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Boys & Girls Club proposes workforce-ready program and building lease; residents urge competitive bids and revenue protection
Summary
Chance McElhin of the Boys & Girls Club proposed converting part of the community activity center (CAC) into a workforce-readiness and youth space while relinquishing the Club's existing space back to the city as a rental opportunity. Speakers debated whether the city should accept the Club's offer or solicit broader bids, with concerns raised about giving the building away without rent and interest from local small-business owners.
Chance McElhin, director of grants and programs for the Boys & Girls Club (self-identified), presented an amended proposal to renovate the existing youth-space into a workforce-readiness center and to return the Club's current space to the city for rental use. McElhin said the Club would assume liability and repairs, has sought state appropriations, and would provide youth workforce training and certifications.
Several community members, volunteers and Boys & Girls Club board members spoke in support. "We've been here in this community since '98," said Victor Grama, who said he is a board member and urged the commission to continue the partnership. Supporters noted the Club's daily participation levels (presenter cited roughly 75 to 90 children per day and an enrollment figure in the low hundreds) and the potential for the city to gain rental revenue once the Club moves to renovated space.
Other residents urged fiscal caution and accountability. Nancy Weary asked whether the City had solicited competitive bids and suggested the city could be leaving potential rental income on the table if it gives the building away without rent. Alan Cook said the city should not give the property away "for nothing" and urged a more deliberate approach to maximize revenue. A local cafe owner, Jen, said she was interested in leasing just the kitchen and dining area and would prepare a business plan if given time to inspect the site and terms.
The transcript shows a mix of community input and no final decision recorded during the meeting; commissioners asked follow-up questions and the matter appears set for additional administrative review.
