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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECEPtBER 18, 1995 <br />The Building Official stated that there are some fire <br />code issues which must be addressed. Building <br />improvements would not be forced under the Building <br />Code unless a building permit is applied for or an <br />occupancy changes. It is the occupancy change which <br />triggers the accessibility issues. The Building <br />Official stated that ADA requirements are not being <br />addressed, that is the duty of the Justice Department, <br />but there is not enforcement procedure. Enforcement is <br />triggered by complaint. <br />The Building Official reported that the MN State <br />Building Code will change in January. One of the new <br />requirements is for an elevator or interior ramp unless <br />the buildings meets some square footage limits or <br />occupancy loads. The old fire station is borderline in <br />making,that exception. However, the Building Official <br />noted there has been some discussion for expanding <br />exhibit space. That expansion would throw the building <br />over the threshold and at that time an interior ramp or <br />elevator would be required. Accessibility issues are <br />generating most of the costs that have been estimated. <br />Fahey asked if the City sold the building for a service <br />garage, would an elevator be required. <br />The Buildinq Official replied that one would be <br />required if both floors were utilized. <br />Morelan pointed out that it was never the intention to <br />use both floors for the same use at the same time. The <br />upper floor wold be independent from the lower level. <br />Morelan stated that he could see no reason for people <br />to go from one floor to another. The two levels are <br />used at different times for different purposes. <br />The Building Official stated that the Code says that as <br />lonq as the two levels are under one roof, an <br />accessible route must be provided between the two <br />floors in the building. <br />Morelan asked if the lower level is just used as a <br />basement, would an elevator or ramp be necessary. <br />The Building Official stated that the stairway would <br />have to be removed and the lower level turned into a <br />basement situation. The upper floor would have to be <br />accessible. The Building Official noted that there are <br />storage occupancies under the new Code that have to be <br />accessible. The Building Official pointed out that the <br />new Code goes into effect in January, therefore, it is <br />new to him. He would have to do some further analysis <br />4 <br />