By BRIAN RATHJEN
The Marengo Senior Dining Center is not big enough to handle activities other than activities besides the noon meals.
Much more can be done for older residents in the city and surrounding area.
At least those are the observations of a resident who suggested that city officials at least look into possibly purchasing a vacant building in the city’s industrial park.
Loy Walker approached the council at its Jan. 9 meeting, saying that officials could purchase the old HACAP building on Dillin Street, on the city’s south side. Council members said that while they liked the idea, they also would need to look into expenses of purchasing the center and operating it.
In prefacing her remarks for which she called a “cold call” to the council, Walker noted that she began researching the cost of utilities, rent and other expenses associated with owning a center.
“In calling them, I found out they might rent it, but then also sometime within the past year have suggested they might sell it. That began to really get my wheels turning,” she said. “Maybe … the city could buy and use as a community center.”
Walker added that community organizations – including Kiwanis, Rotary and other clubs that don’t have access to other facilities – could also use the 3,200-square foot center to meet and host their activities. Senior dining could also move to that location. The building has two large rooms and kitchen facilities.
The main parking lot has room for 12 cars, but an adjacent piece of land is available, she added.
“I’m just getting the wheels turned on that, but what do you think about a community center for Marengo?” said Walker, noting the city could use it as its Blue Zone community improvement project. “There are a lot of reasons we could use it.”
Mayor Joe Seye noted that council members Jamie Lillie and Brian Imhoff are on the council’s community development committee.
Imhoff was absent, but Lillie said that a community center was a great idea.
“It’s just finding the money to make sure the city can afford and maintain it,” she said.
City administrator Brent Nelson said that many variables need to be put in place and research needs to be done before a community center would be a reality. He noted that a larger community center has been identified as a priority in the city’s comprehensive plan, approved last year.
“You’re talking about bonding capacity and how that ties up the city as far as debt, if something was going to be built,” he said. “You have to look at how it would impact the general fund.
“I don’t think you’re going to hear them say we’re dead set against a community center,” continued Nelson. “I think a lot information-wise needs to be put in front of the council financial and other so they can make the comparisons and determine which route to go.”
Walker said that, according to her research through the Iowa County Assessor’s office, the land costs $11,700 while the HACAP building is valued at $150,860. The building was constructed in 2002. Monthly utility costs range from $180 to $550.
After a further discussion, Nelson reiterated that many factors – such as bonding capacity and impacts on other city services – need to be considered in deciding whether to pursue such a venture.
“It makes no sense to sit up here and say, ‘Yes, a rec center is great, let’s put $2.5 million to that and we’re just going to build it in three years,’” he said. “That’s not very well thought out. I think they will be in favor of such a thing but without having everything in place before them – street improvements or storm water improvements over the next 5-10 or even 15-20 – I don’t think the council’s going to give you a definite answer.”
“What should I do to help the council keep thinking about it?” asked Walker.
Nelson said that just approaching and speaking with the council was the best thing she could do at this point. Walker said she just wanted to have a good feeling about the city’s possible interest in a community center or similar recreation facility.
Lillie reiterated her earlier remarks that the council’s lack of a definitive answer was not that they were disinterested in a community center.
“It’s just that, ‘What does it cost?’” councilman Terry Brecht added.
“If we’re talking about an existing building, there’s so many options that we’ll have to sit down and discuss,” Lillie added.
On a suggestion that the building be donated to the city, Walker admitted it wasn’t that far-fetched of an idea, and that it is a federally owned building that could be sold at a reduced cost.
COUNCIL MAKES APPOINTMENTS
In its first meeting of 2012, the council learned of its committee assignments for the next two years.
Those assignments, announced by Seye at the Monday, Jan. 9, meeting are as follows:
• Personnel, policy and administration: Terry Brecht (chair) and Michael Curry.
• Streets, buildings and parks: Brian Imhoff (chair) and Bill Kreis.
• Finance: Kreis (chair) and Jamie Lillie.
• Utilities: Curry (chair) and Brecht.
• Community development: Lillie (chair) and Imhoff.
Kreis will continue to serve as mayor pro tem.
POLICE CAR SOLD
In other business, the council approved a bid from a Chicago company to purchase the police department’s old squad car.
Asia Motors submitted the top bid of $2,779, for the car, a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria sedan. The bid was the lowest of four submitted to the city. None of the bids came from local individuals or businesses, something that raised Kreis’ eyebrows.
“There were no local bids?” he asked, to which city administrator Brent Nelson nodded in agreement.
A 2010 Ford Explorer, a sport utility vehicle, has replaced the Crown Victoria, the last sedan model in the department’s fleet. A Ford F-150 pickup is the other police vehicle.
The council also:
• Approved the Pioneer Republican as official newspaper for the city of Marengo.
• Heard the December 2011 report from police chief Galen Moser. Of the 601 calls during the month, 231 were either administrative or investigative contact, while 41 verbal warnings were issued and 63 calls were labeled “return calls to.”
Moser also noted that Iowa County Sheriff Rob Rotter is working on a grant that would enhance mobile information for officers. The department is also looking at the TRACKS program for accident reporting.
You must log in to post a comment.