The city of Truesdale is beginning preliminary planning for a proposed community center and storm shelter.City officials discussed plans for a new building during a special meeting Friday evening. State Rep. Bart Korman presented a basic site plan to Truesdale’s board of aldermen, saying he saw a need in the community.“The city doesn’t have a gathering place that’s truly open to the public other than city hall, which is sometimes unavailable, Korman said. “Plus having a place for inclement weather, a place for people to go who don’t have a basement, as well as for a warming center when power’s out.” In the past when Truesdale residents had a need of a community space or warming center they used the local Knights of Columbus Hall. That building will no longer be available after being acquired by Holy Rosary Church, City Clerk MaryLou Rainwater said.On paper the community center is 1,200 square feet, large enough for at least 50 people, Korman said. The building could be made larger if the city chooses to put off some expenses for later, such as paved parking or landscaping.The city would need to purchase land for the building. The cost of the project, not including the price of land, is estimated at about $361,000, including $180,000 for the building itself.Various structural elements could affect the eventual cost of the community center. Although it would function as a shelter with emergency generators for those who lose power during a storm, constructing a fortified, FEMA-rated structure would be cost-prohibitive, Korman said. The center would be built to normal housing standards, including a basement.Officials plan to pay for the project by applying for a Community Development Block Grant available through the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Members of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission said grants could provide up to $350,000. As part of its application for the grant, Truesdale will agree to contribute at least $65,000 in labor and funds. But the grant funding isn’t a guarantee.“It’s a competitive grant. ... It really depends on how many people (apply) in your category and what kind of projects they have,” Chad Eggen, executive director of the planning commission, told the board of aldermen.He said it will be May or June before the city hears back on the application.If the city doesn’t get funding this year, it can always reapply next year, Eggen said.The Boonslick Regional Planning Commission is a membership-funded planning and technical service that assists local governments in acquiring public grants in Warren, Montgomery and Lincoln counties.The board of aldermen voted unanimously to seek the state grant and pre-approved the planning commission as the grant’s administrator.Truesdale City Hall