City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, November 06, 2024 at 6:00 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Jeff Phillips, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Police Chief Jim Exsted, Assistant Police Chief Matt Maier, Public Works Director Trevor Walter, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, and Community Development Director Josh Doty were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. City Hall Discussion City Administrator Chapulis presented the city hall discussion. In 2020 an assessment of the condition of the existing city hall building was completed. The assessment looked at expanding the exiting building or constructing a new building at the current location. The assessment also looked at the construction of a new building at a different location. The exiting city hall building was built in 1991 and expanded in 2000 to a total size of 9,302 square feet. Remodeling costs in 2020 were estimated to be $1,639,477 and today that cost has increased to $2,951,059. The space needs assessment identified space needs through 2040. The proposed building size, including garage space, would be 31,500 square feet. The proposed building would provide work space for 51 employees, a larger council chambers, additional meeting rooms, a community room, additional evidence storage area, a police training room, and indoor vehicle and equipment storage. The estimated cost for this in 2020 was $9,967,551. In 2024 the estimated cost increased to $17,383,283. These costs do not include site acquisition or other ancillary improvements for a selected site. City Administrator Chapulis summarized options for the current city hall site and identified and summarized four other sites, including estimated costs. The other sites included Falcon Drive, Isle Drive, Jasperwood/Mapleton, and Cypress Drive/Design Road. City Administrator Chapulis explained the next step if the council moves forward is to identify an option and look a design needs and complete a request for proposals. The council discussed their preference may be for constructing a new building, but requested staff provide information on how to pay for a new building. The council also discussed their interest in having a location that offers a place-making potential for the city. City Administrator Chapulis explained staff will work to gather information related to the questions posed by the council. 11/6/2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Lyscio, seconded by Council Member Tabatt to adjourn at 6:47 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator