Steamboat Pilot & Today

Q. City Hall is currently undergoing renovations. Exactly what is being done and how much will it cost?

A. The City Hall building was purchased in 1982 and has had minor remodeling over the years and a small addition in 1990. The building originally held 19 employees and now holds 36. The roof has leaked for about eight years and roof repairs were minimally successful. The heating, ventilation and cooling systems were old and functioned poorly. Old computer and phone cables ran along the outside of the walls and floors.

The majority of the renovations include roof and ceiling replacement, new heating, ventilation and cooling systems, a new electrical transformer, interior fixtures and wiring and new phone and data cabling. The other renovations include new bathrooms to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA entrances, new paint and carpet. Many of the doors, existing trim and counters, interior windows and hardware are being reused. The substantial demolition work involved some specialized asbestos removal as well.

The cost of the renovation for 8,351 square feet is $823,000 including all architectural, engineering and environmental testing and abatement services.

Q. During the renovation, the city has had to reconfigure its offices. How has the public responded to the temporary arrangement and when will the offices be returned to normal?

A. The public has been great in working with our temporary office configurations. We have relocated most departments from City Hall across the street to Centennial Hall, but there are some offices still working in the west area of City Hall amid the construction. We also have several employees in remote facilities like the Public Works Shop. We know this renovation and relocation of city offices is an inconvenience to the public and our employees and appreciate everyone's cooperation and good humor. We have also lost several meeting rooms that have inconvenienced nonprofit groups and employees; however, it seems everyone is willing to work with the temporary situation in anticipation of a greatly improved facility. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-November and we hope to move employees back into the building by Thanksgiving.

Q. Is the project on schedule? Have there been any delays that will push the project back?

A. The project is on schedule and we have anticipated all long lead items for delivery. The roof replacement is complete and went very well and the HVAC systems have been delivered. All other work is progressing on or ahead of schedule. We do not expect any delays that would postpone opening the building to the public by Thanksgiving.

Q. Are there other renovations that need to be done that are not covered in the project? If so, what are they?

A. The current renovation project will solve the major problems that have existed in the facility for many years. The office reconfiguration will make the building more user-friendly to the public and more comfortable for employees. The new electrical and data wiring will allow the office equipment and computers to work better and faster. Some of the exterior windows may need replacement in the next few years but are not critical. The defective windows can be replaced in stages at a later date, as needed. We think this renovation will provide an adequate work environment for many years.

Q. What other improvements or capital projects is the city undertaking this summer?

A. The city has numerous capital projects budgeted and under way this summer, including the expansion of the Mountain Fire Station, Sewer Interceptor Line Replacement, Howelsen Ice Arena, trail and sidewalk replacements and/or extension, Legacy Ranch renovations, Stockbridge Center paving and annual street paving and utility-line replacement programs. Of the above projects, the Mountain Fire Station, Stockbridge Center, Legacy Ranch renovations, Trail Extension, several paving projects and Sewer Interceptor Line Replacement have received grant funding to help pay for the construction costs. Without grant funding, many of these projects could not be completed.