Move city meetings to new facility

McCook's more experienced residents have a lot to be proud of already, but come this spring, their buttons should be poppin' with pride.

Already a fine facility, the Heritage Senior Center will be doubled in size, and it's the seniors themselves who can take a lot of the credit.

Yes, city funds as well as a $350,000 grant went into the project, but local fundraising efforts helped bring in, by one year ago, the $830,110 needed to bring the project to completion. McCook City Council members toured the project so far, and got a good idea just how far the project has come.

They should be proud as well.

The city has made sure that the McCook Senior Services department has what it needs to continue to make life a little better for our "more experienced" neighbors.

The list of services is impressive. Here are a few of the activities Heritage Senior Center provides: Bingo, card parties, exercise classes, strength training, Internet and Web-mail, pool tables, special speakers, health screenings, foot care clinics, income tax assistance and medicare assistance.

Of special interest is the Handi-Bus service which allows seniors to make their medical, shopping or social appointments -- no small thing when the streets are icy like they are now. Even more important is the Meals-on-Wheels program which provides home-delivered meals to shut-ins, and the lunch program, which provides nutritious meals and social opportunities for those who can make it to the senior center.

Yes, the Heritage Senior Center plays an important part in the life of our community.

But let's give it one more role.

Memorial Auditorium, which houses the city offices, is a great facility, but it's doesn't have the best access, especially when it comes to City Council meetings.

During a recent meeting, for example, residents who were concerned about the city's water plans, speaker systems had to be set up out in the hallway because the City Council Chambers was full.

In addition, two sets of stairs form a major obstacle for anyone confined to a wheel chair or having trouble walking.

The newly expanded Heritage Senior Center offers a chance to rectify this injustice. Either the main lunchroom, or the public meeting room at the new facility would be better places for City Council meetings than the present Council Chambers. The Senior Center is already geared for easy handicap access, and the City Council would still be meeting on city property. The new facility also will be more comfortable and energy efficient for evening meetings. City Council meetings should be moved to the Heritage Senior Center as soon as possible.