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Council suspends gym activities after inspectors flagged building as unsafe; public commenters urge support for Heroes Across the World
Summary
The Sulphur Springs City Council agreed to temporarily suspend community activities in the city gym pending inspection after public commenters raised black mold and safety concerns affecting the Heroes Across the World program; councilmembers asked for an inspection before any reopening.
Mayor Michael Driver said the city gym failed inspection years ago and is likely unsafe for public use, prompting concern from community members who rely on the space. Resident John Kelley addressed the council during open forum, saying the gym’s condition — including black mold — threatens programming and asking the city to act. Kelly Kelley and other activity center members shared testimonials about the program’s benefits, noting its role teaching values and discipline to participants.
Council discussion focused on safety and next steps rather than immediate repair or reopening. Council member Bill Middleton urged an official inspection to determine whether the building is fit for reuse. Council member Bill Medley suggested suspending activities in the gym temporarily until an inspection confirms it is safe; council members agreed to the temporary suspension. The council did not set a date for an inspection or specify who will perform it during the meeting.
The suspension affects groups that use the gym, including the Heroes Across the World program. The council’s action was a consensus decision during new business; no formal vote or funding appropriation for repairs was recorded at the meeting. The next procedural step recorded in the meeting was a request by Mayor Driver to discuss employee pay in executive session; the gym inspection task assignment and timeline were not specified before the session.
