GAS — Council members talked more about prepping the old Gas school as a community center Tuesday night.
“We need to get on the ball,” said Larry Robertson.
Before the structure can be used as a community center, a restroom needs to be upgraded, including a new and larger door, he said.
To be handicap-accessible, the door must be 36 inches wide. The present one is 32 inches. Robertson estimated cost at $2,000 or more.
Before the upgrade, Mayor Darrel Catron proposed having an American with Disabilities Act survey done to determine what else might be needed.
A community ground-level handicap-accessible storm shelter, rated to hold 40, is in the works. Anticipation is the shelter will be in place by the end of April.
In other business:
— Council members discussed how they might keep Steve Robb, maintenance supervisor, on payroll. He has been seriously ill since Jan. 2 and isn’t likely to return to work for several more weeks. Other employees have shared sick leave. Also Gas will advertise for a person to work in general maintenance, full time to start and part time when Robb returns.
— The city’s insurance premium for the coming year through EMC will be $16,646, an increase of about 7 percent and in line with other cities.
— Two residents complained of cats and dogs being a nuisance. The cats apparently belong to a person living in a house with no utilities, which prompted council members to urge the person complaining to contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. They think state regulations prevent occupation of a house without utilities.
— A veterinary clinic will be April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall. Residents may have their pets vaccinated and may purchase city licenses then.
— Water rates were raised to compensate for an increase Iola made to Gas. Gas buys water from Iola. A family using eight units — nearly 6,000 gallons — pays $44.15 now and will pay $44.50. Non-resident rates for the same amount will go from $57.02 to $58.
