Note: This report is being published by the City Hall Planning Committee for the purpose of keeping everyone informed as to the progress of the Committee as it considers solutions to our current City Hall problems. It is the intent of the Committee to continue this practice throughout the planning phase.
The Fairfield City Hall Planning Committee is comprised of Kenny Hughes, Landis Bayless, Jason Adams, George Davis, Vance Oglesbee, Jerry Don Sanders, and Dick White. Adams, Davis, Oglesbee, Sanders, and White also serve as a task force to gather information for the Committee. While information for the public will be routinely published in a report such as this, citizens are encouraged to contact any of the above, especially the task force, to provide comments, suggestions, or other information that will enhance the process.
Two meetings have been held, with the first being more of an introductory session where some preliminary procedures and priorities were determined. City Staff including Nate Smith, Misty Richardson, and David Utsey, as well as Randy Johnson, have been in attendance.
The location of the building was deemed to be the priority and the task force was assigned to gather information on the feasibility of using existing city property. Five sites were inspected, information reviewed, and measurements were made of the existing city hall and property on which it sits.
Approximate space requirements for a building were calculated to determine if there was adequate space on the existing property. The information was summarized and provided to the Committee at its second meeting. The Fairfield City Hall Site Determination Summary and backup information are available at the City Hall, from one of the committee members, or online at www.fairfieldtexas.com/local-government/project-city-hall.
At the second meeting, the committee deliberated the different city owned sites and some sites not owned by the city. The consensus was that the existing city hall site was the best option for the following reasons:
- Enough space exists to build the facility with room for future expansion if needed.
- No costs are incurred in purchasing property.
- No taxable property will be taken off the tax rolls.
- Infrastructure (water, gas, electricity, wastewater, etc.) is in place.
- Location is convenient, and the public is familiar with the location.
- Parking space (street side and other areas) is more than adequate without sacrificing lot space.
- Savings, realized by not having to purchase property will help to offset the costs of demolition of the existing City Hall. Said demolition must be done whatever location is chosen.
- Drainage issues will be corrected during construction.
A copy of the City Hall Land Options Matrix used in this site determination is available at the City Hall, from one of the committee members, or online at fairfieldtexas.com.
A copy of the City Hall Land Options Matrix used in this site determination is available at the City Hall, from one of the committee members, or online at fairfieldtexas.com.
The committee recommended that Nate Smith obtain three bids for demolition of the existing City Hall. The proposals should be “turnkey” and include all local, state, and federal requirements for demolition, waste disposal and cleanup. These will be reviewed at the next committee meeting.
Jason Adams will invite Mr. Larry Lasiter, of the architectural firm of Goodwin, Lasiter, and Strong, to sit in our future committee meetings to provide expertise on office design, layout and other architectural needs. These services will be provided at no cost to the city.
Again, we urge you to contact one of the Committee members with your questions, comments and suggestions.
Jason Adams
Landis Bayless
George Davis
Kenny Hughes
Vance Oglesbee
Jerry Don Sanders
Dick White
