HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-14 Study Session MINASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Monday, October 14, 2024
Mayor Graham called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Graham and Councilors Dahle, DuQuenne, Bloom, Hansen, and Kaplan were present.
Councilor Hyatt appeared via Zoom.
Public Input
(15 minutes - Public: input or comment on City business of included on the agenda)
None
11. Community Center and Pioneer Hall, Construction Update
Public Works Director Scott Fleury spoke that Scott Goings and Ryan DeMello from Outlier
Construction, Community Development Director Brandon Goldman, and Building official
Steven Matiaco would also be available for questions. Fleury provided a presentation that
covered the following regarding each building (see attached):
• Current Status
• Structural Issues and Mitigation Options
• Facility Rehabilitation
• Fiscal Implications
Hanson thanked Fleury for the detailed fiscal Implications. Hansen confirmed with Fleury that
with regards to the Community Center, the estimated difference is approximately $37K
between the remodel of the existing structure versus a new building. Fleury noted additional
benefits of a new building include enhanced energy efficiency, ADA accessibly, and usability
as a community center. Bloom spoke of seeing the building first-hand earlier in the day and
commented on the unknowns involved in the remodel. Bloom asked how confident Fleury is In
the cost estimate for a new building and Fleury responded that there are still unknowns
involved. Kaplan asked for clarification about the cost to finish Pioneer Hall, and Fleury
responded that the estimate is $388,862, Fleury clarified the additional cost to original
approved budget is the newly estimated $531,483 to properly mitigate the Community
Center. DuQuenne asked if the $95K is for Pioneer Hall only. Fleury spoke that the change
orders to date is for Pioneer Hall only. DuQuenne asked If It would be possible for film the
inside of the Community Center so the community can take a virtual tour. Cotta spoke she
could coordinate with Outlier to make that happen. Da:hle asked for a review of alternatives
considered to make the building structurally sound. Fleury spoke that the mitigation will aillow
for the building to meet live and dead load demands such as for snow load'. Ryan DeMello
spoke of the structural fixes needed to make the building safe such as the walls needing to be
plumb and additional support for the roof. Graham confirmed with Fleury that the change
orders to date pull from the $250,000 contingency budget. Kaplan spoke that this project is
over budget and asked where the funding would come from to finish either scenario. Cotta
discussed options include prioritizing these buildings at the expense of other facilities projects
City Council Study Session
October 14, 2024
Page I of 4
which would impact the next biennium budget. Bloom asked about contingency plans if
renovation requires even more after the foundation is stabilized. Cotta spoke this is why the
project was paused to have this discussion with Council regarding options to fulfill the
community's desire for this space to open.
Fleury spoke that budget considerations related to a remodel could include eliminating the
improvements for ADA accessibility and the HVAC system and if a new building is considered,
this will run into the next budget cycle with appropriations needed through the budget
committee process. Pioneer Hall would be able to be finished in March. Bloom asked if
rehabilitation of the Community Center could be completed in March with Fleury confirmed.
Kaplan asked if it was possible to stabilize the floor and walls where they are instead of
leveling them. DeMello spoke that it is possible but would likely present more issues in five to
ten years. Dahle asked if more settling is likely, DeMello spoke that the structural engineers
sold this is likely due to the continued water infiltration from the hillside. DuQuenne asked if a
sump pump could be put in the Community Center. DeMello spoke that this is possible as a
temporary solution. DuQuenne spoke that the community wants the building to open, and
she would like to know what the expense and sustainability would be to rehabilitate the
building. Fleury spoke it will take approximately $40OK of additional funds to rehabilitate the
building, which could come from not completing other project components to remain on
budget. Bloom spoke that the cost of repair is likely to increase significantly as the project
unfolds and asked about the level of confidence that the building won't collapse as repairs
occur. DeMello spoke that this has been figured into the presented budget changes. Kaplan
asked if some of the historical items such as the floor and windows could be used in a new
building. DeMello affirmed, adding it could be built to look just like the existing building.
Hansen asked if the new budget numbers include what is necessary to shore the roof
structure during renovations, which DeMello confirmed. Hansen asked if zoning would allow
for a second story for added meeting space. Community Development Director Brandon
Goldman, spoke that the current zoning would allow a rebuild on the existing footprint with a
conditional use permit, but adding use as a government facility may require rezoning.
Hansen asked how long that process would take. Goldman responded about six months once
an application is received, but this would first require the preparation of an application
including an architectural design. Graham asked if the new budget numbers include
mitigation of the foundation and water issues. DeMello clarified that the water intrusion is
unable to be mitigated in the renovation due to a lack of access, with Fleury adding the
foundation issue would be mitigated. Kaplan asked how the new construction handles the
water issue. DeMello spoke that design of the foundation would be different. Hyatt asked what
longevity could be expected with the remediation option. DeMello responded that full
remediation will have better longevity than minor fixes. Graham confirmed with DeMello that
both options create a structurally sound building for decades to come.
City Council Study Session
October 14, 2024
Page 2 of 4
Public Comments
Mitzi Loftus/Ashland -Loftus asked what happens if voters want something different from
Council's decision.
Sam Whitford/Ashland - spoke that he has served on the Ashland Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee (HPAC) for over 20 years and spoke in favor of renovation.
Dale Shostrom - spoke that he has served on the HPAC for 26 years, spoke in favor of
renovation, and suggested an ad --hoc committee could guide this process.
Judy Kennedy - Spoke in support of continuing to work on either solution that will allow the
community center to open back up to the public but favored keeping the existing building.
