City applies for WCRF grant to renovate Community Building

The Kalona Council voted 5-0 Monday night Oct. 6 to make a $90,000 grant application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) to help finance improvements to the City Hall, Community/Rec Building and Elements.

The proposed $140,000 in improvements calls for $45,000 in local sales tax and $5,000 from the recreation budget as the citys match funds.

Included in the project is $23,730 for renovation of the lower level (this includes paint, installing a drop ceiling and some painting in halls, TV room and dance area) of the Rec Building, $81,270 for the Youth Area that includes where Elements is now located and $35,000 for a new entry way to City Hall.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said that representatives of Elements and the Washington Y have been in on the planning process.

New construction will include installation of a window to oversee the main area, removal of paneling and review quality of walls, install a 36-inch wall separating the computer lab and main area, installation of a 7-inch desk on east wall, installation of cabinetry and counter top and other necessary construction including installing drop ceiling, new carpet, painting, electrical upgrade and air conditioning.

Schlabaugh said the improvements would make it feasible for the Y to have programs at the Community/Rec Building. The Parks & Recreation Board, Elements and Y have been in on the planning stages.

Schlabaugh said these are some much needed improvements and offer a good programing area with a potential relationship of the Washington Y and Elements working together in the old library area.

Schlabaugh added that these needed improvements would not interfere with plans for potential work agreement with Mid-Prairie Schools on a joint Recreation area when a new gym is constructed for the M-P Middle School.

Schlabaugh added the Community/Rec Building $90,000 grant application would be the only grant application to WCRF for the fall round of funding.

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City applies for WCRF grant to renovate Community Building