Phase III of the Centre Gymnasium project dominated discussion at the November 10^th Centre City Council meeting. While crews have finished phases I and II, the council hasn’t decided how to pay for the gym’s final phase. Adding air conditioning, motorized goals, and motorized bleachers are on tap in phase III, but the projected $950,000 cost isn’t in the budget.

Building inspector Raymond Matthews reported that $70,000 could be saved by taking out the side goals. Another $85,000 would be cut by eliminating one side of bleachers, but the move would prevent organized volleyball from being played in the gym.

As the new data didn’t lead to a consensus, Matthews and council members raised concerns about delaying the decision. Reasons included city liability for allowing people in an unfinished building, increased costs over time, and the possible loss of using the gym for the’27-’28 basketball season.

Mayor Jay Howell noted that the bids are due soon, November 17^th. He suggested that the council wait until they see the bids to see what the total is. They could then proceed with a decision. The council agreed.

Concern also arose about an easily-flooded ditch on Appleton Street. The county had applied for a grant to make $900,000 of repairs, but it hasn’t been approved yet. Mayor Howell says that the county is willing to take out the pipe that obstructs the water flow. While the council awaits a grant decision, they plan to vote next month whether to approve the county’s extracting the pipe.

The council approved a seasonal employee pay adjustment to include the following bonuses: $1,000 for full time employees with ten or more year’s experience and $600 for those with less than ten; $300 for part time workers; $300 for volunteer firemen; and $200 for call-in help.

A 6-1 vote granted approved an employee holiday calendar that included December 31^st as an official day off work.

The group also rejected a $110,000 bid for the outdoor basketball court pad since the company was the lone bidder. The city will re-start the bidding process.

The council reminded those in attendance of the November 29^th Christmas Tree Lighting and the December 3^rd parade.

For more details listen to the attached audio recording of the meeting.