The Spur Senior Citizens Center, which provides hot meals on-site and via Meals on Wheels on weekdays for those 65 and over—and others—also serves as a popular, readily accessible gathering spot for many in the Spur community. It offers indoor recreation amenities and a comfortable seating area in a spacious building that once housed one of Spur’s grocery stores.
The one-story brick building at 210 Burlington Avenue has seen its share of weather and wear, however, and its roof has been patched numerous times, according to reports from board members at last week’s Spur city council meeting.
The facilty is managed by the nonprofit Senior Citizens Association of South Dickens County, founded in 1978 and governed by an eight-member board of directors. The City of Spur owns the 6,370-square-foot building, however, and is responsible for maintenance of the exterior of the structure.
Board member Linda Alexander reported that after rains water is leaking in the kitchen area and often standing throughout the area where food is being prepared. The most recent State Health Department inspection required that leaks inside building must be fixed and stated that the building likely needed a new roof. The department had already issued three warnings, Alexander said. “Next time it would mean closing down.”
Charlie Morris, who had previously looked at the roof, expressed to council that part of contractors’ concerns was with substandard roof guttering. He volunteered himself and Sheldon Parsons to remove the gutters to help relieve pressure on water backing up under the eaves into the building; council approved the proposal.
City representatives expressed a desire to replace the entire roof and would like to obtain estimates. Alexander and board member Judy Clay said that estimates already obtained ranged up to $60,000. Council members were asked whether Covid-19 relief funds might be applicable; whatevermonies the city will receive would be 50% in 2021 and the remainder in 2022.
Council tabled action on the roof May 18 until receiving more info from contractors.
In further developments this week, Mayor Jones said that the city is already reviewing estimates and does hope to replace the entire roof. Although it’s not clear yet whether federal stimulus funding is applicable, the city is hoping it will be, and will apply eligible amounts to the project.
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