(By: Steven Stilt)
While no formal action was taken on the topic during Tuesday’s Wamac City Council meeting, city officials discussed the possibility of the Centralia Moose Lodge using a concessions building in Wamac City Park as its new base of operations.
Tom Palazzolo from the Centralia Moose attended the meeting and says the organization has always had a strong connection to the Wamac community and sees potential in the location.
“When we look at that (building) over there and it’s not being used, if we could use that for a community building and a lodge, I think that would be a great win for everybody, as well as events that we could have over there. You could do movies in the park, you know, things at the ball diamond.”
Palazzolo notes that the Moose could also add on a pole barn-style structure to the existing building to give the group more room for activities.
The Centralia Moose is currently without a designated headquarters since moving out of its former location on U.S. Route 51 on the southern edge of Centralia.
Following the meeting, Mathus told WJBD/WSIQ that he feels having the Moose operating in Wamac could benefit all sides.
“You know, I just think for the city of Wamac, having the chance to have a civic organization in our community, instill some growth in our park, have more activities in our park — I think it’s a win-win all the way around. So we’ll be working with them, with everything with the logistics and the growth of the building, and I look forward for that.”
Mathus has invited Palazzolo to attend a future council workshop to continue developing plans.
Also on Tuesday, the Wamac Council approved salary increases for certain city officials in advance of the November general election. The city’s clerk and treasurer will each receive an additional $150 per month over the next four years, and pay for aldermen will increase from $75 per month to $100 per month. There will be no increase in compensation for the office of mayor.
