11/05/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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meeting they had last year with Deborah Bock from the Senior Center. There was talk of an addition to the Senior Center but she is not sure where that stands. Mrs. Martindale said the Mayor had asked her to look at the library to see if it could be turned into a theater. She mentioned some of the problems she saw. She does think it would work as an art gallery. She also believes that the schools could use the basement for adult education since that is something they have complained about. She said Mr. Raig disliked the library idea entirely. Mrs. Birney said they would need a larger facility for children in the K-12 category. Mrs. Martindale said it is really the Board of Education's charge and not the Commission's. Mr. Garland said if the school considers an addition, a cultural arts auditorium, the board would certainly support it and promote it. Mr. Frazier said if they are going to reactivate and focus on facility planning that is good, but this year there is so much going on. He said cultural arts was certainly in the original planning. He said they need to look at feasibility and he mentioned a possible bond issue. He said it should be brought up and he can be a conduit with Mr. Raig as he is on the facilities planning committee. He said Mr. Raig has an understanding of the board's desires and the importance of the arts in North Olmsted. Mr. Frazier said that if the library is sold to the schools, it would probably serve as an administration center. It is a central location to the city and has the right amount of space to bring all of the central office operations together. Mr. Garland mentioned the new Senior Center that was proposed. He said the city is also talking about a work out facility. He said a lot can happen. He suggested they talk with people in Rocky River, Westlake, to see what they have done. There was discussion about what other cities have done and the facilities there. Mrs. Birney indicated she spoke with a representative of the new library because she is looking for any kind of space. She said the issue they ran into is the library falls under the county rules, which means it closes at 9:00 p.m. There will be one room that can be used as an art gallery but the doors close at 9:00 p.m. They are hoping for at least a little space, even a recital area that could be used by not only students, but also seniors and other adults. Mrs. App asked where they stand as far as pursuing space. Mr. Frazier said that as a guest at the last meeting he could feel the frustration. He said North Olmsted is a good size community and it is embarrassing that we don't have something. There is a need for a facility. Mrs. Martindale said she has been in many other communities and they have no problem, and these places aren't any richer than North Olmsted. Mrs. Birney said there has not been one parent in the community that she has talked with who says there is not a need. Mr. Garland said that is why he came up with the idea of a project, as it would open it up to the community. Mrs. Martindale said realistically there is not much hope the city will build something. Mr. Garland said it could happen if it is tied to the Senior Center. Mrs. Martindale said she has heard talk about a new Senior Center for some time. Mrs. App said they have just enough people power to get things done, but those people who get involved do so because of their kids, or church, and school activities. Then a small group might go beyond that and get involved in local politics and larger community projects. They are recycling the same people. The people who tend to get involved represent such a small percentage. She said she wonders if they have enough energy in the community, and enough people to move a huge project forward such as a small performing space for a theater troupe. She also asked how viable a show in the spring would be since there are so many things going on at that time. There was further discussion about what to do to get word out about the commission. Mrs. Birney said the orchestra she plays in has been in the community for many years and the only reason they are still playing is that they are affiliated with Baldwin-Wallace. They no longer have a facility because of what was done to the middle school; the acoustics are ruined. Mrs. App said if they are going to put out a request for more suggestions, they will be at the start of the discussion that the board initiated a year ago. She said the schools represent the heart of the community. It is the schools and the churches that get the residents attention and get the volunteers to get things going. She would like to see them get a small space built with the Senior Center but addressing all the specific concerns expressed by the board. That is something she would be willing to work on. However, beyond that she does not see anything else being viable in this community. Mr. Garland 2