New curtains set for auditorium

McCOOK, Neb. — Any questions about stage curtains and installation can probably be answered by Tracy Burkey.

That’s because the administration assistant at the City of McCook was tasked with finding quotes for new curtains at Memorial Auditorium and in doing so, had a crash course in curtain management.

The curtains, last replaced in 1991, were rotting near the grommets that hold them up as well as in other places. There are 15 curtains that needed replacing: the main red velour curtains with valence and several sets of layered black ones behind that.

The McCook City Council in this year’s budget approved $30,000 for replacing the curtains. Burkey contacted several companies, including two in Nebraska, with various degrees of success. One company in New Jersey never responded, one in Texas asked elaborate questions before considering an estimate and another would repair but not install the curtains.

Burkey cited Charles Coleman, the unofficial long-time “guardian” of another vintage building in McCook, the Fox Theater, who was very helpful concerning another company with questionable references.

What it basically came down to was the curtains weren’t the only problem that needed fixing at Memorial Auditorium.

“Nothing was up to code, the rigging, guide wires, suspension, it was all obsolete and had to be replaced,” Burkey said. In addition, other regulations had to be considered, such as fire proofing the curtains and having them treated after a certain number of years.

At the McCook City Council meeting Monday night, the council unanimously accepted a quote of $51,000 from Heartland Scene Studio of Omaha for new curtains, updated equipment and installation. As the budget only included $30,000 for curtain replacement, the council also approved in March using up to $21,500 of ACE funds to make up the difference.

As the competition bid process was not used in getting the quote, city staff investigated whether the it could still be accepted. According to McCook’s Purchasing regulations, a contract can be awarded without competition when the purchasing agent (the city) determines there is only one source for the services. City staff believes this requirement was met.

Councilman Gene Weedin at the council meeting Monday night cited Burkey’s work in getting quotes for the project. She said after a contract is signed, it will take 10-12 weeks for the new curtains and equipment to be made or ordered and after that, the company will contact the city as to when installation can begin.

The auditorium is almost booked solid for the summer, Burkey said, with mostly wedding receptions but some other venues as well. Other events scheduled throughout the year includes dance recitals and concerts.

The stage — and its curtains — get put to good use, she said, being the focal point in many wedding receptions with bridal party tables and used by DJs at some festivities.

Memorial Auditorium was built as a Public Works Administration project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and completed in 1939.