Pardeeville Senior Center Commission approves maintenance work, rental and a ban on devotions in free classes

The Pardeeville Senior Center Commission on Jan. 28 approved maintenance-phase work on the facility’s east wing, confirmed several rental and promotion items, adopted a policy restricting devotional activities during free classes and directed the Village to cover the annual sprinkler inspection.

The meeting, chaired by Kocher, opened at 4:30 p.m. and included eight voting members. Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the Nov. 19, 2025 minutes early in the session.

Why it matters: the votes set short-term facility priorities and clarified how donated funds and volunteer labor will be used as the commission plans a larger east-wing remodel.

On building work, Commissioner Babcock presented a proposed east-wing configuration and an estimate of about $19,000 to replace lighting, install LVP flooring, repaint and add necessary plumbing. Babcock moved that the commission proceed immediately with maintenance-class items — paint, flooring, electrical and plumbing — in Rooms 2 and 5 and the hallway, and add a door between Rooms 2 and 3; the motion, seconded by Kocher, passed unanimously. The commission directed Babcock to obtain updated estimates including the proposed door.

The commission addressed a public request from the Columbia County Home and Community Educators (HCE) for a reduced Event Hall rental fee. Guest Bobbie Goodman asked the commission to reduce the standard $20-per-hour ($80 for four hours) rental to about $50 because the nonprofit uses most fundraising to purchase books for 4K children. Guest Mike Haynes offered to contribute $30 toward the rental to bridge the gap. Commissioner Buckley moved to approve the rental at the standard $80 for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026; Pease seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On program and rental policies, Commissioner Pease proposed a rule that when a room is used without charge and attendees are not charged, organizers may not lead prayers or devotions unless they pay the rental fee ($20 per hour) and disclose devotional content in the event description. The motion carried by a 5–0–2 vote; two commissioners abstained (Pufahl and Nakielski) and Kocher voted against the motion.

The commission also approved a special booking promotion — six hours for the price of four — for graduation events booked by April 15; Nakielski will prepare promotional materials and add the offer to the newsletter and Facebook.

Financial and operations items included a report that the center’s donations account balance is $14,490.01 and that $11,240 has been set aside for the walking-path repairs and a mural project downtown. Commissioners asked for clearer line-item descriptions on expense reports. Kocher reported a $310 quote for the annual sprinkler inspection and moved that the Village, rather than the donations account, should cover the cost; Hosig seconded and the commission voted unanimously to have the Village pay for the inspection.

Other agenda items covered ornament sales (30 sold of 70 manufactured), event planning for an Open House III & Derby Day scheduled for May 2, 2026, and the scheduling of future agenda items including East Wing Phase 3 and contract review. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.

Quotes: “He would contribute $30,” guest Mike Haynes told the commission regarding the HCE rental request. Commissioner Babcock said an estimated $19,000 would be needed for the full east-wing configuration but noted volunteer work could reduce the cost. Commissioner Kocher said he would change the newsletter donor-list format after concerns were raised about publicizing donor names.

Next step: the commission asked Babcock for updated cost estimates on the maintenance work and will discuss contract updates at the Feb. 25 meeting.