Commissioners discuss Jenkins school reuse as community center; staff to bring leasing and cost analysis to agenda

Palatka City Commission workshop — city staff and community representatives discussed short‑term activation and long‑term plans for the former Jenkins School building, including potential tenants, lease terms and facility management.

Mr. Cartwright and Ed Hart (presenters identified in the meeting) described a program that would combine youth activities, a technology/job‑search center, fitness and multi‑purpose spaces, and leased offices for local service organizations. Several community organizations and individuals spoke in favor of immediate activation: Tralisa Matheny of Episcopal Children’s Services said her organization supports leasing office space there; Darcy Johnson introduced himself and his nonprofit as a proposed community tenant and operator for youth programming.

Staff laid out the space and leasing picture discussed in the workshop: an “orange” office area shown in the facility plan contains four offices plus a conference room. Presenters said the city’s temporary lease template used as an example in discussion priced a roughly 372‑square‑foot office at about $1,200 per month; participants noted that several organizations expressed interest and that available office inventory would be limited if multiple groups sign leases.

Commissioners stressed two priorities: (1) confirm building condition and necessary repairs before placing tenants, and (2) ensure short‑term leases or uses do not create long‑term subsidy obligations for the general fund. Staff confirmed the city has a detailed pre‑purchase inspection report (about 60 pages) that it will circulate to the commission. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a financial analysis that shows how proposed leases and operations would cover operating and maintenance costs and any capital repairs.

Several speakers recommended an open, transparent solicitation for short‑term uses so that the city compares proposals. Commissioners gave provisional support for moving the Jenkins leasing and tenant‑authorization matter onto a future commission agenda; they requested a cost/revenue analysis, proposed lease terms, and a clear management plan before any long‑term agreements are executed.

Community programming examples cited at the meeting: twice‑weekly youth nights, dance classes (public invitation to weekly sessions), job‑search and resume help in the tech center, recreational programming in the gym, and space for local nonprofits including a named foundation that has expressed interest in bringing funding and programs to the building.

Ending: No final lease approvals were taken at the workshop. Staff was asked to return with the inspection report, a cost/lease analysis that covers square footage, proposed rates and programming expectations, and a recommended agenda item authorizing the city manager to proceed subject to commission approval.