Title
Allocate Capital Project Funds for Citizen Centered Front Door Projects (NB)
This is a request for City Commission approval to allocate capital project funds for Citizen Centered Front door projects.
Explanation
Change 5 identified in the Blue Ribbon Report suggests that “Our Front Doors”, or access points into the city, should be clear and simple to navigate. The report also acknowledges that, “making public spaces more citizen-friendly sends an important signal about our larger goal for the city.”
Staff has identified several preliminary projects which will serve towards making our public facilities more citizen-friendly. Renovations to the entrance, lobby and Building Department counters in Thomas Center B are currently funded and in progress. Staff is also in the beginning stages of a proposal for possible reconfiguration of and renovations to City Hall.
The following project is being presented for the City Commission’s consideration at this time:
Renovation of the 211 Building to house the City’s Communications team, equipment and studio.
This project would repurpose the currently vacant building that is one block North of City Hall on First Street that is now serving to house part of GPD’s evidence (primarily bicycles). The proposed renovation
would partition off a portion of the building to continue to house GPD’s evidence in a secure manner while freeing up the majority of the building to be used for office and public space. Locating the
Communications team near City Hall but in a more accessible location will provide easier access to the press and public in a friendly and welcoming space.
Renovation costs are estimated at $26,000 for the evidence suite and $236,000 for the main building.
The Capital Improvement Plan for FY2015-2019 left approximately $600,000 in General Capital Projects funding unallocated. Staff originally recommended that this funding be allocated for construction of an amphitheater at Depot Park, however that action was not approved. $400,000 of that funding is currently in General Capital Projects unassigned fund balance and is available for appropriation. The remaining $200,000 is in the Campus Development Agreement (CDA) Fund and is available for appropriation. The CDA funding is not being recommended to be allocated to this project.
The Wild Spaces Public Places approved project list includes Depot Park improvements and an Arts Park and Cultural Center, both of which could be used to construct the amphitheater at Depot Park in the future.
Fiscal
The recommendation would not impact fund balances in the General Fund or Campus Development Agreement Fund but would appropriate a portion of the available fund balance in the General Capital Projects Fund.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the allocation of $250,000 from General Capital Projects fund balance to the Citizen Centered Front Doors project, to include renovations of the 211 Building.