June Jackson, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, listens as Francis Bastien, not picutred, speaks to the Glasgow City Council regarding the potential transfer of the city’s trusteeship of Lera B. Mitchell Clubhouse to another entity on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. – The Glasgow City Council began the discussion on Monday evening to alleviate its duty as trustee of the Lera B. Mitchell Clubhouse.
New Farmers National Bank took over as trustee in 1962 after the death of the testator, but that cost became expensive for the bank, according to Glasgow’s attorney Danny Basil.
The City of Glasgow took over as trustee in 1978, which meant the building’s fixed costs became the city’s burden. The clubhouse has since been used as a meeting point for several senior citizens’ clubs and as a public rental.
Throughout former Mayors Rhonda Trautman and Dick Doty’s terms, the city considered removing itself as trustee, but the concept never moved forward. However, given a failing budget and need for extra money in the city’s current budget, the topic has resurfaced.
“We have been under the firing line for at least 10 years,” said Mayor Harold Armstrong. “Now that we’re in the crunch that we are from the pandemic, we’re looking at every avenue where we can save a dollar.”
Patrick Gaunce, a Glasgow City Councilperson, suggested BRIDGE Kentucky take over as trustee on the building. Gaunce is on the non-profit’s board of directors.
The fixed costs for the clubhouse are approximately $80,000, according to Armstrong. Gaunce said BRIDGE would be able to take on that cost if they became the trustee.
Basil apparently called on Sunday several members of clubs and organizations that use the clubhouse. He requested they come to Monday’s meeting to encourage their participation in the city’s discussion.
Several groups had representatives present such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Glasgow Musicale, the Garden Club and the Newcomers’ Club.
“I know that you say this, and you say it sincerely, but that’s not any guarantee for us if you change your mind down the road,” said June Jackson, a representative with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Groups were concerned the city would make the swift decision to give up the trust without keeping the interests of their respective groups in mind.
Basil said Monday’s intent was only to discuss the idea. Several women from those groups expressed their disappointment that they were not given a chance to discuss the matter before the meeting.
Ronnie Bryant, the only city employee at the clubhouse, will be moved to another department after the city is no longer the trustee, Armstrong said.
The groups were given time to discuss the matter. It’s unclear when the council will take a vote to exit the trust in court.
