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Forever Young Senior Center seeks kitchen remodel and ramp; council directs staff to negotiate lease
Summary
Representatives asked council to allow a kitchen remodel (cabinets, countertops, appliances) and to include an accessible ramp in future Sibley Avenue reconstruction plans; council directed staff to negotiate lease terms with property owners before finalizing purchases and indicated broad support for cabinet work in fall.
Representatives from the Forever Young Senior Center told the council they intend to remain in their current space provided the city will allow a kitchen remodel and consider adding a ramp to the building’s main entrance when Sibley Avenue is reconstructed.
The center reported funds in a recently matured certificate of deposit (figures discussed in the meeting included $13,007 and $14,700 in different exchanges). The center’s board voted unanimously to improve the kitchen and asked the council to allow replacement cabinets, countertops and select appliances; the center replaced the dishwasher last year.
Council members discussed lease terms and suggested that staff first negotiate a new lease (a five‑year term was discussed) before making capital investments in cabinets and appliances, so ownership of new fixtures would be clear if the center relocates in the future. Staff agreed to begin lease discussions with Ron and Sarah Kirsch and to return to the council with an agreement for review. Council members signaled general support for the plans and discussed fundraising ideas and potential relocation options that could influence timing.
The center also asked that the city consider adding a ramp at the main entrance as part of planned Sibley Avenue reconstruction; councilmembers said the city’s upcoming capital projects list will include Sibley improvements and the ramp request will be evaluated in that planning process.
Council direction was to have staff negotiate a lease and, assuming favorable terms, to proceed with the cabinet project in the fall while reserving final capital decisions until the lease is finalized.
