WENDELL - The Wendell town board spent much of last Monday night’s first January meeting setting their calendars for a busy end of the month.

Officials meet again Jan. 23, when a number of Monday’s work session items will come up again for a public hearing or a vote.

A public hearing was scheduled to determine if the Wendell Community Center should be leased for Sunday morning church services.

Acting Town Manager Teresa Piner said the Parks and Recreation Department has received requests to use the gym/multipurpose room for church service with the possibility of an additional room used for daycare.

“Parks and Recreation traditionally has not scheduled any activities or events on Sunday mornings. The use of the facility would generate additional revenue,” Piner said.

Piner did not identify a specific church that was interested in the community center, but they would have to come to the board at the next meeting to request a special use permit to meet zoning regulations to host their church services.

The standard rate for renting the gym s $65 per hour, plus an addition cost for staffing.

Piner said the use of the center could generate $1,280 a month.

“Tonight, we want to see if you are interested. If so, we can look at a contract with the town attorney, then come back for a public hearing,” Piner said.

Commissioner Christie Adams asked if any events had ever been scheduled on Sunday mornings which might conflict with allowing the church service.

Parks and Recreation Director Brinkley Wagstaff said they have never had a Sunday morning event at the center.

He added that there are full-time and part-time staff available to be there Sunday mornings, the basketball court floor is protected from damage and the group would be able to use the center’s tables and chairs and could use the gym as long as they want, so long as they are out by 1 p.m. during basketball season.

Commissioner Ira Fuller expressed some concern about renting the gym for a full year.

“My only concern is it is the only location for special events for the town. I’m concerned about renting for twelve months without knowing the impact on the town,” Fuller said.

Commissioner Sam Laughery proposed including a 90-day opt out clause in the contract in case of a problem.

The board voted unanimously to begin contract talks and bring the issue back for a public hearing at the next meeting.

Commissioners didn’t need much discussion to schedule votes at the next town meeting for:

•  A three-year extension of the lease for property used for the farmer’s market

•  Town matching funds for a $10,250 state grant for stormwater runoff improvements to Green Willow Basin

•  Approval of a three and a half foot encroachment into the right of way on North Main Street for a proposed facelift to the Todd Building as part of a Universal Motors Chevrolet car dealership renovation

•  A $2,500 engineering study to bury overhead power lines along Main Street from Fourth Street to Wendell Boulevard

•  Purchasing a one-ton truck for the public works department

The board has also scheduled two planning retreat meetings - Tuesday, Jan. 17 and Thursday, Jan. 19 - which will be held in the town hall, both lasting from 5-8:30 p.m.

Board members singled out the Lake Myra Christmas lights proposed move to a Wendell location, the need for more space at the East Wake Senior Center and locating a town information billboard or kiosk as important issues for the retreat.