By Janine DavisRecord Staff WriterMarthasville city leaders are taking steps to tear down an old barn that skirts Rusche Park, recognizing that it is beyond repair and presents a safety hazard.The Rev. Don Deeker, a member of the Rusche Park Committee, presented a recommendation for the demolition during April’s board of aldermen meeting.“For many years, before I got on the Rusche Park Board, I thought the old barn there was a real safety hazard,” said Deeker. “The pillars in the back are leaning, and if it (the barn) was set up on higher ground, it would have been blown over a long time ago.”Deeker told city officials that years ago, there was a runaway living inside the structure, and that soda bottles and other debris indicate that kids are playing inside.“It’s an even greater issue now that the Scouts have put an outdoor classroom right below it. There are going to be more and more kids passing by the structure,” said Deeker.Deeker reported that over the years, he’s mentioned a tear down to various people to see if they might be interested in the materials. He said a few expressed interest, but never followed up with him.After an article appeared in the Warren County Record on local preservationist David Boan, Deeker contacted him to see if he was interested in tearing down the barn. Deeker thought Boan could salvage materials from the barn to use on other projects.“Mr. Boan came out to look at the building, and is interested and could work on it this summer, pending city approval,” Deeker told aldermen. “What materials he doesn’t use, he can get down to a pile to burn.”Deeker said the Rusche Park Committee had approved sending Boan’s proposal on to the city for approval.“This is not a profit-making thing for him; it’s a hobby, so he doesn’t carry liability insurance,” Deeker said. “But he’ll sign a letter waiving liability.”Mayor Jason Schantz said that he had taken a look recently and agrees the barn needs to be torn down.“I’m a history buff and hate to see stuff like that getting torn down, but it took a very cursory glance to see it’s beyond practical salvage as a building and that it presents a safety hazard,” Schantz said, requesting that the city attorney investigate liability insurance coverage around Boan’s work.“Right now, we have a deal (with Boan) in principle,” said Schantz.“The building is beyond fixing up, and we don’t need another empty building to maintain,” said Deeker.A formal vote is planned for the May 21 board of aldermen meeting pending a review of insurance options.Marthasville officials exploring razing barn at Rusche Park