Volunteers, staff work through Bartlett Center inspection list as child care continues

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Bartlett Center board announced Wednesday that child care services will continue as the board works with YMCA officials on a transition later this month. The transition to the YMCA operating and providing the child care services is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 23.

Board member Tama Wagner said in a Facebook post Wednesday that the board was able to extend services past the Oct. 8 deadline because of volunteers’ efforts to address state inspection concerns at the building and donations to pay Bartlett Center staff.

Wagner told KQ2 on Wednesday night that state fire inspection issues have been addressed, including egress windows (emergency exit windows) and a blocked entrance. She said the city of St. Joseph installed windows last Friday, and volunteers and staff handled the other repairs listed on the fire inspection report.

On the sanitation inspection, Wagner said the report cited walls, ceilings and floors that needed to be cleaned, repaired and painted throughout the building. It also noted broken windows, furniture and equipment problems, ventilation repairs needed in the restrooms, and clutter in rooms and storage areas.

Wagner said staff and volunteers “have worked tirelessly to declutter, clean, paint, and make many repairs throughout the building.”

Another volunteer cleanup is planned this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11.