Renovations of Shawano City Hall are getting close to completion, but in the meantime, business as usual is a bit noisier as the front desk area is currently being redone.
Work has already been done to remove the entrance on South Sawyer Street that allowed people to enter the police station, which City Administrator Eddie Sheppard has described as a difficult entrance, especially for anyone in a wheelchair or dealing with mobility issues. The main entrance at City Hall now doubles as the entrance to the police station.
“I think people are adjusting well (to the new entrance),” Sheppard said.
While work is being done on the front desk area, a small office at the main entrance is open for anyone paying bills, seeking information or any other city-related business.
“They don’t have to go into the construction area, and they can do all their normal business with us right there when you walk in the front door,” Sheppard said.
He added that countertops and windows are currently being constructed for the front desk area, and all the work should be completed by the first week of March.
Being able to downsize staff and having one portal for all business provided enough cost savings to allow city staff to rebuild the areas.
“Instead of having a City Hall reception area and a PD (police department) reception area, we’re now just having the main reception area, so we’ve been able to downsize some staff,” Sheppard said. “We’re saving money on our operational budget by doing this, and we’re really adding a better service.”
Safety glass is part of the reception area improvements, but the redesign is expected to also make it easier for people to know which window to go to for their particular business, according to Sheppard.
“It was not the clearest about where people are supposed to go, so we’re improving some things,” he said.
Sheppard believes the changes, which come on the heels of redoing the council chambers and other parts of City Hall, will provide a more inviting atmosphere for residents, business people and other visitors.
“We’re making it more friendly, and we’re saving money doing so,” Sheppard said.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
A paper sign indicates the temporary window for anyone wanting to pay bills or meet with someone from City Hall or the police station while reconstruction of the regular reception area is completed. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
