Published: May 13, 2008 11:46 pm            

Varnell residents speak out: Don't move city hall

VARNELL — More than 60 people attended the Varnell City Council meeting Tuesday and many wanted to talk about an issue that was not on the agenda.

Most of the dozen residents who spoke said they did not want the council to move City Hall from its current location on Main Street.

Mayor Pro Tem David Owens said the council was still considering whether it should fix the current building, move to a temporary location at the corner of Cleveland Highway and Wheat Drive, or consider building a new one. An air quality study conducted earlier this year determined the current building has mold and asbestos problems.

Owens said he “misspoke” at last week’s work session when he said Chattanooga contractor Gerald Combe told him it would cost $300,000 to fix City Hall.

“That was my estimate,” Owens said. His estimate was based on a statement from Combe that City Hall could be repaired for less than $200,000. Owens said he added in costs for windows, bathrooms, heating and air repairs to the auditorium, plumbing, sewerage and cost overruns to arrive at $300,000.

“That doesn’t mean that is what we are going to spend,” Owens said. “We are not trying to come at you with a new city hall. A new city hall should be in a 10-year plan.”

Members of the crowd applauded for those who spoke out against building a new city hall.

Rick Stevens asked why the building was in such disrepair.

“The mayor is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the city and you would have to address that question to the former mayor,” Owens said.

Owens said the council has received no formal estimate from Combe and would look at all options before making a decision.

In other business:

• The July 15 voting for the new Varnell mayor will be done by paper ballot. “Due to the timing of the resignation of Lindsey Metcalf, it was too late to call a special election,” Owens said. City voters will vote for other offices with an electronic unit, then will vote for mayor with the paper ballots. Qualifying is scheduled to begin June 16. The fee is $35.

• Varnell residents will vote on whether they want to bring liquor by the drink into the city on July 15.

• Owens said the council has agreed to wait to decide on a new city manager until the mayor is elected.

        

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