CCP 10-21-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I' ~. Memorandum - City Facilities Page Three I October 16,1996 I City Hall Design Issues The citizen's committee found that one of the key problems with the present site is that it lacks enough work space, meeting space and open areas, to adequately conduct city business, and I allow for citizen participation. To address this, the new plan provided for a large community room, larger Council Chambers, improved work space and ADA accessibility. I November. 1992 Bond Referendum With all of this information, the citizen's committee recommended to the City Council that the City proceed with the construction of the new facilities. In order to accomplish this, a bond I referendum was necessary. The referendum would have authorized up to $2.8 Million to finance the cost of the new Public I Works building. The referendum did not include any financing request or action related to the proposed City Hall. The City Hall was proposed to be financed through proceeds from the sale of the current City Hall/Public Works site, and from savings set aside for the purpose of building I City Hall. The referendum failed by a very slim margin. TCAAP Site Seleetion .. As part of the site selection process in 1992, the City initiated conversations with the Department of Army about the transfer of a portion of TCAAP to the City. A formal request was first made I in mid-I 992. At the time of the referendum, the availability ofthe Arsenal land was unknown. As a result of the referendum decision, the City began reviewing the City facility options. Specifically, siting alternatives, financial options and building costs. Most of 1993 and 1994 was I spent working, to no avail, with the Department of Army to release Arsenal land. Temporary City Faeilities I In order to relieve the growing space problems at City Hall, in October of 1993, the Council elected to relocate the Council Chambers to New Brighton. The former Council Chambers were then renovated to house portion of the current City offices. The move to New Brighton was I supposed to be temporary and short term. Minnesota State Statute is very clear that meetings can be held on a temporary basis outside the City limits on an emergency basis, or ifno convenient and adequate facilities are available. I In August, 1994, the Council directed staff to prepare information regarding improvements needed, and anticipated costs, to temporarily (2 - 5 years) move the City Council and staff. The I City considered sites on Red and Grey Fox Roads, TCAAP Buildings 105 and 189, and other land/space opportunities. After reviewing these options, the Council tabled further discussions I of temporary facilities until December, 1994. it I ----------