Fairview council approves City Hall exterior renovation, staff say work is 'just under $100,000'

Fairview — The Fairview City Council voted to authorize the interim city manager to execute a contract to renovate the exterior of City Hall, including siding replacement, pressure washing and painting. Staff said the work was put out for public procurement, two bids were received, and the project is estimated at "just under a $100,000," with $100,000 allocated in the biennial budget.

Councilors pressed staff on scope and funding during the discussion. Councilor Marker asked whether the building’s appearance would change; staff said colors and overall aesthetics will remain the same. Councilor Weber asked whether the budgeted funds cover remaining work; staff said roughly $75,000 has already been spent on east-end repairs and that funds for the current scope are available in the biennial budget.

Several councilors raised concerns about underlying damage that may be discovered once work begins. Councilor Denneline said of the trim materials and likely findings, "they're going to find dry rot," and urged the council to require appropriate materials and inspections. Staff reviewed the bid’s line items and said the contractor’s scope includes removing and replacing vertical and horizontal trim, window trim, baseboards, window sills, and flashing.

Staff noted that the low bid comes from a contractor already doing interior work on the building and that a goal is to complete the exterior repairs "ASAP" to avoid fall weather delays. The mayor then entertained a motion to approve the resolution; the motion carried by voice vote with no opposition reported on the audio.

The council directed staff to return to council if additional repairs push costs beyond the allocated budget. The resolution was presented on the record as "resolution 46-2024," as stated during the staff presentation.