HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979/01/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST . LOUIS PARK , MINNESOTA
January 6 , 1979
1 . Call to Order A special meeting of the City Council was
called to order by Mayor Stern at 8 : 40 a . m .
2 . Roll Call The following Councilmen were present at roll
call :
Jerrold Martin Martha Elstrom
John Ralles Lyle Hanks
Keith Meland Irving Stern
Also present were the City Manager , Planning Director and Director of
Public Works .
3 . Building Design , Design alternatives for construction of building
Westwood Hills at Westwood Hills Environmental Education Center .
The City Manager explained the City ' s
application for LAWCON / LCRM funding for a
building at the Westwood Hills Environmental Education Center had received
favorable review, and the final application procedure required detail
design and building specifications . As directed by the City Council , the
firm of Smiley Glotter & Associates was retained to design a building of
approximately 4 , 000 square feet for multi- use purposes with a budget of
$ 210 , 000 .
The City Manager further explained analysis of the building site and
construction alternatives resulted in alternative designs including a free-
standing frame structure which would be consistent with the budget restraints
and an underground structure constructed of poured concrete . The estimated
cost of the underground structure is $ 235 , 000 to $ 240 , 000 . He added the
underground 'structure would be less obtrusive to the site and result in less
long- term operating and maintenance costs .
In response to a question from Councilman Meland , the City Manager explained
the estimated fuel saving resulting from an underground structure is
approximately $ 200 per year for heating ; as the underground structure would
likely not require air conditioning , no direct fuel saving was projected .
When questioned on the accuracy of the cost estimates , Joel Glotter explained
the construction techniques required for the underground building would be
more complex than the ground - level frame building , and in anticipation that
such bids would be more accurate to predict , a contingency has been included
in the estimates .
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City Council minutes , January 6 , 1979
There were several questions regarding the proposed design and orientation
of the building .
In response to a question from Councilman Martin , the City Manager explained
the proposal for the underground structure includes some grading
be performed by City staff .
In response to a question from Councilman Hanks , the City Manager
explained
the building design would provide for gas heat ; however , electrical
is also being considered . He also identified areas in the preliminary design
which would be utilized for storage .
In response to a question from Mayor Stern , the City Manager explained if
the underground facility was selected , the additional funds could be
transferred from those appropriated for improvements to the Bass Lake area .
It was moved by Councilman Meland , seconded by Councilman Hanks , to
authorize the underground alternative design at a cost not to exceed $ 240 , 000 .
Councilman Hanks stated he does not favor transferring funds appropriated for
Bass Lake improvements , and he wished to discuss this matter with the
revised budget .
In response to a concern expressed by Councilman Elstrom regarding windows
on the western side of the building , Joel Glotter explained the design
includes a large overhang to screen the windows from late afternoon sun ,
thereby preventing excessive heat .
Councilmen Hanks , Martin and Elstrom expressed disfavor with the estimated
cost and the type of building actually being constructed .
The motion passed 4 - 2 ( Councilmen Hanks and Elstrom opposed ) .
4 . Adjournment There being no further business , it was moved by
Councilman Meland , seconded by Councilman Elstrom ,
to adjourn the meeting at 9 : 30 a . m .
Th : motion passed 6- 0 .
OPAI::::::
Irv ' l g M Stern
Mayor
A • est :
/
IL �� iti ..1
Maw bather
Recor . ing Secretary 1
I
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