
By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Kim Brandt has done such an excellent job as director of the HIVE in downtown Decatur that it’s causing some problems for city officials – good problems, such as possibly needing to extend hours.
“Basically, we’re seeing growing pains,” said Councilman Matt Dyer, sitting as mayor pro tem at city council’s July 18 meeting.

Brandt (photo), who took over the post a year ago after some stutters getting the cultural center going, is contracted to perform 20 hours a week at the HIVE.
“It’s becoming a center for the community,” she told council, noting that some $40,000 of art work is currently hanging and for sale in the HIVE.
“You have stepped into this role and have really taken hold of it,” Dyer said.
Brandt says she believes arts sales could be improved with more open hours. “We are currently trying to figure out what that looks like,” she said in a prepared statement. “I would like more hours to get more things done, but I am retired and don’t want to be committed to work the exact same hours every week.”
The city gets 20% of each art sale.
There has been discussion with the arts commission and Mayor Dan Rickord about adding a second person to the payroll, she added.
Asked by Dyer if she would be willing to do more hours, Brandt said she could handle 30 hours a week.
She also pointed out that Sandy Uhrick volunteers to have the HIVE open on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.
The HIVE occupies the bottom floor of the 2nd St. Lofts. The entire building is owned by Biggs Properties.
The original deal with establishing the arts center called for residents of the Lofts to contribute a couple of hours a month to volunteer efforts at the HIVE, Councilman Craig Coshow recalled.
After the lengthy discussion, council decided to review the contract the city has with Biggs Properties and then base a decision on whether or not to extend hours.