DECATUR - The city council chambers could soon get a significant face lift if a plan to spend just less than $1 million revamping the room gets under way.

Rick Marley, director of engineering, said at the city council meeting Sept. 17 that the $955,000 would add better lighting and multiple cameras at different angles for at-home viewing of council meetings, as well as updating things such as the council table and chairs for council members and the audience.

Marley said city staff members estimate the cost of wiring the rooms should be covered by franchise fees collected from area cable provider Comcast. The company pays about $75,000 a year in franchise fees. The cost of any physical improvements, such as new furnishings, would come out of the city's capital improvements budget.

Marley said plans for the overhaul will include a new entryway to the council chambers, conversion of a storage closet into a control room for the electrical equipment and other physical improvements.

Marley said a better setup is an attainable goal.

"I know the quality of what things can look like when it's through," Marley said. "We can afford to do just a little better than this."

The issue of improving council chambers has been a frustration for city council members. Councilman Shad Edwards said the project, which has been under discussion in one form or another for years, is taking too long.

"I've sat here for almost eight years now, and for probably six, we've been talking about improving this room," Edwards said. "That's embarrassing. For probably four years, we've talked about just getting new chairs."

Marley assured the council that the project would be brought to its conclusion.

"I don't like grass growing under my feet," Marley said. "This will get done."

Another concern is the price tag, which Councilman Pat Laegeler said was too high.

Marley pointed out that the estimated cost also includes upgrades to the conference room and, at this point, is speculative. A final cost would depend on things such as bidding and exactly what the quality of the upgrades will be, Marley said.

"We'll have to find out what the majority wants," Marley said.

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