NORWICH – At the last City of Norwich Public Works and Public Safety meeting, the committee discussed plans to move the city hall headquarters from its current location in the old train depot, next door to the third floor of the firehouse.
Deborah DeForest, the city’s director of human resources, presented a draft of possible plans for the new office space. Changes to those plans have already been made since Thursday night’s meeting. Some of the aldermen were upset because a room designated for their use had been removed. One of the changes included adding that room back in to the plans. Without considering the changes, the proposed cost of the project is $375,000 in addition to the funds already used to renovate the fire station.
DeForest will next take the plans to the city’s Finance Committee meeting. Options for funding will need to be discussed. According to DeForest, it all depends on whether or not the funding is there. If the plans are approved by the Common Council, DeForest hopes to be able to go to bid sometime during the winter months.
If city hall does move, the offices would be open to the public. Currently, in order to gain access to the firehouse, you must be buzzed in. The new plans would allow a person to enter the fire house and gain access to the elevator or stairs, taking them to the third floor, city hall offices. Access to the fire department’s portion of the building would still be restricted.
The city has been discussing the possible move for a couple of years. City Hall has been located in the depot for approximately 10 years. By combining city government operations and the fire department, the city could save money on heating and maintenance costs.
If the plans are approved, the city would sell the former train depot.
“By combining into one building, it puts another back on the tax roll,” DeForest said.