10-23-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 23, 2013 security cameras in parks given the increase in park vandalism. Other key park improvements include $10,000 for replacement of boards on the Gervais Mill Park fishing piers, and $190,000 for Fire Barn Warming House replacement. At this point in the meeting, the Council reviewed the warming house replacement project. Dick Krumm, architect for the project, noted that the City Administrator contacted him and requested a listing of possible cost reductions for this project. The project has a Capital Improvement Budget amount of $150,000 from 2013 ($150,000 less $10,000 already spent) and is proposed to be increased to $190,000 for 2014 based on project estimates provided by the architect. Krumm submitted a list of potential project reductions which include the following: Sales Tax Savings $4,000 Remote Locking Devices $5,200 Reduce to One Restroom $22,500 Conventional Roof & Other Aesthetic Elements $17,750 Total Potential Cost Savings $49,450 Krumm reported that he did not put together a cost estimate for rehabilitation of the existing building and adding bathroom facilities. He reviewed the condition of the existing building, noting that due to the deterioration of the Klock at the base of the building and in other areas of the walls, as well as window and roof replacement, etc., a rehab of the building would not be cost effective. Blesener indicated that he has initiated the discussion about refurbishing the existing building as he had a difficult time justifying replacement of the existing warming house at a cost of $200,000. Blesener asked if improvements to the bank behind the building should be done at the time the warming house is replaced. He also noted that while the warming house is used only 2 to 3 months per year, the bathrooms that are proposed to be added would also be used in conjunction with the skateboard park. Blesener felt that with the reductions listed, the price of the warming house is getting down to a level where he could support the project. Blesener also noted that the location of the warming house is such that he feels a functional building is all that is necessary and some of the aesthetic features can be eliminated. McGraw asked about the ownership of the property. The Administrator noted that the property that the building sits on is owned by the City. The property on which the rinks are located is owned by St. Paul Regional Water. McGraw indicated that he has a difficult time with putting money into a building that will serve a recreational facility that the City does not 3