Centerville library receiving keys for former town hall

Centerville’s councilors agreed to provide keys for its former town hall to Centerville Public Library while details are being finalized for the library to rent the space for nearly a year.

At council’s Feb. 25 work session, library board president Kevin Smith said its board had toured the former town hall earlier in the day and unanimously voted that it was a suitable temporary location. It’s just one block east of the library.

Library volunteers and staff want to quickly find a new home for some programs and a portion of library materials because construction is scheduled to begin this summer. That work will include improving youth areas and restrooms, and removing a staircase to create office space.

Council President Dan Wandersee asked about the library’s Plan B if town hall couldn’t be used. Smith said they didn’t have one.

Minimizing the time the library is closed is key, so Smith said they’re ready to begin the transition upon approval.

Desired projects include a thorough cleaning – especially the former council chambers that would become the children’s area – plus installing computers and phone services, and moving town equipment out of certain spaces. However, town officials said some equipment must remain.

Wandersee postponed any formal agreements until town attorney Ed Martin could review insurance and other concerns. Smith said the library’s insurance provider confirmed its current coverage would be OK.

Council will schedule a special public meeting to finalize costs for utilities, rent, maintenance or other expenses. No date was available as of press time.

Councilor Gary Holbert said the town should consider offering free use of the former town hall for up to 12 months if the library covers its utility expenses.

Project bidding is currently scheduled during March and April. The final construction timeline will be determined in collaboration with the successful bidder.

In other business

• Fire Chief Andy Aughe is working with town attorney Ed Martin to resolve Martin’s questions about Aughe’s proposal to buy a new fire engine for arrival in summer 2027. Around that time, Engine 17 would be paid off, so the bond could be rolled into the new truck, Aughe said. Building the truck on a Freightliner chassis offers a large cost savings. Council would vote on a purchase.
• Aughe said the fire department’s new radio system being purchased by county government is to go live Nov. 1, earlier than expected.
• Council authorized Town Manager Kevin Slick to make an $80,499.20 payment toward water improvements currently in progress. Slick said filter cleaning has begun. He’s hopeful that customers’ water won’t be discolored, but if a larger concern arises, residents will be notified.
• Slick’s still waiting on previously awarded federal funds for the town’s electrical system upgrade. 
• Police Chief Ed Buchholz said the Centerville-Abington Elementary annex on West South Street has been fenced off for upcoming demolition.