Upgrades to city hall are considered

City aims to make facility more customer-service friendly

The city of Avon Lake is examining plans to give city hall a face-lift with upgrades to the first floor reception area and council chambers.

Located at 150 Avon Belden Road, the building is the former location of the city’s Police Department.

Council would like to update the facility to reflect current use.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch said Oct. 26 that in a desire to make the city more customer-service friendly, Avon Lake is looking at plans to have a warmer first floor reception area.

Council approved a $42,700 contract with Clark & Post Architects Inc., of Lorain, on Oct. 26 to design a new main floor entrance and meeting room.

It would enable the city to have a receptionist at the entrance along with some additional space.

The design and engineering plan also would incorporate additional staircases on the first and second floors with outdoor access for safety reasons.

In becoming more customer-oriented, it no longer makes sense to have the reception desk and switchboard operator on the second floor, and corresponds with the city’s plan with more departments working together in an open concept environment, officials said.

With novel coronavirus pandemic restrictions also in place, the updated first f loor design will enable more social distancing.

Fenderbosch said the construction upgrades would come at an estimated price tag of $603,400 with a five percent contingency.

It includes the $42,700 for architectural and engineering design services.

The city also will look to upgrade artwork in council chambers, with $5,000 budgeted.

Avon Lake Digital Media Director Barb Cagley said the city has put out bids with three companies to pitch designs that will fit with its updated logo.