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Sparked by citizen complaints, the City of New Cordell Development and Redevelopment Authority opened a discussion about the future of the Washita Theatre in Cordell during its Sept. 3, 2019, meeting.
The theatre, along with all of the projection equipment, concession equipment, and furnishings, is owned by the authority and operated under lease by Richard and Karrie Varner, who pay $1 per year to the authority to lease the property and equipment.
During the board meeting, they discussed a number of complaints received regarding the operation of the theatre, specifically with regard to a lack of adequate staffing and supervision. Board members referenced reported situations in which unsupervised teenage employees were unable to maintain proper decorum during shows when other children and teens were present and unruly.
The terms of the theatre lease require the Varners to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
“Lessee shall hire the necessary number of employees to properly and efficiently operate theatre,” the contract reads. “Lessee is the employer of these employees, and is responsible dutifully to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing employers and their employees including but not limited to taxes and workers’ compensation insurance when applicable.
Board member Steve McLaughlin suggested the board arrange to meet with the Varners to discuss the concerns brought before the board, but no motion on the subject of a proposed meeting was made. Board chair Jerry Beech suggested the board review the lease agreement to determine if it has been violated. One board member inquired as to the possibility and legality of the board seeking other potential lessees to operate the theatre, but was counseled by city attorney Johnny Beech that such an action would first require the board to terminate the existing lease contract.
No action was taken on the issue following the discussion.