Council Agenda a Proposed “Security Renovations” for the 3rd Floor of City Hall

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By Glenn Miller

to Jeff, Kim, jimd, hollyt, pcloven, claytonwatch

To all – I saw that on the Council Agenda a proposed “security renovations” for the 3rd floor of City Hall which include “which include: glass doors, wood framing, drywall, service counter/cabinet, window modifications, flooring, patching and painting, cable railing modifications, railing, sprinkler adjustments, signage, alarm modifications, and electrical rerouting.”

As probably the one person that still lives in the City that worked on the HISTORICAL RENOVATION of the De ’Martini Winery Structure to turn it into City Hall I want to caution that ANY renovation that would alter both the interior and/or the exterior of the building would jeopardize the Historical Certification and standing of the building and quite possibly be subject to penalties should certain historical groups object.

I get it that furniture and other fixtures can and quite possibly should be replaced and certain security features be upgraded but this could be handled by a furniture consultant or seller and a security firm. Hiring an Architect especially one with no historical background is, in my opinion a waste of time and money. Also I would think in terms of security, alarm and fire sprinkler adjustments a good contractor could help with this at possibly no cost but as part of their construction costs and services. And, I would also think that within the talents of the Maintenance Supervisor on staff and the Police Chief you would have the expertise to do this part of the work in house.

Or, maybe you might wish to wait and hire a New City Manager that comes with sort of project expertise. Because, as I read this report and see its’ original genesis and background, I have to wonder if this was just another example of the previous City Manger’s incompetence and influences by some on the on the current and past Councils.

One final thought, as I have visited City Hall on several occasions to go over the Historical Renovations with past City Manger’s and even the current Interim City Manager I did note the rundown condition and just plain uncleanliness conditions of the Public Areas. They were quite frankly filthy and showed a lack of regular maintenance care, and respect. I must say I found this insulting to those of us (including City Officials) that worked so hard in creating the fine Historical Adaptive Reuse project that we achieved.

Just to be clear, I agree the space could use some cleaning, possibly new surface treatment, new fixtures etc. but this is not the way to handle it. Please reconsider this idea and take a different more frugal and respectful approach.

Respectfully

Glenn D. Miller PE and City of Clayton Project and Construction Manager for the De Martíni City Hall Project.

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