GAS — Gas council members plan to spend part of an upcoming meeting walking through the old Gas school to decide how it best may be used as a community center.
About two tons of trash were hauled from the building, which has made it presentable, said Steve Robb, city superintendent, at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Mayor Darrel Catron encouraged members to think of possible uses for the building.
Gas purchased the structure, built in the 1960s, from USD 257 for a token sum of $1 after it was abandoned as an alternative school for high school seniors. That component of district education was transferred to the former administration building on North Cottonwood, two blocks north of Iola High.
Council members approved a Planning Commission recommendation to permit Kenton Anderson to develop 10 spaces for use by recreation vehicles, which may support construction workers in the area for U.S. 54 and Flanagan Pipeline work.
Robb said that brought total space available in Gas to about 75, with less than half occupied.
Catron said the city will benefit from transient guests, through utilities sold and sales tax revenue at local businesses.
All but 10 blocks of city streets had chip-and-seal application this summer, Robb said. Cost to Gas was $33,095 for oil. Allen County provided rock and labor.
Catron said he attended an informational meeting last week on the Affordable Care Act and explained advantages it would give Gas employees, permitting them to purchase more comprehensive health insurance at a lower cost. He suggested, since they would be responsible for premiums, making premiums now paid by the city a part of the employees’ wages. No action was taken.
Gas council adds RV spaces
