Board reviews meeting‑room renovation options; staff seeks decision on pews vs. chairs before month end

County staff asked supervisors whether they want to replace the meeting room’s fixed pews with stackable chairs as part of an upcoming room renovation that includes new carpet and painting.

A staff presenter said the contractor selection and project schedule require an early decision because the renovation contract closes at the end of the month. The presenter provided a ballpark cost range for buying 150–180 stackable chairs of roughly $10,000 to $15,000 (another figure given in discussion was $15,000–$20,000 depending on quality). Staff cautioned that cheaper chairs wear out quickly and recommended investing in higher quality stackable chairs if the board decides to proceed.

Board members discussed space and fire‑code constraints, noting chairs may allow more flexible layouts and easier seating reconfiguration than fixed pews. A supervisor raised ADA accessibility questions; staff said ADA requirements for aisle widths and spacing would still apply and offered to return Friday with a cost estimate for a handicapped‑accessible front door ($10,000–$15,000 was suggested as a preliminary range).

Why it matters: the vendor’s contract closing date means a decision is time sensitive; a change from pews to chairs affects capital outlay (purchase cost), storage, and long‑term maintenance. Staff said the cheapest option is to keep the existing configuration; if the board wants chairs staff will return with cost differentials and life‑expectancy estimates for different quality levels.

Staff also said the contractor would have five calendar days to complete the work in the meeting room once the contract begins; supervisors asked staff to provide cost comparisons and to include ADA door cost estimates on Friday’s agenda.