LORRAINE — A proposed community garden at city hall was the main topic of discussion during the June 17 meeting of the Lorraine City Council.

The brief meeting lasted 30 minutes.

Jessica Bowlby, city clerk, said Mayor Kim Travnichek, who was absent until the last few minutes of the meeting, wanted the council’s thoughts on the community garden.

Bowlby said Jessica Homolka of Scorched Stone Farm in Holyrood has asked to start a community garden in the area in front of city hall. The city would get everything needed for the garden from Scorched Stone Farm.

“This is something to think on,” Bowlby said.

Several of the council members suggested the garden be placed in back of city hall instead, where it would have shade, better access to water and more room. It was also noted that it would probably be best to begin the garden with fall crops such as onions and pumpkins.

“We don’t want it to be an eyesore,” said council member Peter Solie, who also wondered about liability.

Bowlby said the upkeep of the garden would be the biggest challenge. She noted nothing will be done without the council’s approval since it is city property.

The matter was tabled until the next meeting.

In other business:

• Bowlby said Larry Klug, maintenance supervisor, picked up 59 bags of asphalt from Nemnich True Value in Ellsworth instead of the 40 bags the city ordered. The city paid $559.60 for the 40 bags of asphalt. She noted it was True Value’s error and the $265.81 for the remaining 19 bags of asphalt was instead contributed to the Lorraine street repair project.

• A city wide garage sale in Lorraine is planned from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 24. Bowlby said a list of participants is being gathered.

Solie asked if garage sale space could be done in front of city hall and also if the building could be open so people could use the restrooms.

• Bowlby said the January through May financial report balanced properly.

• Bowlby said the city passed a recent waste water inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The next meeting of the Lorraine City Council will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at city hall.