Board considers community center rental contracts

RUSSELLVILLE -- Anyone wanting to host a private party at the community center will soon have to sign a contract to do so.

During its regular meeting Wednesday, town council discussed the ongoing problem of rental fees and other costs associated with running the center.

Rental agreements will be used to clear up any problems with the amount charged to rent any of the rooms and, more importantly, to turn a profit.

"We would like to run it as a business," Don Reddish, council president, announced.

Tax dollars are currently used to heat half of the building and to insure it. This is why the council would like to make it self-sufficient by providing more rental opportunities.

Someone will be elected by the center's board of directors to be in charge of handling rental inquiries and scheduling. Future renters will still have to sign liability forms for skaters, as required by the insurance company.

Reddish said he still wants the center to stay a community-friendly building.

The official details regarding a rental contract and possible damage deposits were ironed out during an executive session, which followed the regular meeting. No decisions will be made until the next town council meeting Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.

The may pole and monkey bars at the community center have become a liability and the insurance company is requesting both be removed from the property.

Some modernization inside the building is also needed. The heating system -- described by some as antique -- and the kitchen facilities need to be updated.

Russellville Community Center board of directors for 2009 are Darrell Wiatt, president; Don Reddish, vice president; Linda Nelson, secretary; Barbara Bowman, treasurer; Debbie Bartelt, recorder; and Joan Everman, advisor.

In other business:

* The town is hoping it won't have to look for a new water superintendent. Mike Varvel is the current superintendent, but American Water has bought Waveland, which leaves Russellville the only town in the area for him to service. Varvel's contract is up in June and council members are crossing their fingers they can keep him for a reasonable amount.

* The water filtration tank has been cleaned and is running properly. It cost a little more than $24,000, to be paid in three equal installments.

"The water should be much, much cleaner (now)," Reddish informed the group.

* Council members unanimously decided to not pursue the purchase of the empty building at 215 Harrison St. Council considered using the space as storage, but money for necessary repairs is not in the budget right now. Items are currently being stored in a room at the community center and it was agreed there was the best place at the moment.

* A new $4,000 fire contract was accepted.

* Council members decided to purchase two fireproof filing cabinets at the cost of $500.

* The software contract with Keystone was accepted for a little more than $1,000.