The Fredericktown Board of Aldermen convened at the Police Department on December 4, 2023, to discuss the future of City Hall, which has been unusable since September due to mold contamination. The board is weighing options to either remodel the existing structure or construct a new facility entirely.
During the bi-weekly meeting, the board agreed to solicit bids for both remodeling and new construction. City Administrator James Settle informed the board that the estimated costs for restoring the existing building could reach at least $800,000, while a new City Hall is projected to exceed $1 million. “We’d have to build a new one right where it’s at,” Settle noted, emphasizing that this is the only property available for the city hall.
Alderman Rick Polete highlighted the urgency of making a decision. “Every day we walk out without making a decision, it’s just going to be that much longer that we’re down at the fire station without our own facility,” he stated. The current City Hall, originally built over 110 years ago as a lumber company, presents unique challenges due to its multiple roofing materials, complicating potential repairs or demolition.
Settle expressed confidence that rebuilding would be more cost-effective than renovating. “In my opinion, there is no doubt,” he affirmed when asked by an audience member about the comparative costs. The board agreed to proceed with the bidding process for remodeling, while reconstruction would necessitate additional time due to the need for architectural plans.
In addition to the City Hall discussions, the board reviewed several other matters. Mayor Travis Parker proposed making the city budget accessible on the city website, aligning with efforts for transparency. The board unanimously approved this initiative.
The board also addressed equipment needs, approving a request from Electric Supervisor Jeff Lawson for a new skid steer, estimated at $82,000. This versatile machinery is essential for daily operations, including loading rocks and digging holes, according to Lawson. The current skid steer, over a decade old, will be reassigned to the streets department.
The meeting included a review of sidewalk improvements near the school and counseling center, culminating in a payment of $94,000 to Mike Light Cement Finishing, Inc. Settle explained that this project was funded by a grant initiated three years prior.
Further financial discussions involved the approval of a $250,000 jetter truck, with half of the cost already covered. Waste Water Plant Manager Vince Grieshaber emphasized the truck’s importance for daily maintenance activities, including clearing clogs in sewage lines.
In a separate agenda item, Marty Thomas, Director of Operations for Missouri Cobalt, requested collaboration on a government grant to support utility needs for their project. This would necessitate a Memorandum of Agreement with the state. However, the board opted to seek more details before proceeding.
Finally, City Engineer Tim Baer addressed concerns regarding the waterline on Marshall Street, which had experienced leaks during a summer water conservation effort. Baer outlined plans for next summer to replace the problematic service lines.
The board’s decisions during this meeting will shape the future of City Hall and the city’s infrastructure, impacting the community’s operations and public services in the coming years.
