A new document is in hand and may see consideration by Emporia Recreation Commissioners during their monthly meeting in late January.
The document, an updated version of a Memorandum of Understanding with the city of Emporia for the creation of a steering committee and an outline of terms for the ERC’s plans to construct a new or updated facility, was sent after ERC commissioners tabled the item during their previous meeting in mid-December. At that time, ERC President Jeremy Dorsey stated there were concerns regarding the makeup of the steering committee in that ERC members felt there was not enough community representation.
Additionally, Dorsey says there was some confusion as to the financial terms of the agreement related to non-traditional construction costs. During an interview on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Friday, Rec Director Tom McEvoy says those issues appear to have been addressed as part of the new MOU which was sent earlier in the month.
The future rec center project is still in the early stages of development with no location or scope yet determined according to McEvoy. That being said, he did note his agreement with members of the Future Funding Task Force, the board charged with developing a proposal for the project, who stated their desire to see the current Lee Beran Recreation Center remain in use in some capacity once a new or updated facility is constructed.
As for the MOU, Rec Commissioners will likely give further consideration to the document when they convene for their next meeting on Monday, January 22 at the Lee Beran Recreation Center. A joint meeting between the ERC and Emporia City Commission has also been requested, however, there is no word on when or if that meeting will be taking place.
