Aurora mayor's office to get $127,000 makeover

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner's office is slated to receive a makeover that could cost up to $127,000, and not everybody is happy about it.

Aldermen approved the project in a 7-3 vote Tuesday, following a heated argument that prompted some audience members to chime in -- uninvited -- with their own criticisms. Two officials were absent.

The mayor's office, on the third floor of city hall, hasn't been renovated since 1985 and no longer provides an efficient layout for his staff, officials say.

The office will get new carpeting, ceiling tiles, doors, paint and electrical upgrades.

Roughly $34,000 has been budgeted for furnishings, including new workstations, a multimedia display, a desk, conference table and chairs.

The project may not cost the full amount, leaders say.

Aldermen Richard Irvin, Stephanie Kifowit and Rick Lawrence voted against the upgrades.

Lawrence, as he has in the past, raised the most vocal objections, mostly about the work's necessity and cost.

Following his questioning, which centered on changes from previous estimates, the talk turned heated.

At one point, Aldermen Bob O'Connor seemingly lost patience, telling Lawrence, "Once in a while, you might want to give us credit."

The project, part of this year's budget, has been on the city's radar for several years, Weisner said. The council had planned to renovate city hall floor by floor, he said.

Some residents in the audience, already upset with Weisner over the opening of a Planned Parenthood clinic, began randomly yelling out their own comments.

That prompted police Chief William Powell, who was sitting in the crowd, to stand up and warn people they would "be removed" if there were more disruptions.

"Do you feel you need a $14,000 desk?" Lawrence then asked Weisner, referring to the amount allocated for some furnishings, including a wooden desk, conference table and chairs and more.

"I will not have it," Weisner shot back. "I'm quite happy with my desk."