Closed since early June when a burst fire sprinkler pipe flooded most of the building, Lake Station City Hall could reopen around Thanksgiving.
Chief of Staff Adrian Vera said a lengthy insurance claim process has slowed progress, but he said the faulty pipe will soon be replaced.
Once that’s completed, he said there will be an inspection of the rest of the system, which will be repeated every five years, and it will be pressure-tested to make sure there are no more issues and it’s safe.
After those assurances, Vera said construction and repairs can begin.
“Our goal is to push the insurance company and push the contractor to get in there before Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, the city has an array of white trailers in the city hall parking lot. Vera said Internet, phone lines and software have all been installed in each of the five trailers.
“It’s just like we’re in the building,” he said.
He said a trailer is designated for each department, including the mayor, clerk-treasurer, sewage, building, and courts.
The city council has been holding its meetings at Lake Station Edison High School’s community room.
City hall flooded June 7 after the pipe burst, leaving water damage across the building and ruining technology equipment.
The police department, on the building’s west side, was not damaged.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.