Consolidation of buildings to be studied

WARREN -- City council will seek proposals for a study to determine the feasibility of selling some city buildings and properties and building a "one-stop-shop administrative building."
Many of the city-owned buildings need repairs, and the city is facing paying $1 million over five years to make buildings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mayor Hank Angelo told council Wednesday he'd like one or two council members to be involved in the selection of a consultant to see how the review process works. He also indicated he's opposed to abandoning historical city hall.
Besides being more convenient for the public, one building also would provide safeguards for money collection and bring more people into downtown, said Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large, one of the legislation sponsors.
No money has been allocated for the study, so the administration will have to return to council before proceeding to the next step in hiring a consultant.
The mayor also announced that Tom Angelo, director of the city's water pollution control center, has received an award from the Water Environment Federation. The award is presented to operators of waste treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism.
Representatives from WEF presented Tom Angelo with a plaque at Wednesday's council meeting.