Council hears vandalism concerns at Methodist Church, considers repairs and recognition for longtime historian

Councilmember Karen Caldwell updated the Corinne City Council on progress and problems with the Methodist Church restoration, reporting that donations have increased and that the city completed cement steps and an ADA ramp.

Caldwell said recent vandalism has become a concern: boards have been ripped off doors, people have entered the building and been observed playing the piano, footprints and marks were left on pews, and chandeliers were found on the floor. She urged securing doors, obtaining bids for repairs or alarms, and said she may request access to a small loan cushion the city has previously provided to address immediate repair needs. "We've accomplished the very expensive stuff; now we're down to the nitty gritty," Caldwell said, adding that she will seek bids to secure the doors and repair interior damage.

The council also discussed adding restrooms to the historic church. Chair Shane Baden reported a single contractor bid of roughly $106,000 to add two restrooms and associated plumbing work; councilmembers described that figure as unexpectedly high and asked staff to solicit additional bids. Baden said the project requires jackhammering the floor, moving drains and adding a second toilet drain, and the council will follow up with other contractors the city regularly uses.

Separately, Caldwell nominated Marion Danielson as Corinne's honorary city historian, praising her decades-long collection and transcription of local records and proposing that the city announce the honor and invite her to participate in July 4 celebrations. Councilmembers expressed support for recognizing Danielson and storing some of her historical materials in the museum once interior work on the church is complete.