CCP 03-30-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS . MEMORANDUM DATE: March 23, 1998 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator@ SUBJECT: City Hall Status Background The City is actively proceeding with planning for construction of a new City Hall facility at the Sunfish Lake site on Highway 96. However, our most recent information from the Minnesota National Guard has indicated the executed lease date upon which construction activities could begin has once again been delayed. At various times in the past, Councilmembers have expressed an interest in identifYing a future date that, if an executed lease is not in place with the Minnesota National Guard, "Alternative B" would be implemented. "Alternative B" has generally been interpreted to be rebuilding City Hall on the south side of Highway 96, on the parcel of land the City currently owns and occupies. . Recently, staff provided a brief verbal presen,tation to the Council regarding the lease of commercial space within the community until such time as the lease with the National Guard is executed. The Council reiterated its support for the construction of the new facility on Sunfish Lake, but directed staff to provide additional information related to a relocation to Control Data Systems (CDS), 4201 Lexington Avenue. The City Council and Department Heads have toured the CDS space in order to evaluate the issues related to such a move. In order to make an informed decision, staff has also investigated other leasing options available within the City. The following is intended to summarize some of the advantages/disadvantages ofleasing space, the timing issues related to this option and the two most viable sites. Current Facilities One of the factors to be considered as part of the decision on whether or not to lease space temporarily is the current conditions present at the eXisting City Hall. The City Council has indicated that the existing City Hall is quite inadequate, both for staff needs and the public needs. There is not sufficient office space, special project and/or normal work space, and private and/or public meeting space (council chambers). The decision to reorganize and add additional staff only amplifies these problems. In order to add one or more staff members, a portion of the work room, conference room or both must be used to office these individuals. ..