Lincolnville: Community center nears completion
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Greg Hubbard, community building chairman on Lincolnville City Council, announced Monday that major work has been completed at the new community center, with only minor projects remaining.
Hubbard said a lot had been done at the center during the past week. This included dirt and concrete work and painting of the south end of the building.
The council approved payment to The Lumberyard, Hillsboro, of $1,055.83 for supplies. Clerk Jane Pigorsch said after $5,000 is paid to the grant administrator and architect, grant money remaining will be less than $1,900.
Pigorsch said at least 24 people have contacted her about renting the building this year and next, and others are booking graduation parties for 2008-2009. She said every weekend in May could be filled if the building is ready for use by that time. Many requests are coming from outside the community.
With the costs of natural gas and electricity rising, the council discussed raising rental rates and deposits on the community center. About a year and a half ago, they set a preliminary rental rate of $50 with a $50 refundable deposit.
Hubbard made a motion to change the rental rate to $150 with a $200 refundable deposit.
Council members conceded the $200 deposit would ensure the building would be cleaned up properly after its use but were uncomfortable with the rental rate, fearing it would limit the building's use by the community. The motion died for lack of a second.
"A community building should be used by the community," said councilman Sylvia Bailey.
"It's important to consider rates at other facilities in surrounding communities," said Tambra Owens. "Don't set the rates too high or too low."
Gail Burns said the building's maximum capacity of 210 people should be considered when comparing with other facilities.
The council will seek more input from the people of the community and surrounding communities before a decision is made. A rental contract also will be developed.
The council accepted a bid of $1,665 from Tony Hett of Lincolnville for the community building job trailer. He is required to give a week's notice for pickup.
The council approved a request from the state for direct deposit of tax monies.
City employee Steve Podzsus reported locating manholes covered over with pavement at four locations within the city. Several others have not yet been found.
Mayer Services has been contacted to clean a section of the sewer lines whenever the company has an open date.
The council voted to change the testing lab for sewer samples to Certified Environmental, Salina, for a charge of $75 compared to $125 with the current lab.
Mayor David Schneider reported, according to state law, three or more dogs in one place constitutes a kennel and requires a license.
In a 3-2 vote, the council voted to keep the franchise for the cable company, Galaxy, at 3 percent. Hubbard and Scott Gutsch were opposed.
Pigorsch reported a balance of $5,147.73 in the community building savings account. Sewer bills sent out totaled $925.24. Delinquent bills total $1,787.48.
Gutsch reported the Lincolnville Wide Awake 4-H Club will continue to operate the concession stand at the ball field.
February income totaled $1,901.31, mostly from local sales tax and franchise taxes. Expenses totaled $8,567.80, including a lease-purchase payment of $5,255.82 to Pilsen State Bank. The cash balance on Feb. 28 was $44,605.32.
