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Despite opposition, plans proceed for new town hall
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 04, 2009)
Despite opposition, plans proceed for new town hall
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Munson Trustees began deciding on the details for the township's proposed new Township Hall Monday, while a half dozen residents turned out to question its need.
Trustees called the special meeting to decide the exterior finishes and details so that architects could move on to construction drawings for the project.
Meanwhile, residents said they plan to circulate petitions opposing the proposed $853,000 building.
Sherman Road resident Jeanne Ford said she spoke to about 50 residents in the northwest quadrant of the township. None were aware of the project, and they don't believe it's needed.
She said she plans to go ahead with a petition drive, showing residents' opposition, although she doesn't expect it to have an impact on trustees' decision.
"I think the money could be used for something other than a building," Mrs. Ford said.
Concerns about a lack of available space for storage of township documents could be solved by using microfilm or computer files, rather than building a new Town Hall, she said. With people losing their jobs and homes and struggling to feed their families, she said, the time is not right for such spending. She said the money could be better spent by helping residents.
Trustee Todd Ray said he doesn't doubt that some residents haven't heard about the building project, but bringing concerns six months into the planning only "complicates things."
Mr. Ray said most calls from residents deal with day-to-day operations, such as snowplowing. He said he believes most residents trust their township officials to act responsibly in handling other matters.
Trustee Frank Gliha said the township has made efforts to notify the public of the project, including in the township newsletter and Web site. He said two local newspapers have given it coverage with articles over the past six months.
"I think it will be built, because that's what this township needs now," he said.
Mr. Ray repeated what had been told to residents in August, when about 15 expressed opposition to the need for the building. He said the existing Town Hall originally was built to serve as a fire station and was refitted for township offices. He said trustees spent months looking at ways to expand the existing building but found it impracticable.
Mr. Gliha said trustees hope to provide local jobs for Geauga County tradesman with the project at a time when they may be desperate for work.
Although trustees began planning for the new building six months ago, Mr. Gliha said, the idea has been discussed for about 12 of the 13 years he has served as trustee.
Fowlers Mill Road resident Sofie Horvath said she may not always have agreed with trustees' decisions on such projects as athletic fields, parks and purchasing green space, but she has come to see their wisdom as the projects were welcomed by residents. She said she did not believe residents need to bring a petition because they disagreed with trustees's decision on a project.
While residents questioned their actions, trustees agreed on several finishes to allow for the construction documents to proceed.
The board agreed that the exterior should be brick, although it will add approximately $55,000 to the cost of the building. Mr. Gliha said in this market, he anticipated that masons may be willing to do the work for $40,000.
The board also agreed on a change to increase the size of the porch area at the front entrance to offset what some felt was a dominating feature, a cupola on the roof. A planned hip roof was also redesigned with a gabled roof.
Architect Richard Brown, of Leber-Brown Architects in Cleveland, suggested that the community be involved in selecting a weather vane for the cupola.
A proposed electronic message board was also cut from the project.
Although some choices may increase the cost, Mr. Gliha said, that he anticipated architects would find other savings through "value engineering."
Mr. Ray said the board had essentially set an "arbitrary" price for the building based on the $853,000 received in estate taxes over three years.
However, he said, the township has collected another $300,000 in estate taxes since that time and it could provide a cushion if it is decided that certain features are needed and would have a long-term benefit.
"We will hold their feet to the fire to save money," he said. "But, if we need another $20,000, we've got it."
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