Council member supports using library for a Senior Center
November 29th, 2007City Council member Pat Pinske proposed earlier this month that the City utilize the library building for a Senior Center.
Initial plans called for a building swap between City Hall and the Library. The former City Hall is currently being renovated for a new library which is expected to be open in January. But, due to cost estimates to remodel the library building, council members have back-pedaled on plans to move City Administrative offices into that facility.
A soon-to-be-vacant library building would be ideal for a senior center, according to Pinske. She said senior citizens in town have expressed “much interest” in occupying the library building with a Senior Center.
Pinske envisions the Senior Center as a place for seniors to socialize, play cards and do craft projects. She said the Senior Center could partner with the schools so senior citizens could visit with the youth of the community. “It would be a place the seniors could call their own,” Pinske said.
Pinske is looking for some kind of commitment from the City so a business plan could be developed. She believes the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Gaylord Chamber office could also utilize the building. She doesn’t believe these uses of the facility would detract from efforts to revitalize Gaylord’s downtown.
Maintenance was among the concerns other council members had about the library building. According to City Council President Brenda Pautsch, if the City wants the building it will need to stick some money into it.
Mayor Doug Quast has maintenance concerns,but said he doesn’t have an issue with the idea of a Senior Center in the library building. “We just need to decide on a plan for City offices,” Quast said. “We have to get some things in order and establish our pecking order.”
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