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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-03 Public Works, Property Vacation and Health & Public Safety tommitat *C fort oitxt tommittu Afluting of tfit ubUt Itiorkz an0 giropirrty Natation Qtommitta and( maid) an 1ubzi 'a£ttg Qommittt The February 24, 2003 joint meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Chairperson Council Member David Varner at 3:33 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Aranowski, King, Varner, Kirsits, Coleman, Kuspa and White; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, City Controller Rick 011ett, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Division Chief Gary Horvath, Assistant Fire Chief Richard Switalski, Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, II, Joseph C. Zwierzynski, President of DLZ; Jason C. Vetne, Steve Kromkowski, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot,Teny Bland of the 'ouUj Vimb Zributtt and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner welcomed everyone to the joint committee meeting which was called to receive an update on the progress of the police and fire headquarters buildings project. Public Works Director Gary Gilot stated that a team has been assembled which includes people from the Public Woks Department, Fire and Police Departments, DLZ and the Zimmerman Design Group. He noted that the proposed $ 20 million police and fire buildings project is an investment to our community for the next 20-30 years. Steve Kromkowski then provided a 17-page handout to the joint committee members entitled "Status Report" addressing the police department headquarters and training facility as well as the fire department headquarters and central station. He noted that the team is currently at the end of the "Construction Documents" stage and will soon be entering the bidding stage. The overall design stage is completed and the documents are being prepared. The proposed site plans where then reviewed. It was noted that the design includes "Homeland Security" measures. The police design includes a potential connection to the county jail. The police facilities will have 118,800 gross square feet of which 46,000 square feet will have major renovation and 53,000 square feet will have minor renovation. He noted that there are a series of alternative bid items which are highlighted in orange such as an in-house firing range, locker room,improving the mechanical system in the 911 Center, etc. The fire facilities will have 56,200 square feet, noting that their current facilities have 19,228 square feet. It will have three (3) levels with the basement having the training and fitness facilities; the 1st floor being the Administrative zone; and the 2nd floor being the living quarters and storage. Utilizing value engineering has resulted in some prior proposals being eliminated. Bids are to be opened on April 15th and awarding of contracts to take place on or about April 28th so long as the funding mechanisms are in place. In response to a question from Council Member Aranowski, Mr. 011ett stated this is a good time for financing. Mr. Zwierzynski stated that it is also a good time to go to bid. Police Chief Fautz stated that the proposed police facilities will move the South Rend Police Department into the future. He noted that the experience has been very positive and that each Joint Committee Meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee &the Health and Public Safety Committee February 24,2003 Page 2 Division was brought into the discussions and planning with many of their suggestions resulting in changes to the drawings. Fire Chief Luther Taylor stated that there has been great communication.,noting that the input from the firefighters at Central was very productive. Chief Taylor added that the proposed partnership with Ivy Tech State College will hopefully address many training needs of the fire department. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer it was noted that the police facilities will contain a fitness center. Mr. Kromkowski stated that the fire facilities need to be completed first so that their current facilities can be freed up for remodeling. Construction in the current atrium area will also begin at the same time. Mr. Gilot noted that participative decisions have enhanced the overall project. In response to a question from Mayor Luecke it was noted that the fire facilities should be under I� q Y construction for 10-12 months and the police facilities under construction and remodeling for 18- 20 months. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. 011ett confirmed that the bond financing will be funded by COIT revenues. submitted, Respectfully subm P Y Council Member David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Vice-Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF:kmf Attachment