Diane Weiss, organizer of the 15th Street Flyers jogging club, donated $1,200 to Covington’s recreation department that the group raised at its Go Forth on the Fourth race held at Hubie Gallagher Park on West 15th Street in Covington.

Weiss said the annual event has become more than simply a 4th of July race; it also features a costume contest and fun for the entire community. Attendees are urged to wear red, white and blue to the functions.

The donation was met with appreciation from Council President Matt Faust, but Councilman Mark Sacco, in whose district the park is located, had other comments. He suggested the funds should be put back into the park where the event is held. “It is a black eye on Covington, and we need to use this money in that park to help restore it,” said Sacco.

Trey Blackall, councilman-at-large and former representative of the district, disagreed.

“It is not a black eye. We have spent a significant amount of money there, and I think the people who use the park are appreciative. What needs to be done is to submit a plan for improvements, ask for the money and see it through,” said Blackall.

Sacco said the tennis courts have holes, and the play structure had to be removed because it was falling apart.

Councilman Lee Alexius said he has asked for plans from Sacco to renovate the park and has not received the plans.

“From a financial standpoint, we need a plan,” he said.

Sacco said he had given him a plan but will do so again and send the plan to the whole council as well.

In other business, City Attorney Deborah Foshee swore in a new police officer, Donald Marshall, to the city’s police force. Marshall said he is proud to be here and brings with him six years in law enforcement experience. He and his family are looking forward to becoming part of the community. They have moved to the area from the Southshore, he said.

Foshee also swore in William Leach to serve on the Board of Adjustments.

Several ordinances at the meeting were tabled because they dealt with financial matters, and the city has not received “hard numbers” from the assessor’s officers regarding the new assessments, which is needed in order to make decisions on the ordinances.

The matter of the mayor’s salary for 2009 and the budget were also tabled as budget hearings are still taking place, and the budget has not been finalized by the committee to go before the council for a vote.

A discussion item on the history and current efforts for inclusion of the city in the Community Rating System was also tabled due to the absence of Councilman Marty Benoit, author of the report.

A zoning ordinance to reclassify land from A-3 to C-1 from May and June meetings was defeated by a 5-0 vote because the petitioner withdrew the request.