(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Creating Request for Proposal

Lacombe City Hall takes next step in renovations plan

Nov 4, 2022 | 3:27 PM

Lacombe’s City Hall is on its way to getting a facelift.

After 20 years of use, the city has been considering renovations to the building geared towards security, efficient use of space and better functionality for the Planning, Finance, and Reception areas.

At their Oct. 24 meeting, council approved administration’s recommendation for them to create and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) package that includes a construction timeline and an accommodations strategy for the project and return to council for further direction.

With the building used as a place of work for over 40 staff, members were surveyed to rate their priorities among a series of options. The results showed that secure environment and ergonomic/functional counters and furniture were the top two choices for more than half the staff.

Survey among Lacombe City Hall employees (Lacombe city council Oct. 24 meeting agenda p. 107)

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In the early 2000s, officials say the then-Town of Lacombe acquired the building from Lacombe County. Following renovations and branding, they say the space was planned for approximately 20 staff with offices built later to accommodate new staff.

Administration says that in recent years, there has been “increasing challenges” with the space functionality and security.

For the Planning & Development Department, they say there is limited space when working at the counter with customers, and the shared space does not provide quiet areas to conduct video calls, attend webinars or have private telephone conversations.

In the Finance Department, they state the area is inefficient with its curved walls, lack of storage space and staff having their backs to the reception counter while working at their computers.

At Reception, officials say the lack of security has been an issue, as there is no separation between the general staff area and those areas that are immediately accessible by the public, leading to incidents of theft from open offices and unauthorized entry into workspaces by “disgruntled customers”.

Administration contracted interior designer Sublime Design to draft a new layout with a focus on improving the customer service access, create more efficient use of work space, provide secured access, and a new accessible washroom for the public.

The designer’s draft includes the following suggestions, among others:

• The creation of a secure zone separating public and private spaces with the need for a staff member to grant access to those private areas
• More than one path of travel in a security situation in each department
• A self-serve kiosk for staff to train the public to access self-serve web functions and fill out forms
• A small feature wall area acting as a focal point at the top of the main stairs, showcasing the City logo and act as a “photo op” location for award presentations, press backdrop, etc.
  City Hall renovations draft by Sublime Design Studio (Lacombe city council Oct. 24 meeting agenda p. 118)

As part of the 2021 Capital Budget, renovations were completed on the council chambers and downstairs washrooms in City Hall. The 10-year Capital Plan in 2021 included additional renovations for City Hall and the 2022 Capital Budget allocated $250,000 for this year’s City Hall renovations.

Diane Piché, Director of Corporate Services for the city, says a local contractor estimated the costs of the renovations at $228,000, not including contingency funds, furniture or accommodations for city staff needing to be relocated during City Hall’s shut down.

Administration stated additional space could be provided at the Lacombe Police Service for Bylaw Enforcement and IT staff. They state vacant offices available in the Lacombe Memorial Centre or a portable trailer may accommodate administrative staff for customers. They say work from home is also an option.

Councillor Reuben Konnik voiced in favor of the renovations.

“When I was first elected, there was in the 10 –year capital plan to replace the Hall. Here we are, 12 years later, and that has not occurred and if you look at the new 10-year capital plan there is still no plan for a new city hall,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it’s going to cost a few bucks but we’re here, easily, for the next 20 plus years so anything we can do to increase security, increase employee satisfaction and belter use of the space I am in favor of.”

Councillor Don Gullekson was the sole councillor not in favor.