Major renovations are coming to the Noblesville Public Safety Building as the common council approved a $1.8 million proposal to make necessary upgrades to the place that houses the city’s police, fire and courts at 135 S. Ninth St.
Maintenance Director Brian Stone said the project will include the removal and installation of a new HVAC system, including the pipes for the closed loop system. The water-based system typically lasts 10 to 15 years according to Stone, and the city’s system is well over 20 years old. Due to the process of removing and adding the system and its component, Stone said it was financially sound to replace the roof at the same time.
“The roof is more than 22 years old,” he said. “With the roof cuts we might as well put a new roof on it for the next 25 years.”
Mayor John Ditslear said he remembers when the building was the city’s post office years ago. It was remodeled in the late 1980s/early 1990s to become the home of public safety.
“Opposed to a new project we can continue to use the building. Every 25 years you will have to put some money into it,” he said.
While renovations are being made, Stone said other minor projects like new secure entrance doors, rekeying the building, and security system will be done at the building.
“Items that needed to be done the last 10 years,” he said.
Stone said bids will open on April 1 and hopes to begin awarding contracts on April 8.
“I’m not expecting a total (project) completion until August,” he said.
What else?
Saving money – By refinancing city hall bonds, Attorney Mike Howard said Noblesville can realize gross savings of $970,706. Howard said the refinancing of the bonds, which run until July 2025, the city can lower the interest rate to 2.34 percent for the next 11.5 years.
Tax phase-in – The council unanimously approved the confirmatory resolution for an economic revitalization area three-year, 100 percent tax phase-in for ID Castings, 1600 S. Eighth St. Noblesville Economic Development Director Judi Johnson said ID Castings proposes to purchase and install approximately $31 million worth of new equipment to expand its production capabilities. The company also will spend approximately $20 million on new buildings. The estimated tax abatement savings for the three years is $1,283,400.
“It’s part of the Eighth Street beautification project and will have a real impact on our community,” Johnson said.
ID Castings purchased the building on Oct. 1. The company has 25 employees and plans to hire an additional 27 employees with the expansion.
Façade grant changes – The Noblesville Common Council approved Noblesville Economic Development Specialist Alaina Shonkwiler’s request to amend the façade grant ordinance by waiving permit fees of approved projects. Of the 38 façade grant projects since 2008, 13 (four building and nine encroachment) have needed additional permits from the city. Shonkwiler said these fees total $3,600 or $450 a year over the eight years of the program.
“They still apply and fulfill all the regulations for them,” she said, adding each permit still has a specified date and has to be approved by the board of works. “It’s one more thing we can use as an incentive for façade grant projects. It’s a small impact on the city but a big one for businesses.”
