Metropolis chair repairs too costly, trustee says

Attendance at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre shows is so good, officials say, that the theater's chairs are getting a real workout.

And while the original 309 seats are now 17 years old and in need of repair, the cost to do so is higher than expected.

The Arlington Heights village board this week was expected to vote on a $34,000 contract to refurbish the seats, including new padding, repair of supports, oiling of all parts, and replacement of worn fabric. But Trustee John Scaletta, the former operator of the downtown Arlington Theaters, asked that the matter be tabled so he could re-evaluate the numbers.

"Based on my professional experience, the numbers for refurbishment seem high," said Scaletta, who provides management and consulting services for independent movie theater owners. "It just looks high to me."

Metropolis got three quotes from vendors, ranging from $34,000 to $64,890. Officials budgeted $35,000 for the work, coming from the village's total $469,000 contribution to the theater this year.

Trustees will reconsider the item July 10 or 17.