12-18-95 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECENIBER 18, 1995 on the issue of basement use for the lower level. Finsness pointed out the LCRA's use of the lower level of the old fire station, and to continue that use the two levels would have to be accessible. Morelan stated that from a practical standpoint, an elevator was not needed. Fahey pointed out that there is ground floor access to the lower level. The Administrator suggested that the City may avoid the elevator issue if it continues the present use of the building. The two west bays would be used for storage purposes with no occupancy. Finsness was not sure the building could be kept under the 3,000 square foot threshold. The Building Official stated that that was open to interpretation because the Code does not say whether the square footage is gross or net. If net square footage is used, entry areas, hallways, actual wall space can be factored out and the square footage is then below 3,00o square feet. However, if the City expands the use of the building, the square footage goes over 3,000 square feet and the accessibility issue must then be addressed. Fahey did not believe it made sense to put $200,000 into the building. Fahey suggested that the City match the grant funds it has and do some limited improvements and continue the use of the building as is. The City Administrator pointed out that the grant was for accessibility issues, they may be useable for restroom improvements, etc. Heating and ventilation improvements would be the City~s cost. Fahey pointed out that it sounds as though if the City were to sell the building, these sorts of improvements would have to be made. Scalze'pointed out that the Historical Society did not ask for use of the west bay, and could exist in the east bay. The City Administrator pointed out that the Historical Society was looking to expand their exhibit area over what presently exists. This is likely not possible since the expansion would change the occupancy level of 5