The Culver Town Council members took time during their meeting Thursday, July 25 to discuss the need to replace the roof at the Train Depot.
The Town of Culver owns the Train Depot and Culver Lions Club occupies that building with a long-term lease in place that specifies that the club members are responsible for repairs to the building including roofing. The club members believe that the roof repair is normal wear and tear which is excluded from their responsibility in the lease. The roof needs to be replaced and the Lions Club has asked the town for help with funds to replace that roof.
To that end, the Lions Club obtained quotes for repairs.
Town Attorney Sean Surrisi commented that the quote process done by the Lions Club was appropriate instead of the town going through the public works quote process due to wording in the lease. He said the town could help with funding for the project, if the council would consider the funds as a contribution to a non-profit organization.
A Culver Lions Club representative presented two quotes, and offered the lower quote of $14,500 for consideration.
Council member Bill Githens asked if a metal roof could be installed, but it is a historic building and the materials have to be maintained to the historic nature of the building.
Councilwoman Ginny Bess Munroe said the town gives funds to other non-profit organizations for services realized to the town and thought they should consider a similar action pertaining to a contribution to the Lions Club for the repair of the roof. However, it is different since the non-profit is housed in a town’s building.
After some discussion, the council approved a motion to pay $10,000 as a contribution to the Lions Club toward the cost of the replacement of the roof. The funds would come out of a fund at the discretion of Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim. It will have to be advertised as an additional appropriation. Councilman Dana Neer abstained from the vote.
