Ongoing moisture problems at California City Hall might soon dry up.
The City of California hopes to remedy the issues this fall after the California Police Department moves to a new headquarters at 101 E. Madison St. Mayor Lanny Ash said aldermen hope a moisture barrier can be installed behind the building's siding by the end of the year. Work to enhance city hall's exterior appearance is also anticipated, he added.
The Architects Alliance, of Jefferson City, told aldermen Feb. 6 the building was constructed without flashing, materials designed to prevent water leakage, and moisture barriers. Ash said the company who built city hall in 2005 -- Wisch and Vaughan Construction Company, of Jefferson City -- went out of business, leaving the city with no option but to complete the repairs on its own.
The full extent of the project won't be known until the siding has been removed, Ash said. He continued that the city hopes to enhance the building's appearance by replacing shrubbery.
Ash does not foresee any impacts to city operations during the work.
Ash clarified the moisture issue was only one of many factors that played into the Board of Aldermens' sudden decision to move the police department. He said the department outgrew the space that was only designed for four or five officers. While California Police Department Chief Daniel Hurt said the department has only five officers (including himself,) he is looking to add additional officers.
Police department requirements are constantly evolving, Ash added. He said one requirement, added shortly after the unrest following the Ferguson Police Department's shooting of Michael Brown in 2014, exacerbated the moisture issue at city hall. The requirement mandated a secured door to be installed to separate the department from other parts of city hall, Ash said, leading to ventilation issues.
A secured door was installed to separate the department from other parts of city hall, leading to ventilation issues in the building.
"Everything's revolving and we kind of hadn't caught up with the times," Ash said. "And this (move) gives us the opportunity to do that."
The police department's new headquarters needs some work of its own -- primarily adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp and restroom to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ash said the work will be bid out "as soon as possible," with discussion continuing at the aldermens' November meeting. He added the work will be completed using taxpayer funds through the city's governmental fund.
Ash said city hall repairs, along with the purchase of the police department's new headquarters, are being funded through the city's enterprise fund -- which is collected through utility payments.