Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/17/2015

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A. INTRODUCTION This section of the report provides a comparative analysis between the characteristics of the Ramsey Public Works facilities and the characteristics of the same departments in other comparable Minnesota municipalities. A comparative analysis of other municipalities, if used as a checks -and -balances comparison to the developed space program, can provide a quick snap -shot of the overall range of facilities that meet relatively similar requirements. The selection of comparable cities is primarily established based on population. Therefore it should be noted that variables in staffing, area of the city and age of existing facilities can create a range in the facilities.We do not utilize a facility comparison as the only means of projected space needs and a direct comparison is never truly possible, as no two cities are identical, the process can identify irregularities and areas to consider or reconsider or can confirm the projected program numbers, providing validity to the developed program. One item to be particularly aware of when comparing similar city's facilities is to recognize that these figures may not represent current planning that is underway to expand those facilities. The asterisks and key notes, noted at the bottom of each analysis, provide further information to qualify the information provided in the spreadsheet. Projected or in -process expansion is an indicator of current space deficiencies, particularly important in weighing the relevance of their current facilities sizes to those projected for the City of Ramsey. The total of the comparative studies are averaged for ease of quick review, however each municipality's characteristics should be reviewed individually to best understand how their facility size (with projected expansion, if indicated) supports the population, and then compared with the projected numbers for the Ramsey's facilities. B. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY The methodology for identifyingthe municipalitiesto be considered for the analysis consists of collecting a variety of information. BKV Group researched and identified a few municipalities, or "sister - cities", that seem to be similar in nature, size or community demographics from which to base the comparisons. In our analysis, a range of near -metro and out -state municipalities was used to provide a broad cross-section of comparative information. Other criteria used to select comparison information included geographic location along a major highway system or major transportation corridor. The cities in this comparison were identified and ranked by municipality with a population range of 16,000 to 40,000. The V. Facility Comparisons population differentiation is an important designation, as it often correlates with the facility size, number of employees it is supporting, and square footage per capita of residents served. However, the size of a municipal public works facility can vary greatly from one to another depending on the types of services provided and the geographic size of the area serviced. C. ANALYSIS / SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Comparison of Existing Facility: The comparative analysis for the public works facility indicates that the City of Ramsey's Public Work's facility is similar to the comparable municipalities' facilities. A major factor in considering the usefulness of a public works facility is the efficiency of the layout and movement of vehicles and materials.The layout of the existing facility creates inefficiency in operation flow, segregating personnel and provides marginal fleet maintenance and storage. Overall, the facility is greatly undersized when compared to similar municipalities. Projections: When comparing Ramsey's projections for the 2030 timeframe, the projected facility size is within the range of other municipalities in the area. The projected requirements for the Ramsey Public Works facility is primarily based on providing adequate vehicle storage, service bays and proper staff support space. In the comparison below 15 Minnesota cities are listed ranging in population from 16,500 to 39,000.With public works facilities that range in size from 44,900 square feet to 1 1 1,679 square feet, with the average facility being more in the 66,000 square feet range. As a snap shot Ramsey's existing public works facilities totals at approximately 32,000 square feet which is well below the current public works standards.The programmed area based on the size and operations ofthe City of Ramsey is 66,205 square feet, which is in line with current area requirements for public works operations. V. I Ramsey Public Works Study - Comm. No. 1937.02 DRAFT BKV GROUP