Work needed for upkeep of the restored Finke Theatre was discussed at the monthly meeting of California Progress, Inc. (CPI). After several hard rains led to some damage to the theater facility, an effort was made to conduct more frequent inspections.
For a door in the concession area, a missing rubber strip in the threshold was replaced, a door strip installed and caulking done to prevent water being blown in after a rainstorm soaked the carpeting in the vicinity of the door. A crack in the concrete foundation is due to be repaired to eliminate some of the leaks. In one place where a loose gutter allowed water to run down an exterior wall, a birds nest was also found in the gutter. The gutter has been repaired and the nest removed. The possible need for a sump pump in the basement was discussed.
Fundraising events were discussed with no decisions made.
The board discussed the Taste of Local Missouri event as to whether it should be an annual event. Since the board agreed that the event does not fall within the normal activities of CPI, the organization declined to be involved.
Since the CPI's theater project will soon be turned over to the Friends of the Theatre, CPI is looking for another project which will fit within the original intent of CPI. Several projects have been suggested, with the board considering working to partner with other groups, such as the Fair Board, to develop a larger facility in the city to be used as a community building. The interest is there for one, and the Fair Board has conducted a meeting about it.
When the fair is over, a spokesman for the Fair Board said there is enough interest to continue looking into it.
The next meeting is Aug. 20 at the library at 5:30 p.m.