Advocates for the Kathryn Heidenreich Senior Center filled the Kingman City Council chambers Tuesday. They urged approval of an agreement that would commit the City to provide $57,000 in support of operating the senior center for each of the next two years.
They whooped and hollered with joy when they were obliged by a unanimous council vote.
The same proposal was tabled during the council’s May 7 meeting because Vice Mayor Travis Lingenfelter wanted to learn more about the center and its funding needs. Lingenfelter said he benefited from a flow of information between the meetings.
“When public funds are involved, I will never vote out of ignorance. I want to understand. I want to be actively engaged,” Lingenfelter said. “I’ve had a lot of people contact me over the last 14 days and I’ve learned a lot about it and I do hope the papers here spotlight what you guys do and you have my full support.”
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Meersman and senior center board of director President Keith Adams provided an overview of the many programs and some of the 200 activities offered at the center each year. Council members heard testimonial support from two women who spoke of how the center provided social opportunity when dealing with the loneliness of retirement, or being widowed.
Adams said the center could not survive or sustain itself without the city funding. He said its bank account would be drained over an 18 month period, resulting in closure.
