Youngstown city council is making an adjustment to its upcoming meeting schedule after news of problems with the fire escapes inside city hall surfaced Wednesday.

Seventh ward councilwoman Basia Adamczak told 21 News that fire chief Barry Finley informed her that there are issues with the fire escapes and that they need fixed, but that he wasn't prepared to make an official statement as the department was still in the information gathering phase. 21 News reached out to Finley earlier in the day Wednesday but as of this writing, has not heard back.

Adamczak told 21 News that Chief Finley had spoken with the state fire marshal's office, which said there's no need to close city hall, but to limit the number of people in the building at any one time. She also said the plan is to stream next week's committee and council meetings live, so as to keep a minimal number of people inside city hall and council chambers.

City law director Jeff Limbian said late Wednesday that a general maintenance review uncovered some "structural problems that can be fixed", adding that in the long run, "the feeling seems to be that it would be more cost-effective to replace it", and that it's "not affecting anyone's employment circumstances".

Adamczak also says a company has been retained to come in and evaluate the fire escapes, and building inspector Kevin Flinn will be organizing a fire drill for the employees at city hall.

Fire Chief Barry Finsley released a statement Thursday stating that to ensure the safety of all employees and citizens entering City Hall, a voluntary inspection of fire escape access was requested. 

Fire Escape Engineers conducted the inspection and determined that the fire escape system is in need of repair or replacement. Until repairs have been completed, access to the external emergency escape unit will be prohibited. 

City Council Chambers will not be used for public meetings of any kind until further notice.