GAS — The old Gas school will start filling more of its role as a community center from decisions made by city council members Tuesday evening.
At the urging of Pat Spencer, a vocal activist for Gas, the center’s gymnasium will be made available from 8 a.m. to noon weekdays for senior citizens walking. During breaks from school, the gym will be open 1 to 4 p.m. for kids to play basketball or whatever tickles their fancy. On weekends or evenings, if a parent is willing to supervise, they may pick up a key at City Hall for the center and open it for youngsters.
For adults of any age who prefer alcoholic beverages at a family reunion, wedding reception or similar event, council members voted to make beer, wine and mixed drinks acceptable. One exception is no kegs of beer will be allowed. Rental will be $50 and a deposit of $50, unless alcohol is involved and then deposit will be $100. Deposits in either case will be refundable if no problems crop up.
The actions were not the last word in the center’s operation. A library may be part of a room where artifacts from earlier days of Gas will be displayed in a small museum. A senior citizens room also is a part of the structure and may see more use.
Another of monthly fundraising meals at the community center is Thursday evening with serving to start about 6 o’clock. Proceeds will go for projects at the center. The public is invited.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, council members:
— With Mayor Darrell Catron absent, they tabled until their Feb. 8 a request from KwiKom Communications, Iola, to use the Gas water storage tower as a platform for a WiFi antenna. Asked his thinking, City Superintendent Steve Robb was quick to voice opposition, saying “it’s something we don’t need” and would be a “maintenance nightmare.” City Clerk Rhonda Hill seconded Robb’s comments: “The tower people recommend we not lease space for antennas.”
— Approved purchase of a used garbage and trash collection truck from TCS Trucks, Strafford, Mo. The truck, with 75,000 miles, will cost $33,900 with $6,000 trade of Gas’ current truck. Hill said money for the purchase will come from equipment reserves, $15,900, the general fund, $9,000 and the refuse fund, $9,000. “We have it in the 2016 budget,” she said.
