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La Center arts groups press council on Wheel Club sound, furnishings and booking access
Summary
Local arts and senior-service volunteers told the La Center City Council the renovated Wheel Club community room has an echo, lacks a clock and bulletin board in its public space, and that a handmade piano bench removed to storage should be returned to use.
Sandy Pearson, representing La Center Arts Council, told the La Center City Council on June 11 that users of the Wheel Club community room have experienced an echo that makes conversation difficult and have asked the city to address acoustics and a few missing items.
Pearson said the piano bench — made from an old piano by a volunteer — is currently stored in a utility closet and has been subject to damage while in storage. "There was a lot of work that went into that, and we'd like to bring it out," Pearson said. She said Meals on Wheels participants have signed a petition asking that the bench be returned to the room.
Tracy Coleman, city staff, told the council the bench is in a storage shed while staff looks for an appropriate public location and that the mayor has been consulted. Coleman said the city ordered a wall clock for the main room after volunteers noted the kitchen clock is not accessible to users for health-code reasons, and that a second clock was placed in the kitchen by mistake but that a replacement for the main room is expected soon.
On acoustics, Coleman said city staff have identified the echo as a design issue caused by fireproof ceiling construction and are exploring soundproofing options that would be installed to be "aesthetically pleasing"; she said that cost was not included in the recent renovation budget and that the work is being considered for a future budget cycle. "We are looking at getting soundproofing in there and distributing it in the building," Coleman said.
Pearson and others also asked for a public-facing calendar or reservation indicator so community organizations can see whether the Wheel Club is reserved; Coleman said staff will follow up after the meeting and discuss options for displaying reservation status.
Speakers identified specific needs (the bench, a clock for the main room, a bulletin board, and acoustical treatment) and asked the council and staff for follow-up; Coleman said staff will report back and coordinate with volunteers. The council did not take a formal vote during the public-comment period, and no budget appropriation was made at the meeting.
The Wheel Club and Meals on Wheels representatives urged faster action to prevent further damage to the bench and to improve usability for volunteers and older adults who regularly use the space.
