1996.01.30 CC Minutes - Special Council meeting

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MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL _CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 3(:),_,L996 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fran Miron at 7:30 PM. PRESENT: Barnes, Goiffon, LaValle. Leroux. Miron Citi Administrator. Robert Museus The Fire Hall Committee reports were the first items discussed to determine the need for fire facilities in the community. Member Barnes reviewed information that the Council has received, which included the following reports: 1. Fire Hall meeting summary dated October 18, 1995 2. City Administrator's report dated November 15, 1995 3. Report and recommendations by four members of the Fire Department dated November 8, 1995 4. Comments from Dan Davis, a member of the Fire Hall Committee, dated January 1, 1996 5. Comments and recommendations from Walter Stoltzman, member of the Fire Hall Committee, dated January 1, 1996. 6. Comments and recommendations from Chief Jim Wisner dated January 29, 1996 Barnes made a motion, Goiffon seconded, to accept the conclusion of the Fire Hall Committee that the existing_ Fire Hall facilities do not meet the current and future needs of the Hugo Fire Department. All aye. Motion Carried. The Council then discussed the pros and cons for remodeling the existing facility versus construction of a new facility. The advantages to remodel are as follows: 1. The initial lower cost :_'. Potentially quicker construction due to the use of existing property and utilities. Neciat.ives to remodeling include the following: 1. Location of the building and potential safety problems on adjacent streets. . The immediate need to relocate the City Hall and its resulting expense. Parking problems and the fact that it may very well be only a temporary solution to the problem. 4. Space constraints on the property with the water tower and well, which could lead to compromises i.n design. Limitations on the remodeling imposed by the Existing facility, and that the remodeling will interrupt the work. at both City Hall and Fire Department as the facility is remodeled. The ongoing planning for the downtown revitalization was considered a nFUt.ral factor in remodeling, as many of the existing problems of the ck..krrent fire facility could be resolved through the downtown redevelopment process. On the other hand, leaving the Fire Hall at its existing .Location would place constraints on the commercial development in the area..