05-22-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 22, 2013 GARAGE SITES 2013 report in which he reviewed seven possible sites for a new Public Works facility. The first site reviewed, which the Superintendent indicated had been the preferred site, was the Schrier site at South Owasso Blvd. and Spruce Street. The Superintendent indicated that based on soil borings, it is estimated that it could take a minimum of $800,000 in soil corrections for the size building that would be needed. The Superintendent reported that, as a result, he has put together a listing of other possible sites. The next site reviewed was the Precision Tree property at 50 South Owasso Blvd. The Superintendent reported that while the property is large enough to accommodate the Public Works operation, the current building is too small, so an addition would be needed. The Superintendent noted that while the owners have expressed an interest in selling in the past, he is not sure that they are still interested. The next site reviewed consists of the City -owned parcels on Twin Lake Blvd. This site had been considered for assisted living or townhome development. The Superintendent indicated that now that the housing market is improving, there could be renewed interest in this site. The consensus of the Council was that this would not be a good location for a new Public Works facility. The next site was the former Brings Onion property on Centerville Road. The Superintendent noted that the property has been vacant for a few years. Combining this site with the property to the north would provide adequate area for a Public Works facility as well as direct access to Pioneer Park for the Parks Department. While the area is somewhat residential in nature, it could be set up to screen everything outside from the residential homes. It is unlikely that any of the existing buildings could be salvaged so there would be demolition costs. While soil borings have not been done, the soils in this area should not be as poor as the Schrier site. The Council agreed that outdoor storage could be screened adequately, and it was noted that the Vadnais Heights Public Works garage is in a residential area and was designed to fit into the area. It was also pointed out that there is a good deal of commercial traffic on Centerville Road. The next site reviewed is located at Spruce Street and Country Drive and is owned by Lapham Hickey Steele. This site is visible from the freeway, however, the Superintendent noted that the Public Works operation does not require a great deal of outdoor storage. The Administrator pointed out that the City recently tried to obtain some easement area for the Spruce Street road improvement, and Lapham Hickey was not willing to sell the 5