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CHASE SQUIRESThe repainting would be part of a larger renovation plan with other touches.
DADE CITY - City Commissioners on Wednesday evening took initial steps toward renovating City Hall and expanding city boundaries.
Margaret Thompson, serving on the leadership board of Downtown Dade City Main Street, was part of a group asked to make suggestions for improving the rundown exterior of City Hall. She presented findings Wednesday calling for an overhaul that would include painting in muted shades of orange, with highlights to show off the natural stone facade.
She also suggested awnings for the front of the building and covering or removing old ducts and pipes exposed on the building's rear. Other proposals call for adding window treatments that would hide equipment stored on the third floor and make the assorted windows look more consistent.
"The stone is what really struck us and we would really like to emphasize it," Thompson said. "There are some wonderful little details."
City Manager Harold Sample said he would review the proposals and come back with cost estimates for commissioners to review next month. Sample said employees also are planning a volunteer painting day for the building's interior.
This year's budget includes $100,000 for minor capital improvements, including work on City Hall.
Commissioners also gave City Attorney and Planner Karla Owens permission to start the process of annexing two parcels, including one pegged for the development of 48 condominiums.
The commission's unanimous vote allows Owens to advertise the proposed voluntary annexations, a precursor to accepting them into the city.
One parcel, about four acres, is a used car lot along State Road 52 along the city's western edge. Owens said the owner has no plans to change his business, he just wants to come into the city and continue running his business.
The other parcel, about 6 acres, is along the east side of Fort King Road, between Pasco Regional Medical Center and Pasco High School. Owens said the owner wants to add 48 condominiums, clustered in six to eight single-story buildings.