HomeMy WebLinkAbout[09a] Chamber Update
9(a)
Council Agenda Item
MEETING DATE:
November 7, 2013
AGENDA ITEM:
St. Joseph Chamber Request
SUBMITTED BY:
Administration
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
The St. Joseph Chamber appeared at the October Council meeting
to request to utilize office space one day a week, creating visibility for the Chamber. The Council
requested the Administrator and EDA meet with the representative from the Chamber to discuss concerns
and options.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff, including the Police Chief, had concerns with a non-
employee occupying the front desk on a weekly basis. The desk is in the center of circulation and there
are times when people come to see the PD and the business is discussed in the lobby. The City has an
expectation of employees and can manage those issues if they arise, as they are employees of the City. In
addition people coming in would not know that they are not employees and would perceive them as
employees looking for assistance. Cynthia already has this issue when she is here. People will drop of a
water bill with her or ask questions. If space were to be used, it seemed better for that person to be
located in the lower level and staff could work around use of the conference room.
As an alternative, the Wobegon Center was discussed. The facility was constructed and funded by the St.
Joseph Chamber and City. The S. Joseph Chamber was the led agency and turned the facility over to the
City once the building was complete. The building is currently not heated and used very little, no more
than six times per year. If the building were heated, the Chamber could use the space as their office and
sponsor events and conduct meetings at the site. The City would still have the ability to rent out the
facility when they are not using it. It would only require coordination between the Chamber and City, the
same as is done with the Fire Department. Robin Sand was excited about the idea and since the facility is
regional in nature the City could use sales tax funds to improve the building, adding to the capital. Once
heated the City could offer rental of the building year round.
Terry has provided the following project cost to heat the building:
Metro Plumbing and Heating $7,651.00 includes air conditioning
Xcel gas line installed from 1st Ave $3,400.00
Electrician for ceiling fan and wiring of furnace $2,350.00
roll up window insulation fabrication estimated $500.00
30 hrs of staff time $1,650.00
$15,551.00
Total estimated cost
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
Consideration of up to $ 20,000 for improving the Wobegon
Welcoming Center
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Determine if the project should move forward
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