City Hall Reopens After Ceiling Collapse

As a precaution, City Hall was closed July 16 after employees arrived to find the ceiling of Council Chambers had collapsed during the night. Fortunately, the building was empty and no one was injured.

City Hall reopened Thursday, July 17 after results of tests showed that air quality is below the levels the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers safe for occupancy. The exception is the Council Chambers, with one test registering at the EPA standard and another slightly above. Council Chambers will remain sealed and no access allowed until the area is abated, cleaned and cleared.

An asbestos abatement contractor was hired and the work is nearly complete.  However, the Council Chambers may be permanently sealed due to the considerable investment required, in addition to the clean up, to make it suitable for public use. The city is evaluating its options in the coming weeks. Recommendations will be brought forward for consideration as part of the 2009/2010 biennial budget process this fall.  In the meantime, the Council Chambers will remain closed.

City Hall has reopened for business. City Council, Planning Commission and other meetings are being scheduled at the Library and Ballinger Lake Golf Course meeting rooms. Please call City Clerk Virginia Olsen at (425) 744-6206 to confirm meeting locations.

For more information on the ceiling collapse, please call Scott Hugill at (425) 744-6208.