A log building used for decades as a clubhouse for the Mountain Trails Saddle Club in Whitefish soon may have a new use as a local skiing hall of fame and museum.

The Whitefish City Council tonight will consider a five-year lease agreement with the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation for the Saddle Club building on Wisconsin Avenue in front of Stumptown Ice Den.

The Park Board recently endorsed the proposed lease, which would allow the ski foundation to use the building in exchange for paying maintenance, utility and any renovation costs.

The city has managed the building for a number of years as part of its parks facilities. It has been used for Parks and Recreation classes and can be rented out to private parties for birthday celebrations, family reunions and other functions for gatherings of about 35 people.

Demand for renting the building is limited, though, because it’s not very user-friendly for participants with special needs and it’s not American With Disabilities Act-compliant, City Manager Chuck Stearns said in his council report.

“In addition, the kitchen area and restroom elements that were added to the original building a number of years ago have not fared well over time and are in desperate need of major renovation,” Stearns said.

He maintained the opportunity to work with a nonprofit group to improve the functionality of the building would benefit both the ski foundation and the community.

Another reason to find a new use for the log building is that it has cost the city more money to maintain it than it receives in rental income. Maintenance costs have exceeded income by about $2,500 a year over the past five years.

Mountain Trails Saddle Club, founded in 1948, had a huge presence in Whitefish in its heyday, holding o-mok-see competitions on the grounds where the ice rink now is located. The club sponsored the annual Gala Days in Whitefish for many years.

The ski foundation operates a ski racing program based at Whitefish Mountain Resort and has an annual budget of $90,000. The foundation’s website notes the organization’s “quality programs have placed many children in fully funded collegiate programs over the years.”

IN OTHER business at tonight’s meeting, the council will hold two public hearings.

The first hearing involves a conditional-use permit request by William Montgomery and Karen Ellington for a bed-and-breakfast inn at 178 East Blanchard Lake Road.

The second hearing is consideration of an application from Graham Hart of Bonsai Brewing for a microbrewery and tasting room at Mountain Mall.

The meeting begins at 7:10 p.m. at Whitefish City Hall.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.