10/22/1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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'2141 COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 22, 1994 4. The total cost of 68,000 square feet of facilities, without land or furnishings, is estimated to be $5 million, based on an assumed cost of $100/square foot for office and public space, and $50/square foot for garages and storage. Mr. Reinert said he considered $100/square foot low, because of state mandated requirements. Mr. Bergeson introduced the results of a staff mini -survey which indicated a strong preference to see city hall combined with other facilities. The opinions differ on what those other facilities should be. Lake Drive/south of I -35W and Birch Street/Hwy. 49 tied for first place for location preference. A combined city hall, police and public works was first choice of respondents. Ms. Kuether noted that maintenance would be cheaper if all city departments were under one roof. Mr. Bergeson informed the Council that the Centennial School Superintendent has proposed that the school district offices be located in the new city hall. The school district needs approximately 10,000 square feet of space for about 10 years. As school enrollment decreases, the district would return to space within a school building, and the city could take over the vacated space. Mr. Bergeson said this was worth exploring if a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached. Mr. Bergeson added that Mary LaForest, economic development assistant, is working on a study on the concept of creating a downtown as part of coursework for a class she is taking. The results of the study can be useful in evaluating the town center concept for municipal facilities. During discussion of the facilities study Mr. Reinert said combining city facilities into a campus -like setting could be an anchor for other facilities, such as a community center. He added he hoped the city would build high quality facilities, because it would be here for many years, and would be an element of community pride. He said his first preference is a campus setting on Birch Street, with public works located at another site. Mr. Schumacher said it was critical to focus on land, which would amount to approximately 6 percent of the project cost. Ms. Elliott stated her preference was Birch Street and Centerville Road because of potential growth of the area. Ms. Kuether said she felt a Birch Street/Hwy. 49 location would take good land off the tax rolls. She said she preferred something centrally located, anywhere north of Lilac Street that was not residential or commercial. Mr. Schumacher said a city facility near the correctional facility would project a different image than a facility located elsewhere. Other possible sites discussed were the Cardinal Farm, Lake Drive, behind Fina Mart, with an entrance road from Lake Drive, and behind Rehbein's on 77th Street near Schwans. Mr. Reinert suggested city hall might attract commercial businesses. Ms. Kuether said the Council needed input from Brian Wessel. Members agreed to focus on sites, cost for purchase of a site, and how the city would pay for it. 1 1