Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/25/2014

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limited, snow removal equipment and two ATVs have been moved into the police sally port parking area. This limits parking to only one squad in that area. He noted that some City -owned vehicles parked outside in the cold ramp are not used every day and have to be jump started in order to be used. In addition, the City is currently storing vehicles and equipment in the old police garage on Nowthen Boulevard. That storage space will be gone when the site is sold for development. Police Chief Way referenced a diagram of the parking ramp and described a location that would accommodate an enclosed storage space, serviced via an overhead garage door. He explained that City vehicles are already being parked in the ramp. Police Chief Way stated staff met with LSA Design, Inc., the original architect for the parking structure, to discuss enclosing a portion of the municipal parking structure. LSA has an understanding of the overall project and believes that a garage within the ramp is workable. LSA would charge a fee of $4,500 to complete Phase One that would include a Building Code analysis, schematic plans, and cost estimates. Police Chief Way stated the preliminary ballpark estimate for the project is $100,000. City Administrator Ulrich stated the second piece is to have LSA provide an electrical analysis to determine the cost benefit of removing metal halide parking ramp light fixtures and replacing them with LED fixtures. He stated an analysis was done with the parking lot expansion and it was determined the payback period was about five years for that retrofit. City Administrator Ulrich explained that if approved, they would conduct planning this year and construct the project with the 2015 CIP, possibly in conjunction with the Fire Station. He stated this storage space need is important, but not yet critical so staff supports taking the first step for Phase One. Councilmember LeTourneau asked whether the retrofit of the lighting would be for the entire parking ramp. City Administrator Ulrich stated that is correct. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the action requested is a consensus on Phase One to gather more information but not approve the entire project. City Administrator Ulrich stated that is correct. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if this is a temporary fix or a long -term solution. Police Chief Way explained that when the Municipal Center was designed, staff used every square inch and knew there was no extra space for indoor storage. He stated long - range, when there is a new Public Works facility, it will include space for indoor storage for things such as the Police Department's speed trailer that needs to be stored indoors and in an area without high humidity. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the Engineering Department stores its vehicles at Public Works because of the expensive GPS and other equipment they contain. City Council Work Session / February 25, 2014 Page 2 of 10