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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK May 30, 1995 , 'I , ) CITY of ANDOVER Special City Council Workshop - May 30, 1995 Call to order - 7:00 p.m. 1. New City Hall Discussion 2. Adjournment . ~..- ._ _0.- ."" .) SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MAY 30, 1995 - MINUTES A SPECIAL WORKSHOP meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on May 30, 1995, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andove r , Minnesota. Present: Councilmembers Dehn, Jacobson, Knight and Kunza Also present: Most City Hall Staff New City Hall Workshop The City Council met to discuss options and reactions to plans for a new City Hall. Mr. Fursman provided the Council with an overview of the agenda. Mayor MCKelvey started by indicating that the building would have to be designed smaller. Councilmember Dehn indicated that the City should look at what other communities have done recently and learn from their experience. Dehn suggested the City should do what it could to save the present building, yet keep an eye on image and look beyond today. Councilmember Jacobson indicated the building should stay in this area as it represents the center of the community. He thought the building would have to be trimmed by one million dollars. The building should not be over-built and the existing building should be saved. Councilmember Knight indicated that the building should be cut back a lot, and the present building should not be abandoned. The present building could be turned into offices for public works, or storage. Knight said he would be willing to look at a bond issue with a referendum. Councilmember Kunza didn't like the idea of wasting the present building. Mayor MCKelvey warned that if Andover did not plan ahead, tha t it would end up in the same situation as Coon Rapids. They did not plan ahead, and are building a City Hall again. Why should Andover build into obsolescence. We are in a building that is illegal, cut some out of the new design, but not tremendously. The citizens might be angry for the moment, but will appreciate it later as future costs are kept down. David Kroos, the architect told the Council that shell space can be built now much cheaper, and then finished at a later date for much less. The discussion turned once again to efforts of saving the present building. At this time, the Mayor gave a re-cap on the short term issues. Don Jacobson indicated the City should focus on where the City can economize; build a usable, "middle of the road" building. fY\~~ t,/:lo/9§" - -- -, ..... " --- __ - - _____ ..__u._.. -\ MAY 30, 1995 i) Page Two There was discussion on bringing the issue to a vote and the use of a mailed out survey. Knight questioned why we shouldn't trust the public. It was suggested that it wasn't that the public couldn't be trusted, but rather, it would be difficult to inform everyone about the all the details, and how would the entire public be educated? Jacobson indicated a need to re-think the design and bring it back to the people. McKelvey strongly urged that the City should plan at least 10 years ahead. The idea of keeping some of the staff in the present building was then discussed. Knight suggested that staff would be unable to continue with the planning unless it was determined which departments would stay and which departments would go to the new building. Debby poirier, a member of the finance staff asked what other Cities held a bond referendum recently for a City Hall? She also questioned the Council as to the project going forward with or without a referendum. Kroos then shared information with the staff and Council which identified several City Hall projects, only one of which was passed with a referendum. It was generally conceded that City Hall space is not built when voted on in a referendum. The Council asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment. Bud Holst, complimented the Council for listening to the comments of the people, and for considering their thoughts. He indicated his belief that the project had been a done deal and that the public was receiving "a high hard one." He indicated he would like to be part of a process of looking at alternatives if given the opportunity. Charlie Vemon said he liked what Mike Knight has said about the Council knowing better than the residents. He thought the people would vote for a project if it is fair , honest and needed. Loren Jordat said people are looking at taxes, were bringing in schools. People are moving in, increasing the budget as a result. owe it to the public to consult them. The discussion turned to financing, then what to do with the present building, then back to a public survey. Councilmember Jacobson indicated that a survey wouldn't mean anything if the public didn't have the knowledge and background on the needs of the City. There was additional discussion on all aspects of the program, including building size, use of old building, cuting back, not cutting back, breaking up staff etc... Mike Knight spoke on eliminating the appearance of "Glitz." Kroos indicated that the former council members were concerned about and wanted a certain public image. Mr. Fursman spoke to the group and indicated that the Staff throughout the process had been cautious and concerned about the public. He indicated that the focus of the project was to build something meaningful, something with long term considerations of budget, staffing and function. .~ ---. -----..------- ~-- -- --- - ~ ------ 11 May 30, 1995 ~ j Page Three Me Fursman indicated that staff would prepare a "white paper" for the Council to consider, after it was suggested by Councilmember Jacobson. with no other business to come before the Andover City Council, a Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobson to adjourn the meeting. The Motion was seconded by Dehn. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm. Respectfully Submitted, R1 c~ a r ,,%.(~ . ursman City Administrator _.~__.. _-0- _ ----- -.