A structural analysis and hazardous materials assessment are the next steps as the Common Council considers options for the expansion of City Hall.
When the Common Council met on Jan. 5, it voted to move forward with a structural assessment at a cost not to exceed $6,000 and a hazardous materials assessment at a cost not to exceed $4,000.
The money for the two assessments will come out of the city’s capital fund.
“Before we do anything, we have to find out if the structure is OK,” Ald. Mike Kempf said.
The special Jan. 5 meeting was held to look at options for the expansion of City Hall.
Three options were presented to the council, ranging in cost from $1.69 million to $2.08 million.
One option would require two lots, with the other two lots requiring three lots. Two properties next to City Hall are currently available.
The proposals are:
• A two-story building on two lots. The square footage would total 15,660, with that project estimated at $2.08 million.
• A two-story building on three lots. The estimated cost of this 17,820-square foot option is $1.85 million.
• A one-story building on three lots. The estimated cost of the 9,150-square foot project is $1.69 million.
Several mass mailings are being planned as ways to educate citizens about the proposals and to seek input from them.
One mailing to city residents will include information about the city’s space needs. The council also voted to work with Mike Koles of Waupaca County’s UW-Extension office to prepare a survey that will also be mailed to city residents.
Plans also call for public informational meetings to be held in the future.
“I suggest we have group sessions with the citizens,” Ald. Amy DeSantis said. “I think we will be able to work each other.”
One council member said there are four options for the city, not three.
“I think we’re jumping way too fast, as far as I’m concerned,” Ald. Chuck Gerlach said. “Option 4 is don’t do anything. We have to make do with what we have for a while.”
Mayor Don Morgan said there are many retired people living on fixed incomes in Weyauwega. “They will have a lot of questions,” he said. What is in for them?”