The board had previously given approval for the Redevelopment Agency to spend $35,000 for emergency roof repairs, as Lake County News has reported.
Supervisors also had directed county staff to get a full evaluation of what other deficiencies might exist. That was when the electrical system's alarming condition was discovered, county Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Cox said Tuesday.
A report on the center's condition, completed by Carter Construction of Upper Lake, estimated that overhauling the electrical system would cost $80,000. To address all of the center's issues would cost $452,000, according to Carter Construction's estimate.
Supervisor Denise Rushing wrote a letter to the senior center board in August, voicing the county's concern over the building's condition and the state of the center's finances and operations.
In the letter, Rushing acknowledged that many of the center's issues were the result of actions taken by past boards and staff. “Nevertheless, the current situation is alarming and must be corrected immediately.”
She noted in the letter that the electrical system's grave condition could require that the county red tag the building if it isn't repaired.
Her letter also noted an Area Agency on Aging report that said the center was out of compliance with several operating requirements. During the meeting, Area Agency on Aging staff and center board members noted those compliance issues have been addressed.
Cox said the priority repair issue is the electrical system. “It's necessary to protect the building and the building's occupants.”
However, there is concern about investing more money in the center if there is a chance it could be taken out of public use and transferred to private ownership should financial problems continue, Cox said.
Cox pointed out during the meeting that the county had purchased the center's thrift shop building for $150,000 last year. The intent was to help the center to pay off all of its debts and make repairs, but the center ended up having to spend all of the money on bills and back taxes.
The county had considered purchasing the main building, but Cox said staff advises against that because of the amount of responsibility ownership would bring. Rather, he suggested making a forgivable loan if the center continues to be operated as a public facility. The loan would have to be paid back if other liens were attached to the center. One $23,000 loan currently exists on the building, Cox added.
“It seems it's the most workable option we have available,” he said.
He said the senior board also has stated it doesn't want to lose the building, but they won't always have the same board in place. “We need to make sure the community's interests are protected well into the future.”
Cox added that he didn't believe Redevelopment Agency funds could be used for all of the repairs outlined in Carter Construction's report.
The electrical issues remained paramount. “It is a very, very dangerous situation, and it definitely puts that building a risk of being destroyed.
He said county staff was seeking the board's direction on whether or not to pursue an agreement with the center to get the electrical system repaired.
Rushing said repairing the electrical system will determine if the building stays open or not. “This building is central to community life in Lucerne and on the Northshore.”
Board members were surprised at the amount of repairs the evaluation pointed out. Cox said that if all the repairs were made it would make the building “better than new.”
Supervisor Jeff Smith suggested getting community help to make some of the fixes, including painting the building's interior, which the report priced at $89,000.
Senior Center Board Chair Lona Jeppeson said all of the center's administrators and board members were dedicated to the center's success. “We're doing our best to keep our center open.”
Center Executive Director Lee Tyree said they were working hard to address the center's issues and keep it available to seniors. She said last year the center provided 1,592 Meals on Wheels around the Northshore, and 6,885 meals in its dining room. Tyree estimated 800 people a month use the center's services.
Louise Talley, a former District 3 supervisor and a current senior center board member, said community members and businesses had stepped up to help raise funds and offer assistance over the summer, when the center was hit by additional government levies.
Lucerne resident Donna Christopher congratulated the center board for making a beautiful silk purse out of an ugly sow's ear. She cited a New York Times article about the economy's damaging impacts n seniors. “We need our senior centers more than we ever have, because we're going to have a lot more people coming to them because they're hungry.”
Center volunteer Gary Zimmer asked the board if they would help provide money if the center would put together a group of volunteers to make the repairs. “We have enough people in this group that we could tear that building down and rebuild it.”
Robey said the board would consider it.
Smith suggested the county find a way to pay off the $23,000 loan the center took from Umpqua Bank and then allow the center to repay it in a few years once it's on a better financial footing.
Rushing pointed out the senior center pays massive amounts in energy bills, and over time she would like to see them pursue some grant funds to help reduce energy costs. Smith said they should look into solar panels, which he said he's also looking into for the Highlands Senior Center.
Looking out over the dozens of people in the audience, Rushing said, “I'm so impressed with the community coming together around this center. This transformation that's happening is because of you and thank you so much for the hard work you've put into it.”
Robey added that it's easier for him to get behind a project like this one when he knows there is community support for it.
Rushing moved to have staff work on a contract with the center to facilitate the electrical repairs, look into replacing the kitchen hood and bring back to the board a plan to pay off the center's loan, which the board approved 5-0.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
{mos_sb_discuss:3}
How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
