GALLIPOLIS — Gallipolis City Commissioners passed the second reading of an ordinance to enter into a contract with Breech Engineering for the design of the new municipal building during a special meeting Tuesday evening.

The choice was scrutinized by several members of the public during the last city commission meeting, largely due to the fact that an engineering firm was selected rather than an architect. Approximately 18 citizens attended Tuesday’s meeting, though none requested privilege of the floor.

Commissioners Caroll Snowden, Jon Lynch, and Bob Marchi voted for the ordinance, while Commissioners Jim Cozza and Dow Saunders voted against it.

Pursuant to the contract, City Auditor Margie Landers is directed to pay the firm an amount not to exceed $100,000.

In other action, commissioners:

• Passed the first reading of a resolution providing for the advertisement of bids for the removal of asbestos containing material from Davis Hall, which has been said to be located in the floor tiles and seals around windows.

• Passed the first reading of a resolution providing for the advertisement for bids seeking the demolition of Davis Hall, which is to be torn down to enable the construction of a new municipal building nearby.

Saunders voted against the measure and indicated that he had not yet given up on the notion of restoring Davis Hall for use as the new city building, however, this statement was made prior to the final selection of Breech Engineering to design the new building. Cozza said that estimates up to nearly $5 million have been quoted for the repair of Davis Hall as it is not up to code in several areas. However, he added that advertising for bids doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to demolish the building, but this will at least provide them with a cost estimate.

(Additional coverage of the meeting will appear in Thursday’s Tribune).