HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-1986 Civic CenterADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING - November 18, 1986
An adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Dublin was
held on Tuesday, November 18, 1986 in the east room of the Shannon Community
Center. The meeting was Called to order at 7:17 p.m., by Mayor Peter Snyder.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Hegarty, Jeffery, Moffatt, Vonheeder and Mayor
Snyder.
DUBLIN CIVIC CENTER
City Manager Ambrose gave a brief review of the events that had transpired
thus far with regard to the development of Dublin's Civic Center project.
Mr. Ambrose introduced Mr. George Miers, who then introduced his design team.
A member of the audience had questions regarding the ratio of the police
facility to the City hall size.
Zev Kahn questioned the percentage of those cities survey whiCh have a County
police faCility within their city limits. He stated that he found it obsurd
that Dublin is considering 4 holding cells when We have a facility so close.
Staff explained that currently male and female pOlice officers are using the
same locker room facilities and in addition, officers are not always able to
immediately take a suspect to Santa Rita.
Mr. Ambrose clarified that the City is the lead agency to provide emergency
services.
A question was asked with regard to the square footage per employee as 462
soUnded extremely high. Mr. Miers explained that this includes halls,
restrooms, Council Chambers, lobbys, etc. A chart indicating the net square
foot requirement per employee was displayed.
Some unresolved issues exist with regard to space; for instance, the issUe of
contract employees vs. City employees. Also, currently the majority of
employees who handle water and sewer (DSRSD), are located at the sewer
treatment plant or at the fire stations. The fire services proposal
discussed in the past would involve a JPA which would basically keep the
existing fire department in tact, but which would provide some office space
at the Civic Center for fire inspectors. A number of personnel would need to
be added if the City takes over the water and sewer functions.
The Council needed to determine whether or not to plan a facility to meet
today's needs or to design for the future. Staff felt it made more sense to
design for the future rather than have to look at additions in 3 or 4 years.
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Adjourned Regular Meeting November 18, 1986
With regard to a police facility, it doesn't make much difference whether we
contract or provide our own employees to handle this service. We presently
have 25 people operating in 1,475 square feet. The space is totally
inadequate.
In December 1985, the City issued $12 million in Certificates of
Participation. Since that time we have acquired an additional 1.6 acre site
from the Amador Valley Joint Union High School District which increases the
total site to approximately 11.5 acres. Intersections improvements have
occurred that would have been necessary for anyone to develop the property.
This proposal is based on a 26,600 square foot City Hall and an 18'700 square
foot Police Facility.
Cm. Vonheeder questioned if there was a benefit to refinancing the COP.
Staff advised that certain costs are involved in refinancing, and because
today's tax laws have changed, Staff would need to spend some time discussing
this option with bond counsel. Staff has also considered delaying other
projects or not undertaking certain projects. Basically, it is a cash flow
problem. We could appropriate funds from reserves.
Cm. Moffatt indicated he would like to hear what all the options are before
deciding to scale down the project.
Cm. Vonheeder questioned if we possibly could qualify for any grants, and
suggested looking into the League of CA Cities pool.
Cm. Hegarty felt that since things always cost more than are anticipated, we
should factor this in.
Cm. Jeffery suggested not finishing areas that are not going to be
immediately utilized. She also felt that sewer and water personnel would be
better off situated in a Civic Center area regardless of who controls the
service.
City Manager Ambrose advised that this could be accomplished, but additional
space would be required for the administrative staff.
Brian Raley suggested adopting a design proposal which could be expanded in
phases.
Cm. Moffatt indicated that this was a concept that was discussed and
considered by the Committee.
Mr. Ambrose explained that by using this concept, in 5 or 6 years, you would
already be in a situation where you would need to be expanding.
George Miers explained that anyone who has been involved in an addition can
tell you that it always adds up to more dollars and you must deal with the
disruption factor. It will be more expensive in the long run, but it is
certainly a viable alternative if the money is not available.
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Adjourned Regular Meeting November 18, 1986
Mr. Ambrose stated that another option that could be discussed would be the
potential to lease part of the facility to other tenants. The set-up in the
City of Brea was discussed. They lease space to a school district, chamber
of commerce, library and other civic-related uses.
Mayor Snyder indicated that the project is already financed and the money has
been on deposit since December, 1985. He also commented on the fact that the
City is presently spending approximately $90,000 a year on rental space.
Cm. Moffatt questioned tax dollars which would be generated by new building
over the next year.
An unidentified member of the audience questioned the basis of the contract
with George~Miers & Associates.
Paul Rankin, Assistant to the City Manager, indicated that as we move into
the schematic design phase, we will have several options which wilI obviously~
affect the budget.
Zev Kahn questioned what happened when we spend the COP dollars, and also
questioned the cost overruns.
Mr. Ambrose advised that the interest earned on the proceeds do not have to
be used to repay the COP.
Mr. Ambrose reported that the City will be hiring a construction management
firm and this will be another way of assisting us in managing the project.
The major advantage of this site is its size. It offers great potential for
expansion to add facilities that have yet to be determined. It was hoped
that there would be a lot of response from residents as well as service
groups and organizations with regard to what they would like to see in their
Civic Center.
Mr. Rankin explained that the Committee has discussed the fact that the site
presents opportunities-for outdoor activities.
Cm. Moffatt indicated that the building can be designed to accommodate
multiple uses.
Zev Kahn felt that citizens who were not present at this meeting should be
polled for ideas.
John Collins felt the City should forget the whole idea and try to back out
as gracefully as possible. He felt that the larger space you give. government
to fill, the larger space they will fill.
Seth Goldman, representing the YMCA reported that they had conducted a
feasibility study to determine the need for a facility in the. Valley. They
have met with some developers and with the City of Pleasanton and felt it was
worthwhile to present this concept to.the City Council of Dublin. There is a
need for a gymnasium due to the Camp Parks facility recently closing. They
would propose a family center and health club facility.
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Adjourned Regular Meeting November 18, 1986
An unidentified member of the audience questioned the promised facilities to
replace the lost soccer fields. Mr. Ambrose indicated that it was his
understanding that there will be one additional soccer field, in addition to
improved fields when construction is completed.
A member of the audience felt that there is a need for a place for teens to
congregate other than in the streets. If we, as a City, are to continue to
grow, we need to supervise, as well as build a facility. The City should
also oversee the project.
A member of the audience urged the City Council to keep costs of this project
down and in addition, keep the streets ~well-kept and repaired and swept.
Recreation Director Lowart reported that a teen program is being developed at
the present time. There is a sub-committee of the Park & Recreation
Commission studying the establishment of a teen center.
Dr. Harvey Scudder felt that no appropriate weight had been given to services
which would come to the City as far as programs by residents. He liked the
idea of a single stop for services for the community. He suggested
consideration of a childcare center.
George Miers displayed various charts dealing with such issues as parking,
wind and sun factors.
The Council indicated that Staff should pursue additional funding options
rather than cutting the size of the project, and that the architect should
proceed with the schematic design phase including the water and sewer
function space with the space program requirements identified in the
architect's report.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
City
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Adjourned Regular Meeting November 18, 1986