GAS — With assistance of Thrive Allen County, Gas will seek a grant of about $50,000 to outfit a room in its community center with fitness equipment.
“David (Toland) thinks we’ll have a very good chance of getting the grant,” said Mayor Darrel Catron. In addition exercise machines, funds would be available for part-time staffing.
Council members authorized Catron to go ahead with the grant effort.
They were not so receptive to other plans he laid out.
Catron said Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assistance might be available for a number of attractions including a combination softball and soccer field on the east side of the center; basketball and pickleball court on the north; croquet arena, horseshoe pitching pits and lawn bowling on the west. Also mentioned were a walking trail and playground equipment.
Councilman Larry Robertson’s interest wasn’t piqued. “It’s not a park,” he said of the area, rather “a senior citizens building.”
Catron said he wouldn’t be interested if KDWP money didn’t materialize.
“I’m not interested in any of it,” regardless, said Robertson.
In response, Catron retreated to, “Well, I would like to see what it would cost.” Steve Robb, city superintendent, will pursue that lead.
A PROPOSAL from John Vogel, Iola’s KwiKom president, to place antennas on the Gas water tower to provide wireless Internet to area citizens didn’t find traction, even though an agreement included a monthly payment of $100 for five years.
Robb was opposed a month ago when the idea first arose and had softened none, saying he had been involved in such projects in the past that “turned into a mess.”
Catron said the freshly painted storage tank and legs — bright red to accentuate it being “the largest Gas Kan in the world” — would be difficult to paint again with antennas attached. “At least that’s what the painters said.”
Robertson took an opposite tact, pointing out he had visited with officials in several cities where KwiKom had antennas on towers; “they are all well-pleased.” Also, he said, “we need to look at what would be good for residents whether we like it or not.”
A retort was for Vogel to look at other options, including a tower that his company might erect somewhere in the city.
“I’m not opposed to putting a tower on the northwest corner of the school (community center) property,” said Councilman Mark Henry.