Graham noted that the future of the Community Center will not go before citizens for a vote.
Graham asked if the Council decided to rebuild, would the formal process prior to demolition
include an in-depth public hearing to engage the community in expressing concerns,
support, or alternatives and consideration for compliance with historic preservation
standards. Goldman confirmed, adding it would also come before the HPAC to as part of their
charge to advise Council, who would then make the decision to rebuild or renovate. Dahle
asked Fleury how long it would take for an ad -hoc committee to be formed and decide on
how to advise Council. Fleury anticipated it would take three to six months to receive a
recommendation. Graham asked when the contractor would need a decision on the
Community Center to benefit from work already being done at Pioneer Hall. Cotta responded
by mid -November. Hansen spoke of the cost to downtown businesses due to further delays.
Graham summarized that staff is requesting direction from Council to either continue with
renovation or to begin the public hearing process to consider demolition and rebuild.
Duquenne spoke in favor of forming an ad hoc committee. Graham about what notice is
required for Council to consider demolition. Goldman clarified this Is not a land use decision
that would require notice, but a Council decision. Goldman spoke that if Council wanted to
pursue inquiry on demolition, staff could schedule a HPAC on November 611,, with a potential
recommendation to Council for their November 1W4 meeting. Kaplan clarified with Goldman
that an HPAC meeting would seek public input. Kaplan asked if a virtual tour could be made
available to the public in the timeframes discussed, which DeMello confirmed.
Graham polled Councilors for their preference regarding renovation or pursuing a rebuild
option. Hansen spoke in favor of a new building that could last for another 100 years and
might include more options for the community. An ad hoc would not be of benefit as options
have already been explored. DuQuenne spoke in favor of a public hearing to consider both
pathways and in support of forming an ad -hoc committee. Kaplan spoke of concerns that
staying on the current path would lead to more delays and in favor of a public hearing
regarding options. Dahle spoke in favor of forming a Management Advisory Committee
(MAC) to better inform the Council how to best preserve the building's historic nature. Bloom
spoke in favor of forming a MAC along with engaging the community in this decision. Hyatt
asked Fleury if he could arrive at a decision from a MAC in four weeks, which Fleury confirmed
was feasible. Fleury continued that the MAC would want to include the HPAC and could
City Council Study Session
October 14, 2024
Page 3 of 4
compile recommendations to Council at the first meeting in December. Hyatt asked if the
MAC would clarify the budget numbers. Fleury spoke it would help with that and also clarify
the risks and' liabilities with any decisions. Graham spoke in favor of a MAC process that
might help the community come closer to a consensus. Kapian agreed. Hansen spoke that
he did not think any new relevant information would' come out of a MAC and did not support
taking more time on that. Graham asked Fleury if he could come back with a
recommendation from, a MAC by early December so Council could make the bigger pathway
decision, which Fleury confirmed. Graham confirmed staff had what they needed to move
forward,
Adjournment of Study Session,
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m,
Respectfully Submitted by:
City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski
Attest:
Mayor Tonya Graham
City Council Study Session
October 14, 2024
Page 4 of 4
o Structural issues and Mitigation Options
• Pioneer Hall & Community Center
• Fiscal Implications
• Next Steps & Schedule
Facility Rehabilitation
- Asbestos Mitigation - Complete
- Structural Framing Main Cabin - Complete
Current issues (Kitchen/Office Area)
* Foundation Settlement
Causes
- Soil Composition/Water Damage
- Initicii inadequate Construction
- Risk
* Continued Settlement Threatens Structure
- Solution
Professional foundation repair and stabilization (18
helical piers). Remove and replace existing floor
sheeting, prep, and POUr self -leveler (highTighted
area)
Facility Rehabilitation
# Asbestos Mitigation - Complete
o Current Issues
Structurally inadequate (Load Paths)
Foundation Settlement
0 Causes
Soil Composition/Water Damage
Initial Inadequate Construction
- Risk
- Continued Settlement Threatens Structure
Solution
Professional foundation repair and stabilization
(41 helical piers and adjustable post bases).
Remove and replace exterior rim joist beam
06
Fiscal Implications
Estimated Cost lmplications
Construction Budget Spent to Date Remaining
$1,722,490 $214,800 $1,507,690
Change Orders To Date,'
$ 109,732
Additional Structural Funds Required (Community Center) Total
$ 381,483 $ 531,483
Plus approxiniately95-150K**
'Change order includes additional asbestos "tigation and structu rat modifications to Pioneer Halt
1* Estimated additional funds required to repaWrarning and finishes from jacking and Leveling building
- J- I Nw.Project Budget with Additional Structural Mitigations
New Building Costs (Construction:)
$1,500,000
Architectural & Engineering Fees for New0onstruction
$ 300,000
Buildings Permit Fees (Placeholder)
$ 40,000
Remaining Costs for Pioneer Hall
$ 388,862
Estimated Total Project Cost (New)
$ 2, M,862
• Complete Structural Repairs and' Additional Bid Items for Pioneer Hall
• Schedule and Hold Public Hearing for Demolition Of COMMUrlity Center
• Negotiate Change Order with Outlier Construction For:
• Demolition of Existing Building
Design/construction of New Building
6 Process Demolition Permit and Remove
• Design New Building
0 Schematic Design (SD) Phase (30 Days)
0 Design Development (DD) Phase (35 Days)
0 Construction Documents (DC) Phase (55 Days)
• Construct New Buildings (164 Days)
# Complete in December 2025
QUESTIONS'?