Lorain, Vermilion city halls reopen to public

City hall offices in Lorain and Vermilion reopened to the public May 3.

Like communities across the country, Lorain and Vermilion city hall buildings have had limited public access in recent months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The reopening dates were set by the cities’ respective mayors.

They cautioned if health and safety conditions grow worse, another shutdown could happen.

Lorain

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley sits in on the weekly online meetings of the Lorain County Community Protection Team, made up of health experts, local government officials and representatives of community and business groups.

Based on information from those meetings — including COVID-19 vaccinations for more than 70 percent of adults age 65 and older — it appeared now is a good time to consider reopening City Hall, Bradley said.

Anyone entering the building must wear a mask and maintain an appropriate social distance between people, he said. Hand sanitizer also is available.

Safety-Service Director Sanford Washington notified Lorain City Council of the change in a letter included with Council’s May 3 meeting agenda.

Council will continue meeting online and that board will set its own time for resuming in-person meetings, Bradley said.

Vermilion

In Vermilion, the closure was necessary because some city departments have just one or two workers.

If one got sick or had to be isolated due to COVID-19 exposure, that essentially would end that city service until they returned, said Mayor Jim Forthofer.

Now, it appears just about everyone who wants to get vaccinated, has done so, Forthofer said.

Municipal employees in both buildings returned to their offices several weeks ago, so remote working largely has ended, the mayors said.

Vermilion City Council in April resumed meeting in person.

Attendees must wear face masks and maintain social distance between people.

Lorain City Hall is located at 200 W. Erie Ave.

Vermilion City Hall is located at 5511 Liberty Ave.

Council meets at the Vermilion Municipal Complex, 687 Decatur St.