City to renegotiate contract with ArtStart

The Rhinelander Common Council has signaled its support for the city to take action to assist ArtStart in replacing a defective boiler so the nonprofit arts and cultural center can remain in its current location in the former federal building on Stevens Street.
During its April 28 meeting, the council voted unanimously to direct the city’s administrative team to renegotiate the contract between the city and ArtStart for use of the building. In a related move, the panel also gave its OK to a request from ArtStart for the city to pledge the building (located at 68 S. Stevens) so the organization can secure a loan to purchase a new boiler.
The council’s votes came after several individuals spoke in support of the organization during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Nate Sheppard, owner of the Hilgermann Center for the Community, said ArtStart is one of a group of art-related organizations in the downtown area that includes his business.
“If the building that ArtStart currently occupies goes vacant, is torn down, or is inhabited by a non-arts and culture related entity, I do believe it will have a negative impact on many of our businesses, because ArtStart is a place that offers entertainment, education and community gatherings,” Sheppard told the alderpersons.

The council learned about ArtStart’s predicament during its April 14 meeting.
Program and operations director Ashley McLaughlin explained that the boiler in the over 100-year-old building her organization leases is failing.
She said the nonprofit has repaired the boiler on several occasions over the last few years, including by replacing the circulation pumps, but has been advised by the repair company that parts for the 1919 heater (retrofitted in 1965) may no longer be available. The company’s recommendation is replacement at a cost of $185,000, she added.
While the current lease agreement between the city and ArtStart requires ArtStart to cover the cost of maintenance and repairs, McLaughlin said the nonprofit is hoping the city will agree to some type of cost-share agreement.
During the April 28 meeting, it was clarified that ArtStart can qualify for a loan but the city, as the building’s owner, must pledge the building for it to be secured. The organization has already obtained a $50,000 grant to help defray costs, it was noted.
When the discussion shifted to the council members, alderman Steven Jopek noted the city does not have a plan for the building in the event ArtStart chooses to move out due to the boiler issue. At that point, city administrator Patrick Reagan advised that he contacted the National Park Service to get more information and was advised that the federal government is not interested in having the building returned to its inventory. Thus, if the city were to sell the building to some other entity, it would have to pay the federal government the fair market value of the building regardless of the sale price, he explained.
The city’s administrative team is expected to provide the alderpersons with a progress update during the panel’s May 12 meeting at which time further action may be taken.
To watch the entire discussion, visit www.hodagtv.com