LORDSTOWN — Village Mayor Jackie Woodward said she wants to see the administrative offices moved from the second floor of the administration building to the nearby former library.

Woodward told council and members of the public at Monday’s meeting that both buildings, as well as the recreation building and fire and police buildings, all need to be looked over by engineers.

“I have been an advocate from the very beginning of moving the offices into the former library building,” Woodward said. “We could always add on to that building as time goes on for a council chamber or community room.”

Woodward said the library is on one floor and in much better shape than the administration building and would be better suited for the administrative offices. She said the administration building requires an elevator to access the second floor.

Officials said there have been issues with the elevator and Councilman Ron Radtka said in the future, the elevator may not be usable.

“Being on the ground floor, it will be much easier for the residents,” Woodward said.

Councilwoman Jessica Blank supports the idea of the move.

Chris Peterson, chairman of the Lordstown Board of Public Affairs, said water department staff also have discussed moving to the vacant library building. He said the water department is getting a new generator that can be used at the new location.

Woodward said a comprehensive review of the two buildings needs to be done to determine which building is better suited for which offices and departments.

“We have to look at all aspects of the buildings,” she said.

Engineer Chris Koglenik said the administration building does have some risks for accessibility.

Buildings / Grounds Superintendent Martin Nelder said there have been problems with the condition of the administration building, which has sections built in the 1970s and others in the 1980s.

He said sewer drains and cast-iron pipes have rotted out, with some repaired to stop the sewers from backing up.

Nelder also said sections of the flat roof of the building have flooded and have been repaired in sections. He said there was a hole in the roof where strong winds knocked an air conditioner over.

Woodward said it is important to plan for the future and look at village buildings and assets.

“We need to be proactive and not reactive when dealing with this building,” Blank said.

URGENT CARE

Councilman Robert Bond said a decision needs to be made on what the village wants to do with the library building.

Bond would like to see an urgent care or a doctor’s office at the former library for the benefit of village residents, as well as the surrounding community.

“We need to have that with all the employees working at companies in the village. We also have an aging population and could have a doctor here two or three days a week,” Bond said.

Officials said they will schedule a work session in the near future to meet with engineers and architects about the buildings.