The existing public works facility is too small for current operations. Many city vehicles and equipment are being stored in unprotected areas because of the lack of space. Vehicles stored outside typically wear out sooner, are less reliable, and are susceptible to vandalism. The parks department utilizes the parks storage facility at Lake Ann as much as possible, but this space is limited. The utility department utilizes a garage at a lift station, but most of their equipment is stored at the public works facility. During the summer months, the parking lot at public works does not have sufficient capacity for all full-time and part-time employees. Locker rooms are inadequate and do not provide enough locker space for full-time employees. The office space and lunch room are too small to effectively hold interdepartmental meetings and training seminars, not to mention being overcrowded during lunch time.

In 2007, a program needs assessment report was completed that identified the need for additional space for public works. This study looked at current staffing levels, equipment usage and the public works building size necessary to have an efficient, safe, and good working environment. The study also looked at the future needs of the public works building and the size needed to efficiently provide a good level of service to the community when it is fully built out. It is also anticipated that the building will be used as a future polling place.

Several options for gaining additional space were evaluated. These options included adding on to the existing facility, buying and remodeling a warehouse-type facility, leasing space, and building new. The report recommended building a new facility on land the city currently owns and selling the existing public works building. The existing public works site is too small for an addition which is needed. The city looked into purchasing four different warehouse-type facilities, in all cases, it was determined too expensive to purchase and remodel the facilities into a public works building. Leasing space for public works was determined too expensive and not practical in the long term.

The new public works facility is proposed to be built on land the city currently owns at the end of Park Place. This land is currently used for storage of brush, soil and aggregates. The facility will meet the needs of the city now and into the future. Public works staff will be removing the poor soils on the property and rough grading the site in the fall of 2008 to save costs. The schedule is to start construction of the new facility in spring of 2009 and have the facility operation by spring of 2010.

Proposed Pre-Construction Project Schedule
	Completion Dates
RJM Initial Project Budget Estimate	November 20, 2008
Submit Plans to Planning Commission for Approval	December 2, 2008
RJM Design Development Project Budget Estimate	December 16, 2008
Scheduled Planning Commission Approval	January 6, 2009
City Council Review of Planning Commission Approval	January 26, 2009
RJM 90% Budget Estimate	February 2, 2009
City Approval of Bid Advertisement for Bid Package	February 9, 2009
Place Public Advertisement for Bid Package	February 10, 2009
Issue Construction Documents/Bid Period	February 16, 2009
Receive Public Bids for Bid Package	March 12, 2009
City Council Approval of Bids	March 23, 2009
Project Start Tentative	April 20, 2009
Project Substantial Completion Tentative	December 31, 2009
Owner Occupancy	January 31, 2010

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