Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/26/2019

Home

Community Development Director Gladhill provided additional details on the assessed value of a property. He noted that one of the properties has four offers on the table at this time. Councilmember Riley asked if renting one of these buildings would be an option. He stated that he would be more interested in renting on a short-term basis rather than owning. He also asked the feasibility that the buildings could be used for public works. City Administrator Ulrich noted that option was not discussed. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that Quality RV is too small to be worth it. He stated that the other site would work much better as the storage could be moved to that space but noted that operations would still be split between facilities because that second space does not have outdoor space. He noted that option would be more feasible. Councilmember Kuzma stated that in the past he has not been very supportive of a new public works building because of funding concerns. He stated that in the last few discussions there have been some creative funding options presented. He noted that it is very inefficient to have separate operations between two sites and would rather take advantage of the low interest rates and build the new public works campus now. Mayor LeTourneau referenced the estimated cost of the acquisition of the distribution building and asked if that could be applied towards the land acquisition costs for Highway 10. City Administrator Ulrich noted that would not be a possibility as the land would be used for a frontage road and not for the highway or interchange. Mayor LeTourneau asked if the acquisition of the distribution building would put public works in a favorable position for the next ten years. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that would depend upon what could be done with that building, noting that a mechanics bay and wash bay would be his highest needs. He stated that the distribution building does not have floor drains, and therefore those would also be needed. Mayor LeTourneau stated that Councilmember Kuzma's comment is well taken that this could be wasting money to put a band-aid on something. Councilmember Heinrich agreed that the cost savings would need to be analyzed to determine if this would be a good option. Councilmember Kuzma stated that his biggest problem is that the building has been for sale for ten to 15 years and therefore he would also have concern that the City would not be able to sell the property in the future. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would also be interested in what would be lost on the tax base. City Council Work Session /March 26,2019 Page 7 of 9