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During Monday’s meeting of the New Cordell City Council, council members were given a letter sent by Karrie Kiehn-Varner regarding the operation of the Washita Theatre. The letter was in response to citizen and council concerns expressed during the Sept. 3, 2019, meeting of the council.
Kiehn-Varner, who indicated she was unable to attend the council meeting due to her and her husband’s “extensive work schedules,” told council members in the letter that she was unaware of any complaints or issues prior to reading about the council meeting in The Cordell Beacon. After reading about the meeting her husband, Richard Varner, contacted city manager J.C. Moser to obtain more information about the expressed concerns and told him those concerns would be addressed immediately.
The primary concern brought up during the Sept. 3 meeting was in regard to having adequate adult supervision at the theater during operating hours. Kiehn-Varner informed the council that “The Washita Theatre will have a seasoned adult on staff during every showing to ensure all reasonable safety and peace for our patrons.” She acknowledged that there are times, especially during the free movies, that kids may become unduly loud and that they had been lenient with such instances in an effort to help keep the kids off the streets and out of trouble. She advised council that she would be more mindful of such disruptions in the future.
Kiehn-Varner also addressed concerns about the concession stand, indicating they always have one staff person assigned and have advised patrons to come early for movies when a larger crowd is expected in order to allow time to purchase concessions. She also referenced a number of equipment investments they have made for the concession stand.
After reading the letter, mayor Jerry Beech indicated he was satisfied with the response and closed the issue.