Ross plans to modernize Town Council chambers

Ross plans to update its historic Town Hall by restoring the wooden floor and removing fixed seating to create a more flexible space.

The project is estimated to cost $17,120.

The single-story building was constructed in 1927 on a property originally known as the Shotwell Estate. The building includes the council chambers and administrative offices.

The chambers have wooden chairs from the same era that are bolted to the floor. Many appear to have been removed over the years to provide space for wheelchairs and tables occupied by town staff during meetings.

“The Ross Town Hall facility is underutilized, only used approximately three times a month for public meetings and frequently, however, for small staff meetings throughout the work day,” Town Manager Christa Johnson said at the council meeting on Jan. 9. “As an interim measure, implementing modest modernization improvements would help meet this unmet need and allow for public meetings and workshops to operate in a more engaging format.”

The modernization program includes the purchase of 40 stackable chairs, six tables and six storage dollies. The tables have a foldable top and include privacy screens and swivel wheels. The hardwood flooring refurbishment will fill the bolt holes and include lacquering.

Johnson said the work would be completed in the next one to two months.

Town staff also plan to evaluate potential changes such as lowering the council dais, updating the audio and visual system, improving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and updating of the heating, cooling and ventilation system.

The Shared Agency Risk Pool Joint Powers Authority, a program to reduce workers compensation claims, has approved a $9,000 grant for the cost of the furniture, a staff report said. The remaining approximately $8,000 will be funded through the public works facilities budget.

Johnson said the town hopes to keep some of the antique chairs in the hall, unbolted and along the inside walls.

“So we can still see them, and love them, but not always sit in them,” she said. “We will figure out how to make them safe. Our public works director is very skilled.”

“Maybe not everyone finds them aesthetically beautiful,” said Councilmember Teri Dowling.

Mayor Bill Kircher proposed an alternative to keeping them: a photograph on the wall.

“It’s not like we have a huge area already,” Kircher said. “If we are going to be stacking chairs and stacking tables, I’m having trouble visualizing it, frankly.”

Councilmember Elizabeth Robbins recommended cushions for the remaining chairs if they did stay.

“I actually think it will be sort of pretty,” she said. “There will be new ones in the middle, but the prettiness of wood on the side. If we don’t like it, we just buy more of the modern ones.”

Councilmember Julie McMillan said the town could host a fundraiser by selling the chairs.

Robbins added that naming rights for the chairs that remain could also be up for sale.