>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

The old library’s got a lot of life in her yet. At least, the Union County Arts and Culture Center hopes so.

During Wednesday’s La Grande City Council meeting, the UCACC and the council came to agreement on a lease for the vacant Carnegie Library building at the corner of Penn Avenue and Fourth Street.

Now, it’s up to the UCACC, a coalition of local artists and art and culture patrons, to find the funding to renovate the CIRCA-1909 building and transform it into a showcase for local art and culture.

“This is a chance to turn the Carnegie building into something the community can truly be proud of,” City Manager Robert Strope said before the council voted to approve the lease agreement.

Based on benefit to the community, the city is practically donating the building, asking rent of only $10 per year.

The cost of repair, improvement and maintenance will be borne by the UCACC. The lease is contingent on a determination from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry on the applicability of the Prevailing Wage Rule.

The UCACC plans to seek grant funding for building renovation and creation of the center. The group estimates it will cost $4 million to build the center.

The lease terminates in 30 years and the UCACC has first right to renew for additional five-year periods. If the group cannot find funding to proceed with the project, it may terminate the lease.

Following Wednesday’s vote, Barb Dimond of the UCACC expressed appreciation for the city’s efforts.

“Thank you for all the time and effort you’ve spent. I’m hoping you will be able to attend our gala and fundraiser in September,” she said.

Mayor Colleen Johnson said she is excited over the possibility of an art and culture center in La Grande.

“This is a great use for the library. Put me on your volunteer list,” she told Dimond.

Also Wednesday, the council authorized the sale of one of the city’s lots in the La Grande Business and Technology Park on Gekeler Lane.

Todd and Troy Pointer, owners of T&T Air Conditioning, will buy the approximately one-acre parcel for $18,600. They plan to construct a 3,000-square-foot building and add at least two employees to their operation within the next two years.

In other business, the council convened as the Urban Renewal Agency to consider expenditure of funds for construction of a median at the Island Avenue-Adams Avenue intersection.

Reluctantly, the body voted to spend up to $20,000 for the improvement, which the Oregon Department of Transportation is requiring before businessman Ron Simonis’ plans to construct a restaurant at the corner can proceed.

“I have kind of a novel idea. Since these are state highways, let’s ask ODOT to pay for it,” Councilor Gary Lillard said during discussion.

Planner Mike Boquist said ODOT appears adamant that the cost be borne by someone else.

Boquist said the problem is that the business owner may abandon his plans and go elsewhere, leaving the city with a vacant lot where a business might have been.

The council voted to approve the expenditure, but also to ask ODOT again to help with the cost of the median.