City Council

City of Madelia City Council Special Meeting Saturday, June 12, 2021 9:00 a.m. A Special Meeting of the Madelia City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Grote. Those present were; Mike Grote, Dave Whitney, Cody Eager, Andy Gappa, Chris Fischer, Chief Rob Prescher, Chief Ryan Visher (via phone), Lee McCabe, _______, __________. A proposal was received from PHLAG Mechanical, Inc. to purchase their property with a turnkey government center on it. This property is located at 18 Drew Ave NE. In their proposal the government center would house the police department, fire station, city hall and council chambers/fire hall. The police station would have 4 garage bays, interview rooms, and evidence storage. The fire department would have 5 drive through bays big enough for 2 trucks, 1 garage bay, storage room and an office. City Hall would have 3 offices, one conference room, break room, receptionist area, storage area and an extra workstation. The facility would house locker rooms that would be shared by all departments. Large Council Chambers which would allow other events to be held. The property also would have room to allow expansion of the building. This property also has a parcel to the north that would be included. The Council discussed and asked questions. This proposal brought up the lack of business space we currently have on Main Street. Businesses want to come to town. If City Hall, Fire Station and Police Station are moved out of the business area but still on Main Street or in a main location for the emergency response time it would promote growth. Not only growth for businesses but also the option for growth and expansion of the government center in a different location. Chris Fischer also presented the financial breakdown. A purchase like this can be done with the current Center Point Energy Franchise Fee and some adjusting to the budget. This adjusting to the budget would not increase debt service or taxes. Money that was allocated to building maintenance can now be directed to the bond payment. It was suggested that on Monday, June 14th council meeting that an agenda item of creating and advertising for a turnkey government center be approved. This will allow the Council to see if this is the most feasible proposal for the city and to proceed with this project. A motion was made by Andy Gappa and seconded by Dave Whitney to close the Workshop. Voting in favor of said motion; Mike Grote-Yes, Cody Eager-Yes, Andy Gappa-Yes and Dave Whitney-Yes. Motion was approved. Dated this 17th day of June 2021 Chris Fischer, City Administrator