Waterloo council chambers renovation project cost rises

WATERLOO | The cost of remodeling the City Hall meeting room jumped this week.

City Council members voted 4-2 Monday to approve a nearly $25,000 increase in the original $194,500 contract to renovate the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

Councilmen Steve Schmitt and Tom Lind voted against the increase. Both had voted Feb. 3 against the original contract, saying it was not a good time to spend the money. Councilwoman Carolyn Cole was absent.

Failor-Hurley Construction is putting new carpeting, window treatments and furnishings in the council chambers and adjacent Mollenhoff Room.

New electronic equipment to improve meeting broadcasts and presentations is being added, while the room will become wheelchair accessible.

Resident Forest Dillavou questioned the need for additional improvements.

"I have a problem with change orders whenever I see them," he said. "Did we get softer chairs?"

Building Official Craig Clark said the key reason for the change order was a new desk where council members will sit and a rebuilding of the raised platform in the room, which was found to be improperly constructed when the renovation started.

Mayor Buck Clark said he also doesn't like change orders but contends the additions are necessary.

"The desk was just a flat oversight," he said.

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Waterloo council chambers renovation project cost rises