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Personnel committee approves up to $141,000 for Room 230 furniture and flooring; asbestos risk flagged
Summary
The committee approved up to $141,000 to replace furniture and flooring in Room 230 after reviewing two bids; staff warned work should occur in summer and noted possible asbestos remediation costs.
The Personnel and Administration Committee authorized up to $141,000 to replace office furniture and flooring in Room 230, approving a vendor proposal and asking staff to manage timing to minimize operational disruption.
Director Angracia told the committee that bids were obtained from Warehouse of Fixtures for new desks, chairs, cabinets and flooring. She said a full renovation that included all work in Room 230 would likely cost about $185,000, while the available fiscal‑year funds left to spend quickly totaled roughly $140,000. The recommended package for the remaining fiscal year would cost about $120,000 and leave a roughly $20,000 contingency.
Angracia warned that asbestos remediation is a possibility when old flooring is removed; the committee recalled asbestos remediation in prior chamber work and noted remediation in the past had cost about $5,000. Members discussed doing the work during the summer recess to reduce disruption and asked whether laminate or carpet tile would be preferable. Angracia said the estimate included a higher-cost option (approx. $30,000) for carpet and laminate versus ~ $25,000 for all carpet tiles; staff also promised to check with the City Council office about noise concerns under laminate.
Aldermen voiced concerns about logistics—moving equipment, IT hook-ups, and staff workspace during construction—and suggested phased work and contingency planning. Several members supported doing furniture and flooring at the same time to avoid repeated moves, while others urged caution because ground-up work could temporarily close parts of the wing if asbestos remediation is required.
The committee approved a motion to authorize up to $141,000 to update Room 230 (furnishings and flooring). Roll-call voting on that motion recorded Vice Chair Khan voting aye, Alderman Aldridge recorded as present, and President Green voting aye; the meeting record shows a tally of three ayes and one present at the vote. Staff will schedule the work with the vendor, ask that work be done during summer recess where possible, and proceed with remediation and contingency protocols if hazardous materials are discovered.
The committee noted additional suites (Room 234, 232) may be considered in future phases but that the current authorization covers Room 230 only.
