The Knox City Council members tabled discussion on the use of the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center for free meals catered by local church groups.
The request was made by Deb McIntire who offered the idea that the community center be used one day a week for four hours to prepare and serve free meals. The members of different churches would take turns each week and clean up afterwards.
Charles Bachelder is the president of the Starke County Ministerial Alliance and was at the council meeting last night to gain perspective on the request, but McIntire did not appear at the proper time when the issue was discussed. He said about 33 people come to his church once a week to eat free meals offered there. That gave the council an idea of what type of numbers to expect.
Councilman Ron Parker asked Bachelder what the benefit would be if the meals were distributed at the community center. Bachelder commented that it would be a non-church atmosphere and a neutral place to meet.
Mayor Rick Chambers told the council that he did look into the insurance liability and a liability certificate would need to be provided to the city in order for this activity to move forward. Bachelder said that could be an issue.
The use of the Girl Scout Cabin was also offered as possible location for a place to prepare and serve the meals.
McIntire did attend the meeting but by the time she appeared the council had moved on from the discussion. She said she misunderstood and thought that the meeting was later. She stated that she will be presenting the information to the Starke County Ministerial Alliance at their meeting on Oct. 7. The council members asked that she come back on Oct. 14 during their next regular meeting to give her presentation.
