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City councilman questions plan for Community Center PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Brian McCauley   
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 07:00
The Paola Community Center has hosted a couple of big events since its renovations were complete earlier this year, but at least one Paola City Council member isn’t impressed with the progress.

Councilman Pete Bell, who is a former member of the Paola Community Center Board, expressed his displeasure about the direction of the historic building’s future during a Paola City Council meeting June 23.

Community Center Director Chad Myers addressed the council during his annual report, followed by a review of a potential 2010 budget for the city-owned building on the Ursuline Sisters’ property along Wea Street.

Myers expressed optimism about the center, saying the renovations have greatly improved public perception of the building, and the recent showing of the movie “Last Ounce of Courage” and F.I.M.E.L. Spanish and Latin American concert along with the grand reopening performance of “Vatican II: What the Hell Happened” earlier this year have helped raise the quality of shows offered.

“This renovation really lifted us to the next level,” Myers said.

Bell disagreed, saying the center has only offered two big events since the building reopened, and both of them lost money. He said the money would have been better spent trying to lure in good bands to provide a quality show every weekend.

“Your marketing is too restricted, and your goals are not lofty,” Bell said. “I don’t see a change in policy. Why doesn’t the board and director have a better attitude toward programming?”

Myers defended his attitude and that of the board. Both he and board member Mike Brown, who was in attendance at the meeting, said they didn’t think Paola was ready for a show at the center every weekend.

The other council members agreed, and they thanked Myers for what he has done so far.

“I think you’re doing a good job,” Councilwoman Johna Dial told Myers following a series of comments from Bell.

Councilman Jack Rowlett Jr. and Mayor Artie Stuteville both said they realize the center is not a money maker, but that was never the plan.

“This probably will never ever make money,” Rowlett said. “But I do think we are going in the right direction.”
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