While water mitigation efforts are underway at the Butler city building, city council is considering whether now is the best time to modernize.

Council voted unanimously at its forum meeting on Thursday, Dec. 4, to approve a quote from RestoPros of Pittsburgh for water mitigation at a cost of about $23,500.

“(It’s) kind of post-facto here to get it into the record, but this is the cleanup and that,” Mayor Bob Dandoy explained at the meeting.

The vote comes just a little over a week after a pipe in the upstairs restroom of the city building burst, causing significant damage throughout the facility. The damage was discovered by city clerk Mindy Gall on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Dandoy said at Thursday’s meeting the crew working on the city building has done a “great job” thus far. He also noted that while the building was seeing extensive work, this might also be the best time to consider upgrades.

“I think this would be an ideal time, with (the building) all ripped up and being able to look at pipes and stuff behind walls,” he said.

Some examples of work Dandoy would like to see include new flooring and paint. He said he would also like to get quotes on larger projects, such as modernization upgrades to the council chambers.

“(We can) get some things in there in council chambers like video screens so people can come and do presentations,” he said.

While no action was taken regarding potential upgrades, council discussed what type of flooring they would like to see in the building. Councilman Larry Christy suggested having city building employees vote on whether the floor is carpeted or vinyl, while Councilman Troy Douthett suggested staying with carpet.

No timeline was available regarding the water mitigation efforts and the reopening of the city building, Dandoy said.