A four-year lease of the Cavalry Building was granted to Snowflake-Taylor American Legion Post 126 by the Snowflake Town Council Sept. 9.
The post has leased the building for the past 10 years, but the lease expired Aug. 11. Members of the post attended the meeting seeking renewal of that lease for another 10 years.
Shelby Noe, a member of the post, was on hand to answer questions from the council. Two other members were also present.
Town Manager Paul Watson explained that they had received a letter requesting that the lease be extended.
Noe noted that Councilman Kerry Ballard had visited the post and they discussed remodeling the inside, possibly lowering the 12’ to 14’ ceiling and insulating the building so it would heat better.
“I went in one time and about froze to death,” said Ballard, who suggested the town have a barn raising and help put in insulation.
In response to a question from Mayor Kelly Willis regarding how the post is financed, Noe responded, “Dues, donations and fundraisers.” He noted that they were not eligible for any kind of government funds.
Watson said that because it is a historic building there would be some requirements of what can and can’t be done when remodeling. He will follow up on this.
Mayor Willis asked Watson if there was any reason they couldn’t extend the lease.
Watson said he had driven around the building, which was not open at that time, and, “It has a very clean appearance on the outside. I think they are doing their best.”
He suggested that a four-year lease be given and then future councils would have the opportunity to decide whether to extend it.
Mayor Willis moved to approve a four-year lease agreement, and review the situation when the lease expires. The motion passed.
