Title
Discussion: The Future Use of Town Hall.
Executive Summary: As the City offices have been moved out of Town Hall, there is a need to decide the future use of Town Hall.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
As the City moved its offices out of Town Hall, there was a consensus to continue using the Council Chambers on the second floor for all Council meetings and meetings of Boards and Commissions that already hold their public meetings at Town Hall. There was also discussion regarding all Boards and Commissions meeting at Town Hall in order to utilize the video cameras and online Granicus system to provide better access to their meetings. However, there was not a final decision.
There was also a discussion regarding the conversion of the upstairs offices to a space suitable for the Council and Mayor. Specifically to include a conference room (in anticipation of the loss of the downstairs conference room due to another use), file storage, copier and several workspaces that could be shared. There was also not a final decision on this matter.
Finally, since there has not been a discussion and resulting direction from Council regarding possible uses for the rest of Town Hall, there has not been any effort to solicit potential uses. However, the City has been approached by several parties interested in using the space. The only user that has proposed using the entire space downstairs is the Hudson Fire Department Association. They would like to renovate the downstairs to house a fire museum including two antique fire engines that the Association owns. They would convert the former space occupied by the City Manager's Office back to a garage bay for the engines, including renovations to provide for access on the southern end of the building through the former garage doors whose outline was maintained and is still signed as Fire Dept. The Association has indicated that they would assume responsibility for the cost of renovations and maintenance of their portion.
The other parties that have expressed interest are individual businessmen who would like to have office space at Town Hall. One is an employee benefits specialist currently operating out of his home and the other is a local business owner also operating his office out of his home.
Timing Considerations
None
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that Council encourage all of its Boards and Commissions to meet at Town Hall in order to utilize the video cameras and online Granicus system in order to provide better access to all Board and Commission meetings.
Staff also recommends approval of the conversion of the upstairs offices to offices for the Council and Mayor through an appropriation of $19,750 to cover new carpet ($5,000), painting ($3,000), minor maintenance ($1,000), conference table ($1,500), chairs ($6,000), and workstations ($3,500). As part of this appropriation staff also recommends the inclusion of $5,500 for new chairs in Council Chambers for a total appropriation of $20,500.
Finally, staff seeks discussion and direction regarding the potential use of the downstairs of Town Hall. While staff supports the use by the Hudson Fire Department Association, staff recommends that the City solicit proposals for its use to consider its options and find the most desirable long-term use. The Hudson Fire Department Association would be asked to submit a formal proposal. Representatives from the Hudson Fire Department Association are expected at the meeting if there are questions regarding their interest.
Submitted by,
Anthony J. Bales, City Manager