With a lame duck council on the dais awaiting replacement of two of its members, the Oakdale City Council had an abbreviated agenda on Monday, Dec. 1.

The council’s only voting decision was deciding to close city offices on the Fridays following Christmas and New Years Day since both days fall on a Thursday.

As part of its presentation, the meeting also included an annual report and budget presentation by Oakdale Tourism and Visitors Bureau Chairperson Keith Boggs.

Last April the council approved changes to the financial reporting to include a marketing plan and projected budget for the OTVB. The bureau receives a two-percent assessment on a lodging tax charged by the city.

Boggs said the OTVB has made a lot of transition in the last year in developing its brand, marketing and strategic purpose. The OTVB has hired an accountant, Dianne Korrup, and a new administrator, Pam Dumas, during that time.

Boggs briefly touched on the Brooks International Consulting recommendation for the city’s motto to be reconsidered that caused concern to some residents, changing the identity of “Cowboy Capital of the World” to a recognized regional farmers market.

“Farm Fresh California didn’t resonate,” Boggs said.

Since that time Boggs said the group has worked on finding a strategy to get the public to “turn right instead of left” referring to the major Yosemite Avenue and F Street intersection, getting travelers to go to the downtown area while passing through the city.

Some methods Boggs addressed in the “Way-finding Project” included traffic and pedestrian signage and a downtown banner.

Korrup gave an accounting presentation of the OTVB’s budget stating that when she assumed the position the accounting wasn’t as “clean” as she would have liked.

She said she has recreated the accounting and said the council would find it clearer when reviewing the numbers.

“Going forward it will be easier to figure out,” Korrup said.

On Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. the council will hold a special meeting at the Bianchi Community Center to swear in incoming council members J.R. McCarty and Cherilyn Bairos and recognize departing councilmen Farrell Jackson and Mike Brennan.

A small reception is scheduled to follow.