Community dreams

Future development of the Summerland Public School building, in Orchard, took center stage during a Sunday listening session.

Village of Orchard trustees requested public input regarding potential relocation of village offices, library and shop, along with development of a community center, at the site, which will be vacated when Summerland students move into a new facility located at the intersection of 513 Avenue and Summerland Road.

Orchard Economic Development Association member Kristi Schutt welcomed a group of 39 attendees.

During a community meeting held nearly a year ago, a consensus favored using the structure as a community center.

Orchard village board member Stephanie Cleveland said trustees wondered if community support still exists.

"We really need to see what the community would want to happen in here, what it would be, so we know there is community support before we have to go in and make a decision on it," she said.

Orchard Young Men's Club has raised approximately $75,000 for a community space. OYMC member Nate Schwager said the group also has a list of potential donors who offered "to kick in some money when it gets further along in the process."

Schwager, who serves on the Summerland board of education, said options for purchase of the building are available, including selling it at fair market value, leasing it to another entity for up to 30 years or conducting a public auction.

Interest in the building for personal use has been expressed by several individuals.

Laura Ferguson asked if a lease would include restrictions or if improvements could be made.

Schwager said, "We would have the power to put whatever we want in the lease, but I don't see us putting anything in there that would hold something back like this."

Several items in the building will move to the new school, including smart boards, chairs and a warming oven, according to Summerland - Orchard principal, Cathy Cooper.

Jim Schwager said if village residents want a community center, "cost-wise and everything, this would seem to be more effective than building."

Concerns about costs ensued following the move were discussed.

Village board members have expressed concern about utility expenses. Schutt approximated a current price tag, paid by the school, of $4,000 to $5,000 per month.

The village pays approximately $300 to $400 a month for utilities at its current office location.

Costs could decrease if the old portion of the building is demolished, but the amount of savings is unknown.

Schutt said Orchard's former school board had earmarked $400,000 for the project.

"If that stands true, the new school board told us they would hold true to our promise that we set that back. As far as I know, they are still planning on it," she said.

A second concern is the HVAC system, which has not worked properly until recently. A filtration system, which prevents debris from clogging filters, was recently added, according to Cooper.

A backup heating system would be available once the old section is torn down, according to Schutt.

Residents shared ideas of how to utilize the space, including a storm shelter in the old gym area, gym and weight room memberships, movie nights, indoor recreation opportunities and possible annual events.

Schutt said a membership fee has been discussed for use of the gym and weight room.

"Do you feel townspeople would be willing to pay a membership?" She asked.

Rental fees could be implemented one-time gym use, for dances, receptions and events, to help offset costs.

Schutt said facility rental in O'Neill runs $500 for four days. Some facilities require renters to have a $1 million liability insurance policy in place

"These are options our town could look at so they wouldn't be liable for all that," she said.

In addition to gymnasium and weight room use, Cleveland asked how residents envision use of the space and how it will continue to be funded.

"The Young Men's Club has so much (money), but it's only going to last so long. We have to have recurring money coming in and something to start it up. The village is very concerned about where that money is coming from," she said.

Village trustee Glen Cheatum echoed Cleveland's comments.

"We're going to have to have someone to manage it, someone to clean it, insurance, stuff like that," he said.

The immediate need for a village shop was mentioned.

A Nov. 3, 2020, fire destroyed the structure.

"If we have to go a year without a shop, we're between a rock and a hard place," Cheatum said.

Cooper reported that within the next two months, school officials will have an idea if another facility will be needed to house the high school at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

"It would be a mid-year move is what I'm understanding, so it would be months, not a year," Cooper added.

At this time, it us unknown if the Ewing or Orchard site will be utilized.

Jim Schwager asked if the school shop area could be utilized as soon as possible.

Cooper said if the high school is housed in Orchard, the shop will be needed for school coursework.

The earliest potential move-in date could be June.

Orchard Public Library director Donna Hamilton said the area she was shown for potential library use isn't big enough. The current band and business rooms were toured.

"I can't spread it out. I'm a one-person library, so I can't have it mixed between all these rooms and keep track of stuff so it doesn't walk out the door. Unless you come up with a better space, I need more space, not less," she said.

Laura Ferguson said while Hamilton's concerns need to be addressed, she sees a benefit to dream about a centralized location, especially for kids.

Tabbert said as the village tries to attract new families to the area, a community center would be a draw.

"It would set our community apart and help attract young families,' he said.

Desirae Schwager said a move to the school building would benefit everything at the site.

"I feel there's a lot of potential, and I think it would benefit not just our community center, but the businesses downtown, as well," she said.

Candace Nelson asked what will happen to the building if the village does not move in or if plans for a community center are put on the back burner.

"We need to step up and do what we need to do," she said.

Village board member John Ferguson said a decision will take time.

"Right now, we need input ... We have to look at it hard. Right now, I think it's a good facility to keep. We have to think of the future. Think 10 years down the road. Right now, some of us are just thinking right now," he said.

Jim Schwager said while residents talk about donating time, not many younger people attended the meeting.

"We need the young generation to be here," he said.

John Ferguson said the village board will do the leg work and come up with a plan.

Currently a committee, comprised of two village trustees, two ODEA members and two representatives from OYMC, are meeting to discuss the project. Members include John Ferguson, Glen Cheatum, Shelly Strope, Kristi Schutt, Troy Watson and Austin Twibell.

ODEA member Tammy Cheatum suggested adding a couple of community members to the mix.

Residents interested in serving on the committee are asked to contact village officials.