Mayor's Community Update - 01/19/2019

Greetings!  Last fall, the Waupun Common Council heard the results of a facility study completed in 2018.  The study examined all public facilities in the city, examining the condition and maintenance requirements of public buildings, as well as the results of a functional assessment of each building related to space and utilization. 

While all facilities have regular, ongoing maintenance needs, according to the study, the largest physical needs exist at the City Hall and Auditorium where the mechanical and electrical system are aged and in need of significant attention.   Additionally, the City Hall is in need of exterior masonry tuck pointing and sealant repair and the north monumental stairs are beginning to deteriorate due to general age and water infiltration.  The other facility identified in the study with larger physical needs is the Senior Center.  That building requires exterior masonry tuck pointing and brick repair.  Additionally, both buildings have some physical needs associated with alterations to better accommodate disabilities as defined in the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

In terms of functional requirements, the biggest space needs identified in the study are associated with the Senior Center.  Attendance at the Senior Center continues to grow and has outpaced available space.  From our aging in place work, we know that our elderly population is projected to grow in coming years and that this will likely increase space needs as demand for programming offered through this facility continues to grow.  Given that the current building is land locked, the facility study proposes several alternatives to relocate the Senior Center that could address our needs both today and longer term. 

The Council recently appointed a Facility Advisory Committee to review the full study, examine alternatives and recommend the best path forward for facility improvements.   We expect that group to begin meeting in the first quarter of 2019 with recommendations to the Council occurring later that year.  Additional information on the facility study can be found on the city’s website. 

Around town, don’t miss the opportunity to tour Waupun Area School District facilities on Saturday, January 19, from 1 to 4 p.m.  All buildings will be open for self-guided tours.  This is a chance to see the outcome of the referendum work that was recently completed.  I hope to see you there!