Bristol---Some smoke, but no fire. The non-profit that runs the county-owned Kemper Center has been criticized for giving under-the-table preferential treatment to some caterers. But the group’s chairman seemed to answer all of the questions that were posed by members of a county board oversight committee Monday night.
Gary Groenke made a presentation then took those questions. Afterward, committee chair Dennis Elverman said he was puzzled by some of the allegations that have been made. "I don't know what it is," he said. "It's confusing to me but I think we're as open as we can be here."
During his presentation, Kemper's Groenke indicated that a personnel issue that’s since been resolved slowed facility rentals earlier this year. He also described in detail the center’s relationship with a caterer who allows a closet full of supplies to be used by other caterers at no cost to the non-profit.
Even though Elverman believes all issues have been addressed, one caterer has retained an attorney and is threatening to sue. Likewise, Kemper Center has lawyered up, Groenke said.
Kemper Center will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a public facility later this summer. Groenke said the former girls school is on track and in good financial health.
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