After several months of looking at a variety of drawings for a new township hall, Addison officials finally decided on one that suited them.
The board voted 6-1 at the March 2 special meeting to accept the preliminary design as presented.
Trustee Linda Gierak cast the only dissenting vote. She ‘wasn’t crazy about the outside of the building.?
‘It’s just the styling of it. It’s just not that appealing to me personally and that’s fine if everyone else likes it on the board,? Gierak said. ‘It’s not just what Linda likes and doesn’t (like) . . . I like the more arts and crafts design.?
While it may have taken awhile, Addison Township Supervisor Bruce Pearson was ‘proud of the process.?
‘I’m just proud the board has taken its time and I like to hear all the different comments from everybody. Trying to design anything with seven people, there is always seven different ideas. When you can get the majority of people to finally agree on something, I think that’s a success,? he said. ‘Everybody did their homework and it was many long hours, but we didn’t take it lightly.?
The board is currently looking at a price tag of around $1.7 million for the 10,900 square-foot building. However, there is still a list of items not included in the price that would be extra if the township decides to do them. Those items include: a reception area for the sheriff’s substation, a 16-foot-by-9-foot tarp-covered porch for the senor center versus a 10-foot-by-9-foot version and expanded parking.
Those items will be put out to bid and brought back to the township board for a decision.
‘We’re very mindful of the dollar amount and we did say that we would allocate a maximum of $2.3 million. Now, we’re coming in at $1.7 million and if we add (in) those few extras, it’s looking at about $1.8 million. With that, I am really happy,? Pearson said. ‘If we can come in anywhere under our allotted amount, I think it’s a success.?
As far as the current township hall, Pearson said he’s been up on the roof removing snow in an effort to slow down the amount of water leaking into the building.
‘My office, when I left, had a big leak in it, but the rest of the place (is okay) so far,? he said. ‘All of (these government records have) to be kept dry and (they have) to be in a safe place. We’re doing all of this to make sure citizens are protected. Their property, all their information, building information, septic information, all that stuff we hang on to. I know people realize this is a valuable endeavor and it has to be done.?
Officials are trying to build this new township hall in as frugal a manner as possible, according to Pearson.
‘We take things very serious,? he said. ‘We certainly don’t spend money frivolously. I think we’ve proven that over the past six years.?
Officials are hoping to begin construction near the end of April or May.