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READI funds offered to Russellville Community Center project
RUSSELLVILLE — With concerns raised about the Russellville Community Center’s deteriorating roof, a new avenue for funding repairs was pursued Wednesday evening.
As an organization, the community center has worked toward funding a $500,000 grant through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). However, the effort has been setbacked as the organization has not been redesignated as a nonprofit.
While the building itself is owned by the town, its stewardship and events held there are overseen by a board headed by community leader and former educator Darrell Wiatt. It is also designated as a meeting place in disaster situations.
As to the building’s needs, replacing its roof has been the main concern. Other items include replacing doors and capping an unused chimney, as well as addressing drain pipes that are in disrepair.
Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Executive Director Kristin Clary first briefed at the meeting that the county is part of a region that received funding through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). Specifically, she said, the money is geared toward improving small downtowns.
“We know that the community center is in bad shape,” Clary said of being aware of the repairs’ urgency. “I don’t think this is going to last until June.”
After consulting with Wiatt and Council President Cary McGaughey, Clary informed the council that $100,000 is being committed from READI toward the project. This is matched by $100,000 that has been raised locally.
Accounting for the repairs costing more than those combined funds, Clary noted that quotes have been secured. Meanwhile, there is a potential insurance claim for storm damage which could be attached to the READI request.
Clary presented a letter of intent denoting that the town would commit the insurance claim toward the request. She added that this could be expected at least for $25,000, though the exact amount is unknown now.
With the request due Thursday, Clary assured that the needed documentation was complete besides the letter. She finally provided that processing the request will take at least two months.
As such, the whole council approved for the letter to be signed and attested to.
In other business:
• The council passed a resolution to formally adopt the county’s new comprehensive plan. County Planning Director Lisa Zeiner noted that the plan was approved by the Putnam County Commissioners last month and has been adopted by Cloverdale and Roachdale.
• The council passed a resolution approving a reduction in the 2023 budget by $6,000, specifically in the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund. Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandleco explained the money was set aside for paving, which will not occur before the end of the year.
• The council approved signing a letter acknowledging a transfer of the town’s insurance policies. Mandleco stated that Mike Utterback, the agent who has handled the policies as such, recently moved from NFP to RP Insurance.
With Town Attorney Stu Weliever adding that it has completely shut down its office in Crawfordsville, the move accounts for NFP firing its agents, as was reported by Mandleco.
• The council approved naming the town’s park after Jennifer Goss. Goss, who died in October, owned the Harrison Street Tavern and also donated to the town and the park’s upkeep.
A recent UTV ride held in support of Goss’ family raised about $7,500, all of which is to go toward the park. McGaughey noted that local matches could be available for improvements, including installing playground equipment.
• The council passed a resolution to write off $451 with uncollectible accounts. The persons connected to said accounts have sold their property or otherwise moved away.
With Street Supt. John Boller absent, Town Marshal Matt Biggs and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Ciulla joined Mandleco, Weliever, McGaughey and council members Tony Riggen and Cathy Jones for the meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Russellville Town Council is set for Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. at the community center.