Board reviews municipal complex designs, aims to bid construction documents in winter

Village of Chatham officials reviewed updated designs and interior finishes for the planned municipal complex and outlined a timeline for moving from design to bidding.

The village manager led a walkthrough of proposed finishes and layouts, showing options for carpeting, tile, wall base and paint schemes and noting a choice of the “green” color palette for some interior views. The presentation included floor plans showing visitor seating in the entrance, a greeter/utility office, a boardroom with raised seating and screens, a training room and an exercise room in the basement, dispatch space and interview rooms near the main entry, and a sally port and gated police parking at the rear.

On the schedule, staff said architects will provide physical material samples a week from the meeting so board members may handle finishes. The manager summarized the tentative procurement timeline: staff hopes to finalize documents and put bid packages together in January or February with the goal of awarding work and breaking ground in March, subject to bid results and subsequent approvals.

Design discussion emphasized durability and long-term use. The manager said the team is considering neutral, lighter finishes that will “hold up over a long period of time” and noted opportunities for future internal reconfiguration so the facility can accommodate growth.

No formal vote was required on the designs at this meeting; staff will return with samples and final bid-packaging information for future action.