02-11-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CTTY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 11, 2004 The Administrator pointed out that the Frattalone garage would provide the Public Works Department with a larger facility. However, the office space is not of use to the City, and without an office user, the City's acquisition of the property would be speculative. The Administrator noted that Family Academy has offered to buy the Frattalone property and then turn the garage space over to the City. However, that raises land use questions with the location of a school in an industrial park. The Administrator noted that Mr. Frattalone would like an answer from the City on these issues. He noted, however, that as it currently stands, the proposal does not appear to work. LaValle expressed concern with putting $500,000 to $600,000 in improvements into the City's current Public Works garage. The Administrator noted that the building could not be added onto without a variance, and the City would be ha~~d-pressed to grant a variance for an addition. However, if the Public Works Department remained in its current facility, there is the need for life-safety improvements. Fahey fe]t that part of the issue is whether or not the Public Works Department needs additional space, and that question cannot be answered until the issue of the future of the City's water system is answered. If St. Paul takes over the water system, life safety improvements at the existing garage may be all that is needed. Fahey suggested that the City slow down on the potential sale of the Noel Drive property to the Watershed at this time given the potential to locate a Public Works facility on that property. LaValle asked the timetable for resolving the water issue. The City Administrator pointed out that Roseville's contract with St. Paul Water is up for renewal in April. Once the City knows the Roseville rate, an economic analysis ca~i be done comparing the cost of retaining the City's water system with turning it over to St. Pau]. Anderson pointed out that Council Member Blesener has expressed his reservations for turning over the water system to St. Paul. Anderson also pointed out that the current Public Works building is non-conforming from a setback standpoint. Anderson felt there were more factors to consider other than the water issue, pointing out the difficulty of getting plows in and out of the current Public Works garage. Anderson noted that as part of the Family Academy proposal, the City would obtain the Frattalone garage space for free. Anderson felt that consideration had to be given to the long-term needs of the Public Works Department, and that the Frattalone garage provided the department with astate-of--the-art facility. Anderson was also concerned with the future use of the Frattalone site if it is sold on the open market. Anderson pointed out that Family Academy 4