Valley Grande’s annual Christmas in the Park program dominated its City Council meeting on Monday night at Valley Grande City Hall.

The entire council, Mayor Matt Dobbs and City Clerk Janet Frasier were all present at the meeting.

The Christmas in the Park program will take place on Dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m. in Valley Grande City Park.  Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard will light the Christmas Tree because he’s retiring from office.

Councilwoman Tammy Troha said Lane Bracken will be decorating the tree and lights for Christmas in the Park, but he hasn’t given her his fee. Troha also said Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be arriving in a fire truck and greet the kids. She said plans are still being finalized for the event.

The council was pleased at the turnout of the second annual Valley Grande Christmas Pageant, raising over $2,100 in donations for the Salvation Army.

“It seems that the girls had a good time,” Dobbs said.

Valley Grande Public Safety Director Boyd Pugh informed the council about purchasing fire hydrants. He said it would cost $4,000 per hydrant and they can be put anywhere within the city limits.

“The pressure has to be tested and we need to see where the hydrants could be placed,” Pugh said.

Dobbs said the council needs to look into purchasing hydrants.

Councilman Tim White said they’re waiting to order the slag for the lagoon. Once the slag comes in, the EMC can put the duck weed into the lagoon. White sloped and the smoothed the boat landing at the sewer earlier this month, he said.

The next council meeting will be on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Valley Grande City Hall.