Sedan council backs museum repairs; clerk to submit $50,000 T‑Mobile grant

City residents and staff told the Sedan City Council on Sept. 17 that the Emmett Kelly Museum needs exterior repairs and that the city is pursuing grant funding to support renovations.

Resident Rosie Sweaney told the council that museum windows are rotted, that the museum board has obtained quotes from Rams Windows and Roofing, and that the Historic Society provided preservation standards the board plans to follow. Sweaney said the museum board is pursuing reimbursement and that "there is reimbursement for renovations from the Historic Society up to 40% if they follow the standards," adding, "This reimbursement will be up to $100,000.00 in reimbursements."

City Clerk Lana Robinson said she will submit a T‑Mobile grant application for $50,000 by Sept. 30; she described the grant as "100% funded" in the minutes. Robinson also noted other funding opportunities and local resources that could supplement rehabilitation work if the project meets the Historic Society standards.

Council members asked practical questions about liability and ADA compliance. Adam Clark said the city’s primary concern was liability tied to ADA compliance and general safety; Rosie Sweaney responded that the museum is ADA compliant. The minutes show the council did not take a formal vote on funding the work at the meeting but agreed to let staff pursue the grant application and to continue coordinating with the Historic Society and museum board.

Next steps: Robinson will submit the T‑Mobile grant application by Sept. 30 and continue coordinating bids, Historic Society reimbursement guidance, and any additional funding sources.