, chairperson for the Economic Development Council that the EDC meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17 will be very long, too.

Offutt said there will be no board meeting on Sept. 14, but there will be one on Sept. 21 instead.