Falls City receives Gehling, Rivoli theater reports
Report says both buildings are salvageable, but the Rivoli Theater building is in better shape
By News Channel NebraskaOlsson photo
FALLS CITY - The Falls City City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19.
The agenda includes reports on the Gehling and Rivoli theater buildings, amending the fireworks ordinance, an update on a labor union grievance, electric transmission planning and work based learning with the Falls City Career Academy.
Public hearings are scheduled for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation and liquor licenses.
A burn permit is proposed for 923 E. 12th St. in conjunction with the vacant property ordinance.
A donation of the Gehling Theatre Building, 1519 Stone St., and sale and purchase of the Rivoli Theatre building, 1810 Stone will be considered, as well as the downtown revitalization grants.
The council will consider establishing a park and recreation director for the fiscal year 2024/25.
The fireworks ordinance will limit sale of fireworks from June 24 to July 5 and Dec. 28 to Jan. 1.
Fireworks can be discharged from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., except July 3-5 and Dec. 31 when they may be discharged up to midnight.
The Falls City 69K transmission project would include the Flatwater Wind Farm. A six-year completion date is expected as project routing and siting progresses.
The city was awarded a $547,000 grant for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation that will enroll up to 18 homes. A public hearing is scheduled 6 p.m. Aug. 19,
The Cobblestone Fun Run/walk is scheduled at 7 a.m. on Aug. 24 at the Community Medical Center nature trail. The hospital is taking registrations. Proceeds benefit the Head Start program.
The Falls City Fire Department is making preparations for a training burn of a residence at 923 E. 12th St.
Nine department of the Richardson County Mutual Aid Association would be invited to participate in the training, which is expected to involve a low-volume fire hydrant and a request for Falls City Rural Fire Department tanker and dump tank. Some street closures and clearing of debris from the property would be required.
Ken Kilzer of Olsson in Omaha is reporting to the city on the Gehling and Rivoli buildings.
His report says the Gehling Building, True Value Hardware, needs an entire roof replacement including the main roof structure, substructure and weatherproofing roof system.
Repairs to exterior walls would include tuckpointing in some portions and masonry rebuilds in other areas.
The report says the building is salvageable, but the condition is expected to rapidly deteriorate. A roof collapse is not out of the question as the main roof structure has already failed in some places.
The report says the main structure of the Rivoli building is in good shape. Water damage to the wood of the main floor is not “beyond repair” and recent roof work has halted new damage.
The report says the building is a good candidate for renovation with major costs to strengthen floors.
A purchase agreement is proposed between The Dream Weaver Hotel and the city for the Rivoli Theatre for $25,000.