By Arnold Adler
Contributing Writer
NORWALK — City officials will use about $350,000 in federal funds to remodel City Hall and expand several office areas.
During a special meeting Nov. 23, the City Council contracted with MTL Construction Services of Anaheim, lowest of seven bidders, for the office expansion project at $277,299.30; and SVA Architects, for construction management and consulting services in the amount of $8,850.
The vote was 5-0, a city clerk spokesperson said.
The special meeting was called as the time to use the grant expires Dec. 30, officials said.
John P. Ramirez, director of community development; Glen W.C. Kau, city engineer, and Public Services Manager Christine Roberto, told the council the project “will reduce the number of open office areas in order to create a safer environment for employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The scope of work includes moving Engineering Division staff to Room 11 where Housing Division is currently located, adding 13 individual offices for Community Development Department staff, expanding the small conference room near the Engineering Division with access for both departments and creating a large conference room at the west side of City Hall in the area near the entry doors, the report said.
“Since this effort will utilize [federal] Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, the project needs to be completed by Dec. 30 in order to be eligible for reimbursement,” according to the report..
The total budget allocation is $350,000; $300,000 from the CARES Act and $50,000 from the Housing Authority’s CARES Act funds dedicated to improvements for the Housing Authority staff office area and public counter/conference room spaces, the report said.
