Janotta & Herner says police-station renovation is on schedule; recommends replacing City Hall façade

Tyler Kane, project manager for Janotta & Herner, told Willard City Council on Feb. 2 that demolition and excavation for the police-station renovation are complete and that excavation depths were within the proposals, leaving the project on schedule. Kane said the firm plans to continue work and invited council members to tour their offices to view a rendering of the proposed City Hall exterior.

Kane said the exterior façade of City Hall is in poor condition: “There is not a drainage barrier and there was a thin adhesive used,” he said, and moisture and air are getting behind the cladding. His team removed small test sections and recommends demolishing the existing façade and installing 2‑inch insulated metal panels with an R‑17 insulation value; the current system has an approximate R‑value of 6–9. The proposed metal panels carry a 20–25‑year warranty, and entrances would be updated as part of the work.

Councilmember Babcock asked about the building foundation sitting on asphalt; Kane said Janotta & Herner is coordinating with their geotechnical engineer to develop a solution and will relay findings to the city manager. Councilmember Vanichek asked whether a drive‑through overhang was included; Kane said it is included in the cost estimate even though it does not appear on the rendering.

The discussion focused on addressing moisture intrusion and long‑term durability of the façade system and on confirming any foundation fixes required before panel installation. The council did not take a vote on a contract at the Feb. 2 meeting; Kane’s presentation was a staff-level update and an invitation to inspect similar work at Janotta & Herner’s offices.