News
According to reports, both buildings can still be saved, but the Rivoli Theater is in better condition
FALLS CITY – The Falls City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m.
The agenda includes reports on the Gehling and Rivoli theater buildings, the fireworks ordinance amendment, an update on a union complaint, power transmission planning, and workplace learning with the Falls City Career Academy.
Public hearings are planned on home renovation and liquor licensing.
A burning permit is requested for 923 E. 12.th St. in connection with the vacancy regulation.
A donation of the Gehling Theater building (1519 Stone Street) and the sale and purchase of the Rivoli Theater building (1810 Stone) are being considered, as are grants for downtown revitalization.
The Council will consider appointing a Director of Parks and Recreation for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The Fireworks Ordinance restricts the sale of fireworks from June 24 to July 5 and from December 28 to January 1.
Fireworks may be set off from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., except from 3 to 5 July and on 31 December, when setting off is permitted until midnight.
The Falls City 69K transmission project would include the Flatwater Wind Farm and is expected to be completed in six years, depending on the project’s planning progress and site selection.
The city received a $547,000 grant for home rehabilitation, which will affect up to 18 homes. A public hearing is scheduled for August 19 at 6 p.m.
The Cobblestone Fun Run/Walk will take place on August 24th at 7 a.m. on the Community Medical Center nature trail. The hospital is accepting registrations. Proceeds will benefit the Head Start program.
Falls City Fire Department prepares for a practice fire at a residential building at 923 E. 12.th St.
Nine departments of the Richardson County Mutual Aid Association will be invited to participate in the training, which is expected to involve the use of a low-volume fire hydrant and request a tanker and disposal tank from the Falls City Rural Fire Department. Some road closures and removal of debris from the property would be required.
Ken Kilzer of Olsson in Omaha reports to the city on the Gehling and Rivoli buildings.
His report states that the entire roof of the Gehling Building, True Value Hardware, needs to be replaced, including the main roof structure, substructure and weatherproof roof system.
Repairs to external walls include patching joints in some areas and rebuilding the masonry in others.
According to the report, the building can still be saved, but its condition is expected to deteriorate rapidly. A roof collapse cannot be ruled out, as the main roof structure has already collapsed in some places.
The report says the main structure of the Rivoli building is in good condition, water damage to the woodwork on the ground floor is not “irreparable” and recent roof work has prevented new damage.
According to the report, the building is well suited to renovation, although strengthening the floors would entail significant costs.
A $25,000 purchase agreement for the Rivoli Theater is planned between the Dream Weaver Hotel and the city.
