Macedonia council approves emergency contract for City Hall elevator modernization

The City Council of Macedonia on Feb. 27 approved an emergency contract with Gable Elevator to repair and hydraulically modernize the City Hall elevator.

Council members described the elevator as nearing 30 years of age — beyond typical expected lifespans — and said officials had seen several recent incidents in which riders were trapped. A council member who introduced the ordinance said the work will replace electrical panels, emergency systems, the control board and install a new pump. “This isn’t just a repair. This is an emergency repair,” the council member said during the meeting.

Council discussion noted the project’s cost is “right around a hundred thousand dollars.” Director Wilson confirmed that funds are already encumbered for the work. The ordinance authorizes and directs the mayor to enter a contract with Gable Elevator; the council voted to pass the ordinance as an emergency.

Council members emphasized senior-program use of the building and the risk of having older residents trapped in the elevator. The city said the contractor Gable responded quickly to the solicitation and was able to schedule the work on short notice.

The council passed the ordinance by voice vote; the ordinance carries and the mayor was authorized to execute the contract. No contract number, scheduled start date, or precise final contract amount were specified in the public discussion.

The council also thanked staff for moving quickly to secure a contractor and noted that the fire department has assisted when riders were trapped in the past.