GAS — The old Gas School is on the cusp of being ready for use as a community center. IN OTHER NEWS:
Gas council members were told Monday night a chairlift had been installed to make the sunken gymnasium area accessible.
The chairlift came on the cheap, compared to an engineer’s survey. Cost had been estimated at $35,000 for acquisition and installation. City Clerk Rhonda Hill found a lift in good working order at an auction for $500. City workers installed it.
City Superintendent Steve Robb said a mobile ramp had been constructed that could be moved about the gym area to provide additional access from several places. With wheels, it can be stowed away.
Council members adopted a policy governing use of the center, which will be rented for $50 a day.
The only major accessibility issue left is to refit a restroom to accommodate people limited by handicaps. Councilman Larry Robertson, who volunteered to do the work, said he would be available “most any time.”
The center will be available for community and family get-togethers, wedding receptions, reunions and the like.
Arrangements to rent the center may be made at City Hall during business hours.
Council members put off considering a raise of water and sewer rates until their Dec. 9 meeting to give Hill time to gather information. The rate increases were prompted by the Iola council’s discussion of higher rates, as well as an auditor’s recommendation that Gas should work toward increasing reserves in the two utility accounts.
— After no one attended a hearing, council members adopted a resolution condemning a vacant mobile home at 217 N. Main owned by Peggy Lucas. Lucas was given until Dec. 11 to remove the mobile home or show efforts to repair it. If nothing is done, the city will raze the structure.
— A recommendation of the City Planning Commission to close the fifth block of South McRae Street was accepted by council members. Harry Holloway owns property on both sides of the street, which dead ends with the fifth block. He asked for it to be closed.
Holloway said he intended to build a small shelter house on the previous right of way, including a fire pit to support picnics and gatherings.
Gas community center is nearly ready for use
