The Gary Common Council has been conducting its business for much of 2019 in buildings other than City Hall, as a leaking roof has required extensive repairs.

But council President Ronald Brewer said July 2 that progress is being made, and he anticipates that the council’s first meeting of September (Sept. 3) will mark the council’s return to its chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

Brewer said that stones have been replaced on the roof of the three-story structure, and that work to the outside of the roof likely will be complete later this month. Work during August is focusing on repairing damage that was caused by water that leaked through portions of the roof – including into the council chambers, officials said.

“I’ve walked up on the roof myself to make sure it’s all right to put the stones back in and that work is being done,” Brewer said.

The council had to relocate its during part of 2018 due to roof leaks and officials thought the repairs were done.

But a second batch of leaks were found early this year, which caused the council to move for a longer time period – first to the Genesis Convention Center at Fifth Avenue and Broadway, then for the past two months, to the ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen facility at 411 E. Fifth Ave.

Officials say they want to be sure the roof leaks of City Hall, which dates back to the mid-1920s, are thoroughly repaired before they return.

Council committees throughout the past two years have held hearings at City Hall inside the Cleo Wesson Lounge located down the hall from the council chambers even while repairs were made to the roof for the rest of the building.

Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.