Architect recommends new community building at Lincolnville
The Lincolnville Community Building needs to be replaced.
That was the report city council members received Oct. 7 at their regular monthly meeting. The city is in the process of applying for a grant to repair or replace the building.
JoAnn Olsen, chairman of the community building committee, said the committee met Sept. 23 with Rosemary Saunders, grant writer from Reiss and Goodness Engineers of Wichita, and architect Bill Morris of Augusta.
She said Morris inspected the building and concluded that it needs to be replaced rather than repaired. He indicated it would take more to fix the building than to replace it.
A crack runs lengthwise down the middle of the concrete floor, and Morris suspects it was caused by moisture underneath.
He assured the committee that the building is safe for now but would continue to deteriorate. He encouraged city employee Joe Vinduska to work at improving drainage along the outside perimeter of the building to extend its life.
"Watch the crack and watch the walls," Morris told Vinduska.
Council members discussed constructing a 40'x70' metal building (same size as present building) on a full-size basement containing a storm shelter.
Olsen will submit specifications to Saunders and will come back to the committee and council with plans.
Committee members are Olsen, Jane Pigorsch, Evelyn Matz, Dave Schneider, and Glenn and Sandy Carlson.
In other business, Treasurer Don Buethe reported that the city's general fund contains more than $50,000 which needs to be used by the end of the year or else be re-budgeted. Total cash on hand Sept. 31 was $56,289.34.
Buethe suggested putting some of it into a capital outlay fund for future use. He will contact the county clerk to discuss it.
Vinduska suggested purchasing a used backhoe, estimated cost, $10,000-$15,000. He said a backhoe could replace the tractor and loader and also could be used to clean ditches. No action was taken.
Senior citizens continue to provide coffee, donuts, and other pastries at the community building from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for a free will donation. Proceeds go to the city's community building fund.
Senior Citizens president Evelyn Matz said the service has been well received, with customers ranging from 10 to 26 per day.
Matz presented the city with a check for $61. The money was collected during four days when Greeley Gas Co., now Atmos Energy, provided free donuts to publicize its name change. Matz said that, although the donuts were free, people contributed money anyway.
The council voted to supply doughnuts on Fridays, and Olsen volunteered to deliver them to the community building.
Matz also reported that senior citizens purchased a new gas stove for the community building kitchen. Vinduska was directed to remove the old stove so the new one could be installed.
Streets chairman Eldon Smith advised Vinduska to obtain a price quote on a used three-point sickle mower.
The council approved a request from Vinduska for Kevin Krch to repair the grader motor for $125.
Vinduska reported no measurable discharge from the sewer ponds in September.
Events chairman Karen Hurt reported that Octoberfest was successful.
"We got many compliments," she said.
Hurt is planning a last stopover for kids at the community building on Halloween.
Don Buethe said he was in the park with his grandchildren one day when a family from Kansas City stopped there.
"They thought it was the neatest little park," he said.
The council approved sending a letter to Ernie Stika requesting that he take care of weeds on his vacant lot at Fifth and Topeka. He has 10 days to comply or the city will do the work and bill him.
