Committee backs $22,000 carryforward to retrofit City Clerk's office during City Hall repairs

Deputy City Clerk Kathleen Richards told the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee that the City Clerk's office has not had major renovations in over 20 years and that relocating temporarily during City Hall structural repairs creates an opportunity to complete accessibility and security upgrades efficiently. "We're here this evening to request approval to carry forward 22,000 in unexpected fiscal year 26 personnel funds to use those funds to augment the City Hall structural repairs project with improvements to the city clerk's office," Richards said.

Richards and a colleague said the work would create a larger public lobby, private areas for confidential conversations, improved ADA accessibility and enhanced staff safety; completing the improvements while construction is already underway would avoid future demolition and additional project costs. A council member moved to recommend the carryforward; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the recommendation unanimously. A facilities representative said a firm completion date was not available but that the clerk's office has worked closely with facilities on design and budgeting.