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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 17, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55421 OCTOBER 17, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING Mayor Nawrocki stated that the purpose of the meeting was as stated on the agenda: discussion on and amendment to specifications for the Public Safety Building construction and City Hall remodeling. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ~MENDMENT Interim City Manager Stuart Anderson reported that it has been learned that it is mandatory to include an elevator as a part of the Public Safety Building construction and City Hall remodeling. According to the State Building Code~ if there are more than one hundred persons on the second floor of a structure at one time, or if there is an assembly area for more than fifty people, an elevator is required. Mr. Anderson went on to say that he was asking to be authorized to amend the specifications to include the installation of an elevator. Also, due to some rather severe leakage, Mr. Anderson was also requesting to amend the specifications to include a complete sealing on the roof in lieu of the patching which was proposed. This would also include installing insulation from the roof. Initially, the ~.nsulation was going to be done from the inside. This change would ensure a more complete job. Cost estimates for the proposed new amendments, as indicated by the architect on the project, Mr. Robert Diedrich, were an additional $18,000 for the elevator and an additional $20,000 for the re-roofing. Approximately $2,000 would be saved by e!iminatin~ a stairway (the elevator was taking the place of the stair- way) and by eliminating the roof patching. There was discussion, on the breakdown of costs on the project as estimated at this point. Mr. Anderson stated that he was recommending using General Fund Surplus monies for additional or amended costs, rather than amending the federal grant which had been received for the construction. Councilman Norberg suggested making other changes in the plans to eliminate other costs to 'even out' the additional costs which would be incurred by the addition of the elevator and re-roofing. October' 17, 1977 Ur. Anderson replied that this would cause costly delays. The City was on a tight project schedule imposed by the federal ~overnment due to the grant. He also stated that tae did not know where additional cut backs could be made. Discussion then centered around the elevator. Councilman Heintz stated that as he understands the situation, the Council does not have much choice. They could either comply with the law or try to circumvent it. He emphasized that he was not recommending the second choice. He went on to say that, since there is a surplus in t~e General Fund, it should be expended. He asked the Council not to belabor the point in discussion on the matter. Councilman Logacz stated that, regardless of the requirements, installing an elevator is a worthy addition to the project. He noted that an elevator in itself would not take care of evacuation in case of an emergency, but it would be essential for handicapped people. )lotion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the Citv ~anager to proceed with amendments to the specifications on the Public Safety Building construction and City Hall remodeling in an amount not to exceed $38,000. Councilman Hentges argued that the handicapped had been provided for with a chairlift on one of the stairways. (This was in the original specifications, and ~ould be taken out if the elevator were to be added.) He questioned the need for an elevator, asking if the chairlift wouldn't be good enoug~ to meet requirements. l~e also questioned the amount of money being expended on the project, stating that perhaps Columbia Heights did not need this type of facility. Councilman Norberg asked what would be involved in making changes in the plans to lower the cost of construction to allow for these proposed additions. Mr. Anderson repleid that t+~e grant may or may not h~' changed. Any changes would, however, require major re-drawing of the plans. This would requ~e a considerable amount of time, and ~[r. A~derson reminded the Council that the project is on a tight schedule. Councilman Heintz asked what the difference between a chair lift and an elevator is. Attorney !lalina replied that any type of open elevator, such as a chair lift, would not satisfy the elevator requirements. Councilman Heintz stated that, if the Council still wanted to build the building, the elevator would have to be added. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he supports the addition of the elevator. He cited examples of elderly people and people using crutches having a difficult time using the stairs. The Mayor began discussing the project budget, which he felt should be amended at this time. He suggested adding $5,000 to the budget as a contin- gency. He asked Mr. Anderson about the negotiations with Ur. and Mrs. Carl Johnson, 545 Mill Street, regardin~ acquiring their property to use for parking. October 17, 1977 Mr. Anderson stated that he had a tentative agreement with the Johnsons in an amount of $33,650 and up to $300 for moving costs. Closing costs and attorney fees could cost the City up to $200. The Mayor added $34,100 as being the cost of acquiring the Johnson property. The final figure to be added was the $38,000 estimate on the proposed amendments; the elevator and re-roofing. The total additional amount to be added to the project cost would be $77,100. The maker (Logacz) and seconder (Heintz) of the motion authorizing the City Manager to proceed with the amendments reworded their motion to read: that the budget for the public safety building construction and City Hall remodeling be amended to include an additional $77,100. This amount includes the addition to the specifications of an elevator and a complete sealing of the roof. There was additional discussion on the amendments to the specifications and the total cost of the project. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Secretary