DALTON, Mass. — Solutions are being sought for the lift in Town Hall that has been out of service since December because of safety concerns. 

 

Building Grounds Superintendent Jeff Burch told the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee meeting on Tuesday night that Hill Engineering has been contracted to come up with a potential option.

 

The lift is in the police station and the only other lift for the town hall is in the library, which is not accessible after library hours. 

 

Previous attempts by Garaventa Lift to repair it have been unsuccessful. 

 

Replacing it in the same location is not an option because the new weight limit requirement went from 400 pounds to 650 pounds. Determining whether the current railings can hold 650 pounds is outside the scope of Garaventa's services to the town. 

 

The first option Hill has proposed is to install a vertical lift in a storage closet to the left of the police entrance, which would go up into the town account's office. 

 

A member of the committee expressed concern that the current office location may not be suitable as it could hinder access to the police station during construction.