Council delays action after public debate over Sertoma Club lease and building use

The Pryor Creek City Council on Jan. 21 voted to take no action on immediate changes to the lease or management of the Sertoma Club building after more than an hour of public comment and council discussion.

Supporters and current officers of the Sertoma Club told the council the club still operates activities and provides services that benefit seniors and youth, while city staff and council members described outstanding questions about building keys, staffing and financial records. Following the public remarks and a council discussion, the body amended a prior motion and voted to take no action tonight, leaving the status quo in place while officials schedule additional meetings with club representatives and, where applicable, Sertoma National.

The decision followed public testimony from club members and community volunteers who said the organization provides transportation to appointments, meal service for seniors and sponsorships for youth programs. The group’s representatives gave account balances: a center checking account of $2,385.58; a Sertoma club checking account of $11,434.35; a scholarship fund of $4,847.80; and a pageant account of $1,499. Club members said they serve between 65 and 85 seniors per meal and operate a transportation service that typically handles 15 to 25 rides.

In public comment, speakers described an original lease signed Dec. 5, 1990, which they said provided successive renewal terms and specified a $25 renewal payment. One commenter supplied a copy of the original lease, an invoice (No. 1688) and a cleared check (check 3425) that the commenter said showed payment of the $25 renewal; the documents were handed to the mayor and clerk for the record.

Council members and the mayor said additional, private discussions with Sertoma officers and counsel were needed before any formal council action. The mayor said he had met with some Sertoma representatives following legal counsel’s advice and that further conversations were scheduled; an area coordinator from Sertoma National, Bill Williams, was reported to be involved though not present for the meeting. Council members noted there had been misinformation circulating on social media and emphasized the need to verify facts before changing any arrangements.

Council members also raised facility concerns: multiple keys to the building were reported missing, and the council directed staff to rekey the building or otherwise secure access. Staff said the building rekeying and other facility work are on the city’s work order list and would be addressed.

The council’s motion to take no action preserves existing leasing and rental processes for now and directs staff to continue meetings with Sertoma representatives. Councilmembers said they expect to revisit the matter after the club and city complete the follow-up discussions.

The council’s action tonight does not change the lease; it leaves existing booking and rental procedures in place while city and Sertoma representatives meet to clarify financial records, membership status, building access and potential next steps for facility use.

Community members who spoke included Sertoma officers, long-time volunteers and leaders of local service organizations who described interdependent programs that serve seniors and youth. City staff confirmed they would work with the club and provide updates to the council after the scheduled follow-up meetings.

The council did not vote on a new lease, nor did it authorize any immediate change of possession or new enforcement action; instead, it voted to defer further decisions until the city and Sertoma representatives have met and clarified outstanding matters.

Ending: Council members and Sertoma representatives said they expect further meetings; the council asked staff to report back after those follow-ups so the body can consider any recommended contractual or operational changes.