Lavonia to Make Repairs to Scout Hut in City Park

What to do about a deteriorating Scout Hut in Lavonia City Park was one of the topics of discussion when the Lavonia City Council and Mayor Ralph Owens met last tonight for a work session at City Hall.

In February, City council member Harold Harbin brought up the problem with the scout hut at a work session and asked that it be put on last night’s agenda.

Harbin told the council the hut has not been properly maintained and is beginning to deteriorate.  Council members discussed several issues concerning the hut.

One was a memo of understanding between the City and the Lavonia United Methodist church which runs the Lavonia Scout program.

Last night, City Manager Gary Fesperman said outlined who is responsible for what.

 “Basically, what it says is the City will be responsible for the outside of the building and the Scouts will be responsible for the inside. And as long as there is a Boy Scout Troop 51 in  Lavonia, they will be allowed full access to the building and Lavonia United Methodist Church is the sponsoring agent for the scout troop.”

Another issue is quit claim deed giving sole ownership of the hut and the property it sits on to the City.

Third, the council discussed repairs to the roof which was damaged during the winter ice storm when a tree toppled on to it.

Fesperman said several contractors looked at the damage, but he said the council must decide whether to put on a new shingle roof or go with a new metal roof.

Councilman Harbin also suggested that the council look at putting stucco or some other kind of siding over the cement block building in the future.

The council plans to vote on all three issues at their regular city council meeting next Monday.