UPDATE: The proposed motion passed with unanimous support at Chatham-Kent Council Monday night.
Dozens of upgrades are up for approval at various municipal buildings across Chatham-Kent.
On Monday night, council will vote on $3.4 million worth of essential priority building lifecycle projects.
The municipal Asset Management Department is responsible for 115 municipal buildings. According to the staff report coming to council, every year the asset management team, in consultation with representatives from all departments occupying the buildings, prioritizes the building lifecycle projects that need to be completed.
"A master list of potential lifecycle projects was compiled from requests from various departments occupying the affected municipal buildings and priorities identified by the Asset Management Department," states the report. "Additional consideration was given to projects identified but not completed during previous years."
According to the report, lifecycle demands have increased due to a number of legislated requirements as well as aging infrastructure. There is also a need to address security issues within municipally-owned buildings.
The Capitol Theatre in Chatham is on the list for several upgrades and repairs including exterior stucco repairs, interior painting, upgrades to the PA system, live streaming upgrades, acoustic shell upgrades and upgrades to the loading dock lighting.
All 11 of Chatham-Kent's library branches are included on the upgrade and repair list.
The Chatham-Kent Health and Family Services is also on track to receive several upgrades including replacing the HVAC system on the first floor, upgrading the elevators, upgrading the building's outdoor signage and installing a new wheelchair ramp and awning.
Meanwhile, dozens of upgrades are planned for fire stations and police stations across the municipality.
For the police headquarters in Chatham, staff is recommending that the asbestos tile in the basement is removed, the vanities in the change rooms are replaced, repairs to underground sewer piping be completed and the interlocking brick at the rear of the building be replaced.
Despite major repairs to the Civic Centre being a past topic of discussion, the only upgrade being proposed for the building through the 2021 Building Lifecycle Projects is a drain pipe replacement.
The report notes that the costs of each individual project are not made public to ensure a competitive bid process.
If approved, the upgrade list for 2021 is subject to additional changes as urgent repairs emerge which may shift priorities. The 2021 building lifecycle priority projects will be funded from the Building Lifecycle Reserves.
"Administration is continuing to investigate possible building divestitures through the colocation of municipal operations," the report states." This requires working with community representatives and groups where appropriate. As opportunities arise, location-specific reports will be brought forward for council’s approval."
You can find a complete list of projects up for approval by clicking here.
