Dear Neighbors
As we navigate the sadness of Chris Klar’s passing, we want to keep you informed, encourage any questions, and ensure that everything is being handled as smoothly as possible. The City Council is working closely with the Klar family, taking immediate steps to cover the many responsibilities Chris managed across the city. Below are high-level updates, with more details to come in the weeks ahead:
Halloween Event at the Pavilion
Chris was incredibly excited about hosting a Halloween trick-or-treat display as the inaugural event at the new pavilion. The Klar family has created a fantastic display, and the Community Club has graciously stepped in to bring Chris’s vision to life. Jevne Park will be a wonderful trick-or-treat stop for the kids as they make their way through the neighborhood. Volunteers are needed for setup—if you’re interested in helping, please reach out to Jenna Jones or Heidi Heim.
Permitting Process Updates
One of Chris's key roles was managing permits for the city. With many residents connecting to city water, we've seen an increase in permit activity. Rest assured, we have all the necessary information to process existing permits, and there’s no immediate action required from you. If you have questions about your permit, please reach out to Councilmember Ruth Hovey. We are also updating our long-term permitting processes to ensure a smooth transition in Chris’s absence.
Looking Ahead: Public Works Transition
We are in the process of reviewing the many things that Chris worked on as Public Works Superintendent. We will discuss this during the Open Forum at our next City Council meeting on Monday, November 4th. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
The family asked me to share the following:
Chris’s Personal Business
Preparations are being made to ensure there is no disruption to the residential lawn, dock, and snow services Chris provided. Some neighbors are assisting the family in coordinating with other providers who already work in our city, ensuring that mowing and leaf clean-up continue without interruption this fall, and that snow removal services proceed smoothly this winter.
The family hopes that everyone will remain customers, as they begin discussions with a few companies interested in acquiring Chris’s business—companies committed to delivering the same high level of service. This transition will take time, so the family asks for your patience while near-term coverage is arranged, and long-term plans are developed.
Celebration of Life Memorial for Chris
The Klar family is planning a Celebration of Life Memorial for Chris. This will be held at the Hutton House on Sunday, November 17th. Timing is TBD. This will be a special event for all of us to gather, honor Chris’s life, and say our farewells. More details will be provided as they become available.
Thank you all for your patience and support as we navigate this transition. Together, we can ensure that Chris’s legacy continues to thrive in our community.