The Wright City Board of Aldermen has authorized entering into negotiations with Cochran-Jema Design to design the $1.5 million city hall/police department project.The move comes less than a month after aldermen approved purchasing the old St. Charles Assembly of God Church at 636 Westwoods Road.The plan calls for remodeling the church building for a new Wright City Hall.Aldermen noted that the city has a long history of working with Cochran and Jema.Wright City Mayor David Heiliger said what set Cochran and Jema apart from the other firms was their presentation, which he said described a visionary design that could be accomplished on a tight budget.“In their presentation, it was more of a vision of what we thought Wright City would be, especially with a tight budget. Their presentation just stood out,” Heiliger said.If a contract agreement is reached, the firm would begin the preplanning phase of the city’s relocation to its new headquarters as part of a bond passed by voters in April.City officials plan to renovate and redesign the 10,000-square-foot building, add parking space and possibly use the lower levels for a food pantry and storm shelter.For aldermen, finding the best design firm is crucial because the firm would essentially redesign areas for places citizens most frequent. The new city hall would be more of a city complex with the $320,000 purchase including the 4 1/2-acre property surrounding the church.Due to the building’s location between Wright City West Elementary and Wright City High School, city officials have also discussed using the remaining land surrounding the property for construction of two ballfields and a playground, which could create an athletic complex.Building restoration and additional construction could be completed sometime in 2017.The Wright City Police Department would remain in its current facility at 203 Veterans Memorial Highway, which it has shared with city government offices for 20 years.“This is desperately needed,” Wright City Economic Director Karen Girondo said.In other action, aldermen:• Approved a permit for an outdoor celebration for Ball’s Q-Shack’s 10-year anniversary; and• Approved a redesign of the Wright City Welcome Sign.Wright City