HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 [05] May 15
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May 15,2002
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council met in special sessionion Wednesday, May ~5,
2002 at 6:30 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall, 1
Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Bob Loso, Cory Ehlert, AI Rassier, Kyle Schneider,
Administrator/Clerk Judy Weyrens. I
Others Present: Dick Taufen, Jim Marthaler, Mike Sworski, Gary Donabauer. . . 1
Hosch stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed maintenance facility and authorize
the advertisement for bids. Hosch stated it is his opinion that whatever facility is constructed is a longl
term solution for maintenance spacing. If it is not, then the Council is not spending public funds corre6tly.
Ehlert and Loso stated that they have been working on the planning committee for the facility and the I
project initially began as an addition to the existing facility. However, it was noted that if the building ,
exceeded 12,000 square feet, a sprinkler system would be required; therefore, the facility is limited to the
same square footage. The new facility being planned consists of four-foot tip-up pre-engineered panels
and the design allows for the addition of a mezzanine. Loso stated that in checking with the public works
department, it has been determined that all the equipment owned by the City could be stored in the i
proposed facility. The building would be heated to 50 degrees in the truck bay and 70 degrees in the
office area, i
Loso and Ehlert stated that the site of the current facility is sufficient to accommodate the addition and
since the City already owns the property, it is also cost effective. The Planning Committee looked at I
alternative sites, but determined it wasn't financially feasibie for the City to purchase additional land.
Ehlert stated that in addition to not having to purchase land, the City can also save money by using the
existing electrical and plumbing fixtures, . I
Rassier stated that he believes the City needs to move forward with the maintenance facility, as it is long
overdue. However, Rassier stated that he shares the concern of Hosch, and questions if the Council i~
spending the City money prudently by using the existing site and fixtures. The existing site has limitations
and their may be a benefit to looking at alternative sites, 1
Public Works emplolyee Jim Marthaler questioned what process was used for the planning, as most of:
the Maintenance staff has not had the opportunity to comment on the proposal. Marthaler stated he is I
disappointed that the Council will not consider constructing a new facility with new electrical and I
plumbing. He questioned why go through the expense if the solution is only a band-aid, ,
Schneider concurred with Hosch and Rassier and stated that the future needs of the City must be
considered. When making a business decision you do not look at today, you look at tomorrow.
Schneider encourages the Council to reconsider the maintenance proposal before them,
Loso stated that the City does not have the available funds to build the facility the maintenance staff is I
requesting. The proposal before the Council is the best opportunity for the City, Ehlert concurred with I
Loso and stated he is tired of the proposal being criticized by the City Maintenance Staff and Council I
Members. If the City had unlimited financial ability the plan would be different, the reality is that the City'
can afford the building before them at this time. Therefore, Ehlert made a motion to advertise for bids
to demolish the existing facility and construct the new Maintenance Facility, The motion was
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Discussion: Loso reiterated that the City is building within their means and tonight is the first time
he has heard the maintenance staff is not suppor/ive of the facílíty, Mar/haler stated the staff was told I
that either they accept the plan as presented, or nothing will be built. Mar/haler stated that given that I
choice they would build the facility as presented. Public Works employee Mike Sworski stated that re-
using existing electrical and plumbing fixtures that are outdated and not to current code does not make
May 15, 2002
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sense. He further stated that the proposed space does not include any room for future expansion.
Therefore, if additional equipment is added, it cannot be stored inside.
The motion passed unanimously,
The Council was in general agreement that the building proposed can be placed on any piece of property
and if the City finds an alternative site, the same building would be constructed. If that is to happen the
City would incur additional costs such as utility extension and site preparation.
Tree Plannin~ _ 4th Avenue NE: Taufen stated the City has been approached to allow the planting of
trees along 4 0 Avenue NE, The tree planting is sponsored in part by the St. Joseph Healthy Communily
Partnership. Taufen stated the Ordinance does not allow any permanent objects in an easement area,
and trees would violate such. Hosch stated that he has researched the Tree CiIy program and it requires
the City to budget $ 2.00 per capita. At this time the City does not have the financial resource to make
such a commitment.
Loso made a motion to halt any tree planting in easement areas and refer this matter to the City
Engineer for comment. The motion was seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm; seconded by Ehelrt and passed unanimously.
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