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Henning will get new city hall this fall
Published 6:51am Tuesday, July 26, 2011Remodeling and an expansion at the Johnson building is progressing well on the south side of Henning. When completed, the building will be the new home to Henning’s City Hall this coming fall.
“The remodeled Johnson building also will house the city council room,” said City Clerk/Treasurer Gina Ellingson.
Fire and police offices will move into space currently used by the city offices. EMS and city offices will move to the renovated Johnson building and the city fire department will stay where it is.
The police department, when moved from the current location across from city hall, will allow for use by the food shelf.
The Johnson building is located along Front Street, a short distance to the south of the current city hall. The remodeling project will be accomplished through the current city budget and there will be no tax increases for city residents.
“We really need a drive-through for our ambulances and more storage space for fire department supplies,” said Fire Chief John Thalmann. “Moving the ambulances to the Johnson building will be good for everyone, including city and area residents.”
When the ambulance services move from city hall, the fire department will gain two additional storage spaces.
“This move is right for the city of Henning,” said city council member Nancy Oseien. “When city offices move to the new location, this will allow for county agencies to use some of the space at the current city hall.”
For instance, the county veterans service representative meets once a week with area veterans. Vets rep Charlie Kampa could use an available office once a week.
Also using the freed-up space, periodically, would be County Human Services (social workers and others) and county public health employees, to name a few.
The project received unanimous support from the Henning City Council which includes Oseien and fellow city council members Robert (Beano) Lohse, Dave Brutlag and Doug Trana and Mayor Jim Hermanson.
