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Council seeks cost estimates for ballistic/shatter‑resistant options at City Hall; staff to prioritize sidelights
Summary
Council revisited security upgrades for City Hall windows and doors, reviewing an earlier $35,000 quote for full ballistic glass, lower-cost shatterproof film options (~$300 per sidelight) and operational alternatives such as a visitor buzzer and staff training; staff will obtain firm quotes and advise on budget implications.
Council returned to a long-running discussion about security upgrades at City Hall after staff and public members cited a recent break‑in concern.
Council referenced a previous quote of about $35,000 to replace both public-facing doors with ballistic glass. Staff said ballistic film is not effective where panes are on tracks because film must adhere to a solid frame to prevent glass from falling if shattered. As a lower-cost option, staff reported individual shatter- or security-film pricing at roughly $270–$300 per sidelight (per pane) and said town vendors might be able to install mirrored or one-way film to prevent view‑in while preserving staff sight-out.
Members discussed non‑glass options as well: a locking first set of doors with buzzer entry, a roll-up barrier and mirrored/tinted films used in other municipal offices. Staff cautioned that buzzer-entry systems can degrade customer service and require training; law-enforcement speakers emphasized that any physical barrier should be tested with staff to ensure it functions under stress. The public-works and facilities staff said they will seek vendor quotes for multiple options and report back; the finance staff said a modest budget amendment may be required depending on quotes.
For immediate steps, council favored moving ahead with protecting sidelights and exploring mirrored or safety/security film while collecting firm estimates for the larger ballistic-glass option. Staff will return with cost estimates and a recommendation on whether a budget amendment is needed.
