01-24-01 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 24, 2001 Ramsey County does not drop the wings when plow trucks are being stored. LaValle felt that as long as the wings were chained, the risk was negligible. The Public Works Director also pointed out that if the current garage were added on to, a sprinkler system would then have to be installed. The City Administrator reported that the requirement for a sprinkler system comes into play for additions over 2,000 square feet in size and depending on the use of the building. The Administrator agreed that it was likely that a sprinkler system would have to be added if the building is expanded. Scalze pointed out that a freestanding building could be added to the site to avoid the sprinkler requirement. Fahey stated that the City has to be convinced that the existing Public Works Garage will serve the needs of the City before any money is spent to upgrade the building. The Public Works Director pointed out that ADA requirements would also have to be met. The City Administrator noted that these requirements can be met, but to do so will utilized additional space in the building. The Public Works Director felt that the City needed a larger Public Works Garage. He pointed out that while the amount of equipment the City has is close to being where it should be, equipment seems to be getting larger. The City Administrator indicated that the City has to consider whether or not the existing building is adequate to meet the City's needs for the next 15 to 20 years. The Administrator pointed out that the metal construction of the existing building is not the best long-term solution. He also indicated that if the Council feels that in the long-term a new building should be constructed, today is the day to look at possible sites. LaValle asked about the Frattalone site. The City Administrator reported that the Frattalone shop consists of 11,000 square feet and would be very adequate in meeting the City's public works needs. He noted that the office space and out building could possible be sold along with excess property. There is also a fueling system that the City could possibly lease to Ramsey County. Scalze asked what Frattalone was asking for his property, and whether the Water & Sewer Capital Fund could cover the cost. Scalze also asked if the City put $150,000 into the existing building if it would serve the City's needs for the next 10 to 15 years. Scalze suggested that an option would be to do life safety upgrades on the existing building and purchase a piece of land for a future Public Works Garage site.