Fairfield Council members voted last Tuesday to seek proposals for the demolition of the original City Hall building located on Mount Street, following a report from the City Hall Planning committee, presented by Dick White.
This same report had been released for publication to local newspapers a week prior to the January 14, 2020 Council meeting.
The Committee, comprised of Mayor Kenneth Hughes, Councilman Landis Bayless, and five Fairfield citizens, had been tasked with gathering information about five possible City Hall locations.
According to White, a consensus of the Committee is that the existing site on Mount Street would be the best location. He added that all supporting documents are available for anyone to review, either online on the City’s website, or as a hard copy from City Hall or a member of the committee.
Their recommendation to Council was to obtain three bids for demolition of the existing City Hall building.
While Councilman James Tyus wanted to thank committee members for all their hard work, during the meeting he voiced concerns about publishing information in the newspaper before giving the Council an opportunity to have input into each step of the decision making process. He wished this to be done in phases, and presented to the public at the end of each phase.
“Our number one goal is to keep the Council and citizens informed,” said Committee member Jerry Don Sanders.
White added that the Committee works closely with City Administrator Nate Smith. “This is a process,” he said to Councilman Tyus. “We appreciate your comment.”
Mayor Hughes agreed that the project was an evolving process, saying, “We will be making changes as we go along, and come up with better solutions.”
Councilman Landis Bayless reminded everyone that, “We are all volunteers.”
Councilman Randy Johnson said, “The key is to get it accomplished. We have a long way to go.”
Ultimately, Council was unanimous in approving to seek proposals for demolition of the City Hall on Mount Street.
In other business, Council approved the following:
–Action on three options for bringing City Hall in compliance with dispatch and municipal court was tabled. Pricing for building materials to be included next meeting.
–Purchase order approved for purchase of new ballistic vests and carriers for Police Department.
–Resolution approved for the financing of Fire Department equipment, as part of the previously approved purchase of new aerial and command vehicle.
–Resolution to submit an application for Solid Waste Grant Program through HOTCOG in order to provide additional dumpsters and personnel during City-wide Clean Up in April.
–Employee promotions for James Jones and Roger Reeves.
