Council vows support for seniors program

The Rector City Council stated its intentions to help raise awareness for the Black River Area Development (BRAD) sponsored Bert E. Sigsby Senior Wellness Center located on 102 East First Street in Rector.

The council was approached Monday night by center director Judy Grubb and BRAD director Kim Junkersfeld. The senior center provides free meals to senior citizens both at the site and to those who are unable to travel through their at-home delivery program.

The difficulties for the Rector center stem from the decrease in seniors who take part in the congregate meals, those which are served at the center. Junkersfeld said the Rector site has budgeted 20 congregate meals per day, but is currently serving less than that amount. She is worried that if the amount of meals budgeted is decreased, the site will be forced to cut its operating time from seven hours per day down to five, which she feels is a step in the wrong direction.

Currently, the site is serving 15 to 17 seniors per day.

By comparison, the Corning center serves significantly more meals per day. Piggott, however, is next in line after Rector for having the fewest in the program which includes sites in Randolph and Lawrence Counties.

To help boost involvement at the site, the city council agreed to recommend participation to applicable residents. By making more people aware of the program, the goal is to increase participation.

"There's no reason we shouldn't have 20 people down there every day," mayor Ron Kemp said.

The meals are served free of charge to residents over the age of 60 years. Spouses are welcome to dine as well, regardless of age. Another main point which is believed to confuse some is the fact there is no minimum income level required to take part.

While the meals are important in establishing the budget for the center, Junkersfeld said they're not the most rewarding part of the seniors' experience.

"Our focus is on socialization," Junkersfeld said. "It's more about providing a place where the seniors can gather and enjoy themselves. The meals are almost a bonus, because you were there when lunch was served."

ARI Donation

Mayor Kemp told the council he had been approached by American Railcar Industries general manager Jack Pipkin with an offer to donate a switch engine located at the factory to the city. The engine resembles a miniature locomotive, and could be used to add an additional point of interest to Downtown Park.

Kemp said he was told the engine would require repairs estimated at $4,000.

"My thinking was that we could place it near the tracks by Downtown Park," Kemp said. "We could maybe build a replica of the depot in the future and develop a small railroad museum."

Kemp also said Union Pacific Railroad had agreed to donate a piece of track, separate from that in operation, for the engine.

The council was eager to add the engine to the area. Alderman David Freeman suggested painting a welcome on the train, as well as including the name of the donor, ARI.

The council agreed to have a contract drawn up, relating to the cost of restoration for the engine, which is still housed by ARI.

Property Issues

The long-standing discussion regarding the condition of the Ferrell Gas storage area near downtown Rector may have reached a positive conclusion. The council has discussed the area, which has been overgrown and in need of maintenance, for nearly a year. Monday, city superintendent Todd Watson told the council he had been in contact with Ferrell regional coordinator Brian Morris, who said the company plans to not only clean the area, but put it back in operational order, as well.

According to Watson, Ferrell Gas applied for a business license, but the process was held up due to the site's condition. Morris sent Watson a letter, indicating the company's intent to restore the site in order to serve Rector and the surrounding communities.

"Good," Freeman said. "That's been a concern for some time. Hopefully it will be taken care of, and add a service to the city, as well."

The council agreed with Watson's recommendation to grant the license on the condition the facility be cleaned and operation within 60 days, twice the amount of time Morris indicated in his letter.

Watson also noted the structure at 115 North Fairview had been torn down, opening a third slot on the city's list of properties which need to be brought to standard. With work progressing on 701 McNabb and 220 East Seventh, the council voted to include 818 East Seventh to its watch list. Watson said the structure has heavy damage, with much of its ceiling already fallen.

Ordinance 537

The council passed Ordinance 537, allowing Heath McClung, police officer, and Teresa Roofe, city council member, to continue their prior duties as automobile detail business owner and secretary/treasurer of Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission, respectively. The ordinance was passed in accordance to a recommendation by the state auditor, in order to establish clear boundaries between city and personal employment.

In other business, the council:

* Heard from Kemp about a grant application currently underway to receive funds to build new sidewalks leading to the school. The city is also considering applying for a General Improvement Fund grant to repair the former Coy building near city hall, which the city recently purchased. He also noted the Clay County Humane Society might be eligible for these grant funds, as well, for use in building their shelter in town.

* Approved the minutes from the August meeting.

* Discussed the potential for increasing mosquito spraying. A representative will visit the city in October, with more information made available to the council at that time.