KETR's Kevin Jefferies and new General Manager Bill Oliver were given a tour of construction on Commerce's new City and Hall and Fire/Police Complex by Parks and Recreation Director Bob Mills, with pictures to show for it!Commerce Parks and Recreation Director Bob Mills has been instrumental in overseeing the construction of the new City Hall and Fire/Police Complex for the city. Bob was gracious enough to give KETR's new General Manager, Bill Oliver, and News Director Kevin Jefferies a tour of the facilities.
City Manager Bill Shipp told the city council in a recent meeting that the operations should begin at City Hall March 12th. Completion of the Fire/Police Complex is expected 1-2 months later.
On that preceding weekend, City Hall will make the move, and plan to be up and running in the new facilities Monday, March 12th.
The project has seen some delays overall, missing original estimates of move-in dates. However, the delays have not led to significant costs for the city (although one might expect some city staff are getting anxious to move in!).
Below are some pictures of the tour.
Fire/Police Complex
New KETR General Manager Bill Oliver is in town for two days, and already has Kevin and Bob locked in jail! Some deft climbing by Mr. Jefferies, and a whole lot of screaming their heads off, finally got the guys free from their imprisonment.
Bob Mills points out the "just for show" windows that will be covered up by bullet proof materials once the dispatch area of the Police Station is completed.
Bob points out one area in the Fire Station where one can, as he put it, "Look at all the purty red fire trucks!"
The truck bay of the Fire Station. The bay is completely drive-thru, with returning trucks entering from one side, and trucks exiting the building onto Pecan Street in Commerce. No more backing in to the bays!
City Hall
The entrance to the new City Hall. A new "atomic clock" (according to Bob) will be mounted atop the tower entrance. Rumor has it, the clock will perform special tricks come Daylight Saving Time.
The star on the entryway into City Hall. A flagpole will be placed in the middle of the star. Landscaping will also be completed by the City once construction is completed. Mr. Mills seemed to prefer something "flowery".
Bob explains how the number of windows in an office signifies just how important that person is. Three windows = pretty darn important!
The City Council Chambers. A projection screen will be mounted along the wall and the chamber can also be used as a courtroom as needed. Bob also said many other functions would likely utilize the new Council Chambers. City Council meetings should also be aired once again on Cable Channel 3 in Commerce and Cooper once the building is fully operational.
The City Manager's Office. SIX WINDOWS! Actually...NINE...there's three more windows not pictured. Now that's important!
The "atomic clock". I think Bob is trying to figure out how to wind it up.....
For more information on the new Commerce City Facilties you can contact Cuty Offices at 903.886.1100.
Or visit their website at www.commerce-tx.com
KETR would like to give Bob Mills a special thanks for giving us a tour of the facilities...and keeping it interesting, too.