02-12-1986 CCMMINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND
POLICE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
Mayor Ackland called the special joint meeting to order at 8:30 P.M. in the fire
station conference room. The following were present: Mayor Paul L. Ackland,
Alderman Mike Carls, Alderman John Miinar, Alderman Marlin Torgerson, and
Alderman Pat Mikulecky; Police Chief Dean O'Borsky, Officer Chuck Jones, Sgt.
John Gregor, Phyllis Hegrenes, Dick Burgart, Chad Piehl, and Pat Durfee. Also
present: City Administrator Gary D. Plotz.
FINANCING ALTERNATIVES
City Administrator Plotz presented a report on financing alternatives for the
proposed police station.
1. It is estimated that $539,000 will be available October 1986
in the federal revenue sharing account-.
2. A balance of $100,000 is left in the fire station construction
fund. However, use of this money would require a Council reso-
lution and special legislation or the alternative of voter ap-
proval.
3. The general fund balance has increased in recent years. In 1984
the balance was $800,000, but 1985 is not yet complete. However,
there were issues to take into consideration.
4. Mr. Plotz stated the State Statute allowed for an inter -fund loan
between the utilities and the City for a portion of the total cost
of the project. This activity would involve a one-time increase in
annual contribution to the City. This option would be subject to
approval by the Utilities Commission.
5. The additional funding needed could be on a referendum.
POLICE STATION SITES)
Mayor Ackland addressed the issue of a proposed site for the police station. He
stated the Council had reconsidered its previous action to locate the police
station on Highway 7 East and Prospect Street. Therefore, five possible sites
close to the downtown area were reviewed on a city map and discussed according
to advantages and disadvantages.
1. Lot 7 & 8. Block 50 North of City Hail
Advantage: - Close to City Hall
- Keep facility downtown
- Possible use of present facility
- Close to old fire station for storage purposes
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 12, 1986
Disadvantage: - Cost to acquire Lot 7
- Parking problem
2. Lots 3 & 41. Block 15 Next to Evergreen Apartments)
Advantage: - City -owned property
- Close to downtown
Disadvantage: - Uncertain of apartment building residents'
feelings re. location of police station
3. Lot 10 and E 112 Lot 9, Block 11 East of Elementary School
Advantage: - Close to downtown
- Parking available
Disadvantage: - Cost of acquisition
- Lot size and shape
4. Lots 4 & 5, Block 25 East of Fire Station
Advantage: - Close to downtown
- City -owned parking lot
- Adjacent property owned by City employee
- Possible sharing of facility
- Use of fire station bond fund monies
Disadvantage: - Cost of acquisition
- Possible parking problem
- Closing of alley
5. Franklin Street City Parking Lot and Property North of Dentist Office
Advantage: - Close to City Hall and garages
- Close to downtown
Disadvantage: - Cost of acquisition
Alderman Torgerson reported that Barry Anderson would be meeting with the son of
the property owner at Lot 7, Block 50 regarding the possibility of moving the
existing house to city -owned property at another location. The approximate cost
to move the house would be $35,000, with an additional $9,500 for digging a
basement, trenching and water hookup.
Officer Jones questioned the free access from the present police garage to the
alley. He stated there was a need for access from more than one direction.
The City -owned property west of the bridge on Hwy. 7 West and School Road was
discussed. Mayor Ackland commented that the City Engineer had determined the
cost for constructing a service road, etc., would be about the same cost as to
move the house from Lot 7, Block 50.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 12, 1986
Mr. Chad Piehl mentioned that there was property available on Hassan, with a
potential for future expansion.
SIZE OF BUILDING
Mr. Chad Piehl commented that the type of materials chosen for construction de-
termined the cost of the building. He suggested the building committee meet
with the architect to eliminate unnecessary areas from the plan. It was the
consensus of the committee that a police facility could be constructed for
$750,000, without including the architect's fee.
The various areas of the building were discussed. The basement area would be
used for a storm shelter, emergency operating area, and other uses, including
an exercise room. Alderman Mikulecky inquired about using the existing jail
cells, and he was told that the security area tied together as one unit.
Mr. Dick Burgart remarked that the building committee had reached the end of
its ability to do anything further until a site and architect were selected.
ARCHITECT
The committee felt it had selected the best architect with a workable knowledge
of police stations when it recommended Thorbeck & Lambert. This firm could do
both architect and engineering work. Also, the recommended architect stressed
the importance of materials versus cost of building and costs for continued
maintenance. Mayor Ackland stated the firm had reduced some of its services in
order to cut the architect fee one percent.
Mr. Chad Piehl stated he had been contacted by a St. Cloud construction engineer
to give a presentation to the committee.
It was the consensus of the Council that sites No. 1 and 4 were first and second
choice for a police station, subject to acquisition of the necessary property.
Also, the Council would concur with the committee's recommendation of Thorbeck &
Lambert as architectural firm, contingent upon the total fee of the project be-
ing 7-1/2%. The City would waive the building fees.
TOP 20 OBJECTIVES FOR 1986
The City Council discussed the selection of the top 20 objectives for 1986 and
submitted their forms to the City Administrator for ranking.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
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