It won’t be long now.

The new Police Building is nearing completion, project manager Dick Kildahl said, but there is still a bit of work to do in the next two weeks.

“The completion is scheduled for Sept. 15,” Kildahl said. “A lot of detailed stuff is getting worked on now. There is work to do yet.”

When ground was broken on Oct. 1, 2007, the completion date for the project was estimated for Sept. 1, 2008. A cold and snowy winter hampered construction slightly, and Kildahl is impressed that the completion date looks to only be off the original estimate by two weeks.

“The project was moved back because of some extreme weather conditions this winter,” Kildahl said. “I think they did well getting it done this close to the original date. I think it is wrapping up nicely, except for some of the snow and cold, and a wet spring. All in all, it went pretty well.”

Kildahl said that work on the Police Building is on its “last leg.” The elevator is installed and operational, and testing of the fire alarm system has concluded. Landscaping around the building has also been finished, and telephone and internet service is now available. Kildahl said that the work in progress is finishing the installation of carpet and vinyl, as well as cabinetry, ceramic tile and furniture.

“A lot of the work right now is floor work,” Kildahl said. “We are putting on the finishing touches.”

There is no date set for the dedication of the building. Kildahl said that he expects the building will be dedicated some time in October, but he cannot commit to a time frame before the project is completed.

See Police building, page 3A

The project began just over 11 months ago, and the new facility — which is located on the site where the previous City Hall Annex Building once stood — includes four garage stalls, that will include a sally port and impound bay. It also features offices for the Police Chief, Lieutenants, administrative personnel and investigators, which are located on the first floor of the building, as well as a squad report room. The building also has a multipurpose room, evidence storage, and room for police training as well as future expansion capabilities.