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Last week’s closing of the Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Center highlighted the Selma City Council’s Special Called Meeting on Monday.

City Council President Billy Young. council members Troy Harvill, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Atkin Jemison and Clay Carmichael attended the meeting.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. explained why city officials closed the building on July 14.

“The building isn’t safe, the roof is bad and it leaks,” Perkins said.

City of Selma Building Inspector Zeb Lee, Jr. called the building unsafe and  part of the ceiling falling in.

City Attorney Major Madison said he spoke with Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John Grayson, who leases the Walton Theater. Madison said Grayson graciously agreed.

Young said that the City doesn’t need to charge rent on the building since it is closed.

Perkins said the hope is to have a proposal for a new roof by the next city council meeting on July 26.