The renovations will improve accessibility; update audio, video and acoustical components; and enhance security, according to a council agenda memo. The $6 million project will be partially funded by a bond package passed by voters in 2021 and by Public Education Government funds.
What happened
During a June 12 meeting, council approved an item authorizing $6,004,653 in expenditures for the city’s Council Chambers Renovation Project. The construction project, managed by Pogue Construction, will focus on:
- Ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Updating the chamber’s audio and video components
- Enhancing chamber security
“The elongation of [the dais] is to give everybody the opportunity to see the entire council at once,” Thornhill said.
Quote of note
When council members sit in front of the camera or audience, they want to put up a good face for residents, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maria Tu said. She voiced support for the action because it was necessary to support Plano residents in need of ADA-compliant services.
“We need more visibility so that the residents can access and participate in our city activities,” Tu said.
Going forward
Construction is expected to start in spring 2024 after technology items have been ordered and received, Thornhill said. During construction any city meetings will take place at Davis Library.
Construction is expected to be completed in winter of 2024 or 2025.
Also of note
In a separate item, council approved an expenditure of $237,605 for safety renovations on the municipal center’s action/information center, according to a council agenda memo. The renovations will also be overseen by Pogue Construction as part of the same project.
The cost will be funded separately by the city’s capital maintenance fund, Thornhill said.
