St. Tammany News

A decision made Tuesday night by the Covington City Council has established guidelines for repairing the fire-damaged council chambers.

After several meetings to discuss whether to rebuild or construct a new chamber and administrative complex, the council agreed to make repairs to the existing structure, which was deemed salvageable by engineering professionals. In doing so, they requested appointed architect of record, Michael Hunley, to create a multiple-purpose space. "We don't want to tear down and start over," Council president Matt Faust said. "We would like to enhance what we have left."

The three northern walls of the octagonal shaped building were destroyed last September when a man being released from police custody and awaiting a ride home, set a fire that destroyed the council chamber.

The fire also caused minor damage to police headquarters and the Covington City Hall building.

Both buildings adjoin the council chambers.

The council has agreed to make minor renovations inside both complexes, including the replacement of ceiling and floor tiles, carpet and paint.

The council wants plans for the remodeled complex to include an approximately 1,500 square-foot addition to house a new council clerk's office, an enlarged conference room, storage space and restrooms.

Hunley asked council members to establish a budget to help to specify the scope of work to be completed. A square footage price of $150 was presumed sufficient for the type of construction envisioned.

Council vice president Pat Clanton said anticipation of future growth should play into the plans.

"We need to build for the future," she said.

City Attorney Debra Foshee explained that Covington's Mayor's Court for both civil and criminal hearings was held inside the chamber before the fire and was the one event that was undersized for the amount of people in attendance.

Mayor's court is currently being held in the Bogue Falaya Hall at the Greater Covington Center.

Foshee said that when City Magistrate Patrick Moore is forced to sit on boxes in the Bogue Falaya Hall kitchen during conferences, a lack of respect for the judicial system occurs.

"If we continue to hold Mayor's Court there, some changes will have to be made," Foshee said.

Hunley said he would introduce a proposal to present to the council by mid-January.