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Museum director urges Morris to invest in Carnegie-era building as leaks and pests persist
Summary
Cam Erickson, executive director of the Stevens County History Museum, urged the Morris City Council to prioritize building repairs and budget or seek grants to address ongoing water leaks and yellow-jacket infestations in the museum’s Carnegie-era facility.
Cam Erickson, executive director of the Stevens County History Museum, told the Morris City Council during the citizen comment period that the museum’s Carnegie-era building needs immediate attention and local investment. “I’m tired of the yellow jackets. I’m tired of the water leaks,” Erickson said, describing repeated weekend repairs and makeshift solutions staff have used to keep programs running.
Erickson outlined the museum’s local history work and materials — including recently returned blueprints and a time capsule — and asked the council to consider the museum when writing grants and preparing the next budget. Erickson said the museum has informal volunteer support but faces recurring maintenance costs that have begun to affect operations: “I have to go in on the weekends and I have to look around the building for water leaks, and I shouldn’t need to do that.”
Council members thanked Erickson for the presentation and did not take immediate action during the meeting. Erickson offered to provide more detail and membership information to council members and asked that the city consider investing in the museum building as part of upcoming budget and grant decisions. The council did not set a timeline for a staff report or a formal funding request during the meeting.
