Since the City of Carroll accepted the Moehn and Milligan families’ gift of the Commercial Savings Bank property at 627 North Adams Street for the purposes of moving city offices and expanding the Carroll Public Library in the City Hall space, officials have been busy with the next steps in the process. At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Director of Public Works, Randy Krauel, presented a proposal for a Phase 1 environmental site and asbestos assessment. Barker Lemar Engineering Consultants were recommended to perform interviews, investigate historical use, conduct records and environmental reviews, an asbestos survey and produce a Phase I ESA summary report for a fee of $6,819.
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Council Member, Jerry Fleshner, asked if the same process is needed at City Hall for the proposed areas of renovation. Krauel replied that a total assessment would not be necessary since they already own the property. A small asbestos assessment would be recommended where construction may take place. With the history of high Radon levels in the Carroll area, council members also suggested testing be done on both properties. After approval of that portion of the due diligence, the council moved on to review a proposal made by City Manager, Gerald Clausen, for formation of an ad hoc committee to review and make a recommendation to the council on hiring consultants to examine the structural integrity at the North Adams Street location and evaluate and develop a conceptual plan with estimated costs for renovation of the bank property and City Hall.
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Clausen said committee members should plan on conducting a meeting by Friday, April 1 and be ready to have the process completed in two months. Council member, Mike Kots, questioned why Mayor Eric Jensen had suggested a change to the standard procedure, where the council makes the consultant selection after recommendations from Krauel.
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The three council members selected to join Library Director, Brandie Ledford, and Krauel on the committee are Jerry Fleshner, Carolyn Siemann and Clay Haley. The library trustee and foundation member who will serve have not yet been identified. Krauel, who has experience with evaluation of architect consulting firms, will be walking the committee through a systemic process in selecting the firm.