Several seniors and nonprofit leaders urged the council on June 17 to preserve exercise, technology and meal programs organized by Power of 1 and other local nonprofits. Speakers said the programs provide services to dozens of seniors and vulnerable residents; council members and administration said they would explore alternate space and funding while declining to turn the city’s historic barns into indefinite long-term leases without further study.

What residents said: Multiple participants who attend senior-center classes said they rely on the programs for fitness, socialization and technology help. Speakers asked the council to guarantee continuity of programs and to identify a brick-and-mortar space for the organization to operate year-round.

What council and administration said: Council members expressed sympathy and said they did not intend to discontinue senior programming. Council asked administration to explore immediate options including available municipal spaces (recreation center classrooms, art center rooms and other municipal buildings) and to research grant funding and capital funding sources for rehabilitating historic city-owned barns and other facilities. Several council members cautioned against setting a precedent of allocating one historic barn to one nonprofit without a formal process.

Next steps: Administration was directed to identify temporary space options and to research grant and capital-funding routes to support needed repairs and upgrades. Administration will report back to council with availability and cost estimates before the next meeting.