OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — Following some discussion regarding concerns about athletics during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Oil City council voted to approve the use of city facilities for two Oil City YMCA athletic programs.

Oil City council received two requests from Max Krepps, Youth Director and NYPUM Director at the Oil City YMCA, for fall athletic programs. The requests were for the use of the city fields for a flag football program beginning on September 8, and a fall soccer program that would begin on September 12.

“We’re not having sports. I don’t think this is a good idea,” council member Michael Poff stated.

“Colleges are canceling, the schools might not be having sports. I’d love to have this thing, but we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and it’s not responsible as far as I’m concerned,” Poff added.

Council member Ronald Gustafson, who made the motion to approve the requests, stated that he believed the YMCA would be careful about following all of the necessary guidelines.

“We’re taking everything away from the kids,” he noted.

“You’re right. It’s a pandemic, and it stinks,” Poff said.

“They’ve (the YMCA) been pretty good about everything they’ve done, so based on the Y, and what I’ve seen at the Y, I’m sure that it’ll be well done, so I’ll second that,” council member Michael Walentosky stated.

The approval passed in a three to one vote, with Mayor Bill Moon voting with Gustafson and Walentosky in favor of the approval, and Poff voting against it.

Council member Isaiah Dunham was absent from the meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business the council:

• Approved a special Foster 100 cycling event planned for November 7. The event is planned by Team Foster, a program founded in the memory of former Oil City resident Captain Erick Foster to raise money to partner injured and disable Veterans with service dogs.
• Approved the use of Hasson Park Pavilion by High Fidelity Wraparound program, a program operated by the Mars Home for Youth Family Services, for monthly family team meetings with an estimated average of 10-20 people per meeting.
• Approved the Community Development Three-Year Plan for the city’s CDBG application.