Council votes to demolish old community center and salvage materials for a new building

The town council voted Jan. 8 to demolish the old community center and salvage usable materials for construction of a new facility. Council Member Heather Schoning moved for demolition with salvage; Council Member Kelly Jones seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Heather Schoning said the town conducted a survey distributed with water bills and via the town website and held an open meeting, both of which produced very little public feedback. She told the council that senior meals are currently provided under contract with the Catholic Church and that the church has no present desire to move the meal program to a new facility.

Schoning said she visited the Chugwater facility and spoke with Sheri, a local health inspector, who provided guidance on what would be required for a compliant kitchen in a new building. Town Attorney Eric Jones reported that he had consulted with Dug Weever and Malcolm (names provided in the meeting record) and said those conversations supported salvaging materials where possible and avoiding unnecessary expenditures of taxpayer money on the old structure.

The council discussed scheduling a workshop or special meeting later in the month to plan next steps for demolition, salvage and design work. No funding sources, demolition dates or contractors were specified at the meeting.

The motion to demolish and salvage was approved by voice vote; the minutes record the motion as carried. The council did not vote on a specific construction plan or funding at this meeting.

The council is expected to set additional meetings to develop detailed plans and any required procurement steps.