Waterloo Times

The Jesup City Council met on Feb. 6, and they heard a presentation about a project involving a community recreation building on North Street.

School Board President James Masteller made a presentation to the council about the proposed building. The location of the building would be adjacent to the school, and the district was looking to partner with the city for the project. The district has decreased the size of the plan after reassessing some of the storage aspects planned, and he asked the council to help ensure that it meets all city standards.

“I guess the biggest asks from me to you guys is to make sure it meets all the city needs as well,” Masteller said at the meeting. “If we're going to go in together, it's got to be community building, and I want make sure it meets all the residents' needs in town. We know the school's needs. And I’m counting on you guys for the community needs and to make sure they represent how the school and city would use it.”

Masteller said he understands that there is plenty of work that needs to be done to get the project going, but he was eager to start forming an agreement with the city to start the process. The school district will provide fundraising, and they will also be seeking funds from the city.

The council discussed the logistics of the project, as the land it would be on sits on an area divided among school and city ownership. This would impact the operations of the building. The goal is to have it open for the school and community members as well.

The council discussed a land swap with the tennis courts and the land where the city well is. One concern was who would be the owner and manager of the building, and the council said it would most likely be easiest to have the school in charge. Masteller said that this is not a project that will get done overnight, and conversations about logistics will need to continue. The council felt more details need to be ironed out, but they voiced their willingness to be involved.