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Commission gives direction to finalize ADA upgrades to City Hall
Summary
Architects recommended removing six seats to install an accessible ramp to the dais and modest restroom changes to meet ADA knee-space requirements; commissioners directed staff to finalize drawings and proceed to bid, with estimated costs for ramp and restrooms within a $70,000–$80,000 range in the packet.
City architects presented a plan Aug. 27 to bring the City Hall dais and public restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and commissioners directed staff to finalize drawings and prepare an RFP for construction.
John Theiss of Gallo Herbert Architects reviewed design options for a wood ramp and a portable ramp solution for a higher step at the dais, explaining that fitting the permanent ramp would require removal of six seats in the front rows. "In order to create access to the dais area... we do need to create what we'll call a ramp on this right side," Theiss said, adding that the team planned a wood solution to be cost-effective and to match existing finishes.
On the restroom modifications, Theiss said the primary noncompliance issue was inadequate knee space under the lavatory. The architect proposed removing the existing cabinet and installing a laminate cabinet that provides required knee clearance, with new faucets and fixtures considered to improve maintenance and accessibility.
Commissioners asked about cost. Staff and the architect referred to the project budget in the meeting packet and estimated combined cost for ramp and restroom work at roughly $70,000–$80,000; the architect said the designs appear to be within the budget but final contractor pricing will determine the exact cost. One commissioner suggested limiting aesthetic upgrades (for example, skipping upgraded faucets) to save money but agreed that required ADA elements must be done.
The commission provided direction to finalize drawings and authorize staff to proceed to bid; staff said final construction documents and bidding would follow once designs are completed.
