2006 10-16 CC PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

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Magnuson reported that Gem Lake is interested in acquiring a 1.6 acre parcel of property adjacent to the south side of the Township -owned parcel. He explained that Gem Lake has, in its Comprehensive Plan, identified that area of the city as a good place to locate a park. Magnuson stated that this might be an opportunity to expand the "Heritage Hall" campus to the adjacent property. Magnuson also reported that he has had recent discussion with Ramsey County Public Works, regarding the possibility of a Goose Lake Road extension, which could run immediately through the adjacent property. He noted that there have been traffic concerns from both the Gem Lake and Township residents relating to speeding and traffic loads on Otter Lake Road. He explained that Gem Lake is looking at the opportunities / benefits that may come from obtaining the adjacent parcel, including realignment of the right-of-way. Rafferty indicated on a map where the current Town Hall is located and where the proposed Heritage Hall facility would be located, which he explained is at the intersection of Otter Lake Road and Goose Lake Road. Rafferty stated that the idea for the Heritage Hall facility is to have it completed so that it can be occupied sometime in September/October/November of next year. He stated that it is proposed to vacate the Town Hall, and that the Heritage Hall building can be used by the Township during the time when the Town Hall is being relocated and restored. He noted that while there are two different projects going on, ,there will be some dependency on each other for the timely execution of the schedule sequence. He stated that the real goal for the Township is the May 11, 2008, sesquicentennial. Rafferty stated that there are some joint use requirements, such as a vestibule, entry area, place for coats, restrooms, and a reception area, which can serve both as a secretarial position for the City of Gem Lake as well as reception and directional assistance for White Bear Township and others. He explained that the building will also serve as a location for voting and meeting rooms for multipurpose city functions. Rafferty stated that the building is proposed to have a conference meeting room, control room, cable casting room, filing area, kitchenette, general storage, stairway to al low access to basement, janitor's area. He reported that 1,000 square feet has been planned for a basement because this is the maximum size without having to provide a second exit. Rafferty stated that at this time, the basement would be for storage and utility purposes only, and in this particular case, it would not be served by an elevator, however, the basement could be completed in the future, and another exit and elevator can be added. He noted that there has been discussion on thermal or solar systems, however he stated that a good healthy level of insulation with natural ventilation and natural lighting can go a long way to create a very sustainable and efficient building without having to go into more complex systems. He reported that the parking area is planned for 22 sites, and that the day-to-day requirement is 11. He reported that there is an area to allow for future expansion of the building. Rafferty stated that sanitary water and sewer will be extended to the site, however it has not been determined if they will be provided by Gem Lake or the Township. He noted that the Township services are the closest. He stated that sidewalks and patios will also have to be considered. Rafferty presented photographs of the property and the quality of the trees, noting that there are some significant trees but that most is underbrush. He stated that there is a slight differential in the topography where it is lower by the railroad tracks and then rises slightly. He stated that most of this is in the setback of the overhead lines and the setback requirements of the railroad. Rafferty reported that the bulk of the property is on higher flat ground, and very little is in the lower area. Rafferty presented a simplified drawing of the proposed facility, explaining that there is an entry area centered, offices to the left, a large meeting hall to the right, and an open space to connect them, and there is an area that could allow for a possible future extension. He stated that the building will have an immediate access off of Otter Lake Road, and if in future, the extension of Goose Lake Road comes about, a second access can be facilitated to give equal access to both entrances. He stated that the building and parking can be organized so that it would give equal emphasis to both entries (a gesture toward two communities). Rafferty stated that it is important to note that the Town Hall was designed by noted Architect, Cass Gilbert, early in his career. He stated that Gilbert is perhaps the most noted architect in the State of Minnesota, and that he went on to do projects of a completely different scale, such as the Woolworth Building, the State Capitol, etc. Rafferty also pointed out that noted Architect Edward Lundy has designed buildings in Gem Lake. He stated that the idea is to find a way to interpose the kind of character of these architects into Heritage Hall. He noted that it will not be to mimic Cass Gilbert or Edward Lundy, but to borrow on their tradition to establish a building with its own identity. Rafferty reviewed a draft of a rough budget for the building, explaining that it is proposed to be approximately 3,700 square feet, with a basement of 1,000 square feet. He noted that the Township has already purchased the property. J He stated that soft costs include surveys, legal costs, insurance, architects, engineering, landscaping, testing, security, communications, permits, miscellaneous equipment, supplies, moving, furniture, contingency and others. He stated that Page 2 of 5