City Manager Matthews stated that the walkway through the parking lot is essentially complete. Parking on the library side of the lot will be restricted to compact cars due to the narrowed travel lane. Signage delineating the same will be installed in the near future.
As discussed previously, turnover of the building from the contractor to the City is tied to the resolution of certain utility-related matters. The City Manager stated that the issues related to the gas meter had been resolved. A more recent problem involved obtaining a new water meter from WSSC. Based on the discussion at the project status meeting which took place earlier in the day, it appears that this issue had been resolved.
Based on the information presently available, City Manager Matthews stated that the City would likely gain occupancy of the building during the week of October 3rd. Relocation of the staff was currently scheduled to begin with the police department on Friday, October 7th. In response to Councilmember Williams' inquiry about the remaining staff, the City Manager responded that certain employees in the Administration Department and Housing and Community Development would be relocated next. Further refinement of the schedule would take place at a staff meeting on Tuesday, September 27th.
Councilmember Williams then asked the City Manager to comment on access and parking issues. City Manager Matthews commented that TRG Construction, the contractor for the Community Plaza Level, would be installing a partition wall, sealing off a portion of the existing hallway on the main level. By extending the partition wall further than originally planned at a minor cost, the City would be able to maintain access to the hallway restrooms for approximately three months.
City Manager Matthews continued her comments on building access by noting that the present entrance to the building off the parking lot would become a construction only entrance during the Community Plaza Level work. The public could access the Community Center via the Maple Avenue pedestrian bridge, the Grant Avenue side entrance near the elevator, and through the library. The Computer Learning Center door leading out to the existing parking lot would likely serve as an emergency exit only.
In regard to parking, the City Manager noted that a certain number of spaces in the existing parking lot would be taken up by TRG Construction's staff trailer and storage units. The remainder of the parking would be available for patrons of the library and others. Councilmember Williams noted that those wishing to access the Community Center may wish to park in front of the building for easier access.