News

After fifty-two years, Common Council has decided to renovate and improve the functionality of the existing Council Chambers for the benefit of the public and city staff. The Council Chambers renovation will include technology upgrades as well as upgrades to the furniture, fixtures and finishes. Councilor Dr. Ron Oler stated that, “the Hutton Community Room, where we have been hosting online meetings, is too small to permit more than a handful of citizens to participate in person while maintaining social distancing. These technology, furniture, and fixtures upgrades will make it possible to return meetings to Council Chambers during the pandemic while allowing more citizens to attend in person to have their voices heard. We look forward to finishing this project as soon as possible.”

Groundbreaking for City Hall took place on January 19, 1968. The finished building was turned over to Mayor Byron Klute on February 8, 1969. It was designed by Architects and Engineers from R. W. Clinton and Associates of Richmond, Indiana and built by Fryman-Kuck General Contractors Inc. of Brookville, Ohio. This is the first significant renovation of Council Chambers since the building was built in 1968-1969.

Due to the fact that the building was built in the late sixties, samples were collected and tested to determine if they have any asbestos containing materials (ACM’s). Results from this testing indicates that some of the building materials used in construction of the ceiling contain ACM’s at a level of 3-5%. These ACM’s are being remediated prior to the renovation of the area.

During the construction period, which is expected to last through May, the meetings of Common Council, committees and boards will be relocated to the Hutton Community Room on the second floor of the building. Meetings are also available to the public via Zoom, please check our website www.richmondindiana.gov or social media channels for links to attend these meetings virtually.

Congratulations to all involved in making this project ready for implementation. Important work was done by Common Council members to develop efficient floor plans, identify furnishing and technology needs, improve public accessibility, manage the design process, develop a realistic budget, and finally, determine how to pay for the project.

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