MORAN — Moran council members voted unanimously to embrace the old Pump-N-Pete’s convenience store for a community fitness center.
The store has been vacant for several years, which gave pause — two windows reputedly leak during heavy rains and some walls need more than casual repairs.
But the time has come, councilmen decided, to pull the trigger on a $25,000 grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, which required the city establish a home for fitness equipment grant proceeds will provide.
“I think we can get volunteers” to do much of the work required to bring the building up to snuff, said Damaris Kunkler, Thrive program director, who over the past year has urged a healthy approach for Moran residents. That included a survey several months ago that found many citizens would be participants — a fact that helped attract the grant.
Gratz Peters, owner, is providing the building gratis with a commitment of as long as two years. Moran’s PRIDE group has worked with Thrive en route to last night’s destination. Larry Manes, a supporter, said while the building required some repairs, parking would be ample, water lines had been drained which prevented plumbing problems and it was in a good location.
Of the $25,000 in the grant, $2,500 may be used for such things as utilities, and together with $1,000 from Thrive, Moran should be relieved of any utility costs the first year.
If it’s a success, the fitness center likely will be relocated to a more permanent home.
IN OTHER NEWS, councilmen:
— Instructed City Clerk Lori Evans to hand First Baptist Church a check for $45,000 as soon as clear title to the building that has housed the church is presented. Moran made arrangements in September to purchase the building after the church announced plans to construct a new sanctuary. The congregation has until July 1 to vacant the present church. Then, Moran’s library will be moved there from quarters that some councilmen described as being in “bad condition,” meaning leaky roof and walls.
— Pledged $1,200 from Park Department funds to purchase six utility poles as the first step in a lighting upgrade for ball fields. USD 256 and Moran Ball Association will participate in the project, which will include lights, wiring and other things needed for the improvements. Marmaton Valley teams play at the park, giving emphasis to the USD 256 board’s interest.
