‘Final four’ in September? City is part of competition

     It’s not basketball season, but the City of Monticello is nevertheless part of a bracket that could lead to a “final four” and “finals” appearance.

     The Monticello Downtown Pocket Park has been nominated as an entry in the People’s All-Star Community competition, sponsored by the Iowa League of Cities.

     The competition is an offshoot of the All-Star Community Award. Cities submit projects they have completed, and the League selects winning projects in each of three population categories.

     Such criteria as cost share between the city and the public, benefit to the city, uniqueness and whether it solves a city problem, are factored in.

     “There is a variety of things they consider,” said Monticello City Administrator Doug Herman, who submitted the Pocket Park application.

     The City of Washington won in the 3,000-9,999 population category for its performing arts and events center.

     Those that don’t win are eligible for the People’s All-Star award, and Monticello’s Pocket Park was one of those. Through Facebook, people can vote for their favorite cities in head-to-head matchups. Each “like” counts as a vote.

     Monticello is up against Lisbon in the first round. Voting for the round ends at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11. The winner will take on either Hartley or Keosauqua in the “elite eight” round.

     Subsequent rounds will run through Sept. 25, with the overall champion to be announced Sept. 26.

     To vote, visit the Iowa League of Cities Facebook page and look for People’s All-
Star Tournament.

     The People’s All-Star winner will receive a stand-alone, star-shaped award suitable for display in city hall.