Negative air quality tests resulting from contamination by the former dry cleaning site adjacent to the Town Hall, were reported to Mayor and Council earlier this year. The costs of correcting this problem would be significant.
An initiative to keep the historic Courthouse building had been already started. Looking at costs for repairing the two buildings, Council made the decision and authorized an upgrade of the Court House to accommodate the Town Hall offices until a new Town Hall could be decided upon.
The following upgrades and repairs were then implemented; “Upgrades of the front entry and roof coverage of the existing steps.
Upgrades of the rear entry for handicapped accessibility and provision of handicapped parking
Cleaning up the building exterior including minor repairs and a complete paint application.
Updates to the interior of the main floor of the building including some limited floor plan improvements to accommodate all of the town hall functions with the exception of a Council Chamber (Council meetings will continue to be held at the Library until a more permanent Town Hall facility becomes available)
Installation of a new customer service counter, new flooring and new paint.
Undertaking some landscaping improvements in keeping with the character of the building.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 19 the move to the new Town Hall located at 151 Vermilion Avenue began.
As of Friday, Nov. 22, the new Town Hall was open for business.
Carrie Kassa - administrative clerk, Jeanie Williams - accounting clerk and Carolyn Schmidt - reception will greet you in the reception area of the new Town Hall.
There are designated offices for Chief Administrative Officer - Rick Zerr, Deputy Treasurer - Shirley McMahon, Bylaw Officer - Stephanie Palmar, Director of Infrastructure and Parks - Kevin Huey and and office for Mayor and Council as well as a meeting room.
There are a few painting touch ups to be done, and the main entry way is to be completed in the spring. The official grand opening of the new Town Hall is expected to take palce in the spring as well.