Laserfiche WebLink
STAFF REPORT <br />DATE: March 19, 2024 <br /> Consent <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />AGENDA ITEM: Focus Engineering Facility Use Agreement <br />TO: Mayor and City Council <br />SUBMITTED BY: Julie Johnson, City Clerk <br />REVIEWED BY: Clark Schroeder, Sarah Sonsalla <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The old city hall building at 3800 Laverne Avenue North has been sitting empty for almost a year. <br />It is uncertain at this time what the future use of the building will be. For the foreseeable future, it <br />functions as a polling location and the old council chambers is used by the public for meetings <br />such as HOA meetings, neighborhood meetings and other groups of residents for prayer groups <br />and hobby related groups. Although the building is used 1-2 times per month, staff feel it would <br />be beneficial for the building to be occupied on a more regular basis. <br /> <br />Focus Engineering was recently notified that the space they were renting would no longer be <br />available. In the past, Focus was located in the Brookfield Building, next to the city offices. Staff <br />found it invaluable to have the Focus staff in close proximity for impromptu meetings, questions <br />and also for questions from residents. <br /> <br />ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: <br />Should Council approve the Facility Use Agreement with Focus Engineering? <br /> <br />PROPOSAL: <br />City Attorney Sonsalla has prepared a Facility Use Agreement with Focus Engineering (see <br />attached). There are limitations for the city to act as a landlord which is the reason for the use <br />agreement versus a lease. Staff feel that there is a benefit to the city in having the building occupied <br />and monitored on a regular basis, as well as the benefit to staff and residents with easy access to <br />the Focus Engineering team. As noted in the use agreement, Focus will reimburse the city for the <br />monthly energy costs and will allow continued use of the council chambers for residents and <br />elections. The term of the agreement runs concurrent with the city’s engineering services <br />agreement with Focus. <br /> <br />FISCAL IMPACT: <br />Reduction in energy bills for the building at 3800 Laverne and reduced risk of repairs for damage <br />and system malfunctions that could occur and go unnoticed if the building is vacant. <br /> <br />OPTIONS: <br />1) Approve Agreement <br />2) Amend and then approve Agreement <br />3) Do not approve Agreement