HOULTON, Maine — Town councilors have opted to postpone fixing substantial damage to a block wall at the venerable Gentle Memorial Building until the spring of 2016.
Marie Carmichael, recreation program director for the town, told councilors during their Sept. 15 meeting at the Town Office that the damage had been caused by water leaks, maintenance problems over the years and lack of funding that was needed to make the repairs that could have prevented several problems long ago.
Council Chairman Wade Hanson noted the group originally appropriated $30,000-$32,000 for the repair job in the 2015 budget and that the work had been expected to be done in late fall.
Carmichael said the work still needs to get done, but the recreation department wants to postpone it to May, when the gym is less busy and can be closed with less impact.
“That way we’ll be shut down, so it will be better for our programs and activities,” she said.
Carmichael said that in May, there are very few activities on the building’s schedule besides senior citizens groups or rentals, as most of the recreation activities take place outside.
Ideally, she said, the cost of repairs may be lower in May as well.
The 63-year-old Gentle Memorial Building is a beacon for young people and adults in the community, who flock to its gymnasium, indoor game room and outdoor tennis and basketball courts.
The town also has acknowledged in the past that the building is in dire need of repairs, because of long-term use and maintenance problems.
Councilor John White asked about any anticipated damages from delaying the repair job from the winter of 2015 until the spring of 2016, and he was told none were envisioned.
Carmichael also said staff at the facility have caulked around the bricks for the winter and planned to keep the entrance door by the stage open so more heat would get in.