Township Hall Undergoes Repair in Preparation for Winter

Alien-like green arms of hydraulic cranes can be seen extending cherry picker baskets high into the air on both the north and south faces of the Stockbridge Township Hall.

by Patrice Johnson

Hydraulic cranes with alien-like green arms can be seen extending cherry picker baskets high into the air on both the north and south faces of the Stockbridge Township Hall. Tinks of hammers ring through the frosty square as lone workmen at nosebleed heights chisel bricks loose from chimneys.

When asked what was going on, Ron Hodder, a volunteer with SAESA, the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority, replied in passing, “They’re fixing the mortar and replacing bricks as necessary to get ready for winter.” Then Hodder, obviously on a mission, disappeared into the garage that houses an ambulance.

Township Supervisor, C.G. Lantis, well versed on the project, explained, “This past summer the Township Board approved to invest money into the building to make it more energy efficient.” He added that earlier this summer the township had installed insulation in the roof for the first time ever. “It’s been 125 years with no insulation,” he said. “We are excited to see the savings with that improvement alone.”

To make repairs to the exterior of the building, Lantis said the Township Board had hired Dennis Woods Masonry Company. “He will be tuck pointing, repairing and replacing brick,” Lantis stated, “along with cleaning and sealing the whole building, plus repairing all the caulked windows.” Woods has also offered to help hang holiday season lights at no charge.

Lantis anticipated the cost of the project to run $32,000, “which we have in the 2017/2018 budget,” he said. “The Township Hall is the focal point of our community. One of the first things people say is ‘You’re from Stockbridge? You have a beautiful town hall.’”

The project is slated take another two or three weeks to complete, weather permitting. “We should be ready for the holiday season,” Lantis assured. He said he had also set up appointments with Consumers Energy to evaluate the Township Hall and library. “We want to see how else we can save tax payers money.” Apparently, the energy company offers programs for which Lantis hopes the local community may qualify.

“I’ll keep you posted on that,” he said.

Meanwhile, an overalls clad workman on the ground rubbed his forearms as he lumbered toward a basket, soon to stretch skyward. “There are no buildings to block the wind up there.” He grinned. “The wind’s whipping and cold.”