Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/09/2013

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the 12,000 - square -foot design is on the high side but that was the suggestion of the consultant. Fire Chief Kapler addressed needs versus wants relating to building components, including training space that has been beneficial at the Fire Station on Armstrong Boulevard. Fire Chief Kapler explained the BKV Group estimate from today until the building can be used is 13 months. If the project is moved forward and the current lot is sold, the Council will have to address where staff and apparatus will go until the new Station is completed. He stated he would like to consider budgeting funds in 2014 to start the design phase (expected to take 5 months). It was noted that a public informational meeting will be held on April 18, 2013. Councilmember Kuzma asked how much the design phase will cost. Fire Chief Kapler stated estimated $50,000 to $60,000. Councilmember Elvig asked if the Council has already received a project budget that included the design phase. Fire Chief Kapler stated the Council did receive a project budget. Councilmember LeTourneau asked what is the motivation for this consideration, because there is a user for the current site or needs. Fire Chief Kapler stated it is all of the above, explaining there are safety issues and lack of efficiencies as the Fire Station is using a fraction of the old City Hall building but the entire building is heated and moderately cooled. He indicated the Fire Department can continue to use the current site but if a user is found, it would be a better use. In addition, staff has run funding scenarios and if the old City Hall property is sold for the expected use (data center), the sale will cover much of the anticipated costs. Mayor Strommen explained that when the new Municipal Center was constructed and the Fire Department moved into the old City Hall, it was never expected that the Fire Department would remain there forever. Councilmember Backous asked if grants are available for Fire Station construction. Fire Chief Kapler stated he did make application for a federal grant but it was not approved. Councilmember Elvig stated he is willing to consider moving forward with the design phase and asked about a temporary site. Fire Chief Kapler stated if the two overlap (sale of the old City Hall site and construction of the new Fire station), they could consider interim use of the old grocery store in the commercial node at 167 or the concrete plant by Public Works. He stated there is not an ideal site to keep the coverage area perfect, but it would be a reasonable risk as long as it is on a timeline. City Council Work Session / April 9, 2013 Page 2 of 6