Minutes 06-02-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roger Waldon reviewed the following information regarding "Ideas for Consideration" found on page 14-16 of the Implementation Report: Regarding the Southern Human Services Building: There is interest and opportunity in considering the lower floor of the proposed Phase 1 building addition for Emergency Services operations. The combination of good access for equipment and loading, a safe and easily secured physical setting (in a setting resembling a lower-level basement), and proximity to Chapel Hill and Carrboro is unique. This building addition is proposed at 15,000 square feet, meaning that 7,500 square feet of lower level space would be available. Regarding the Seymour Center: Study of the site and this facility resulted in a series of suggestions for relatively minor structural changes that would result in an increase in the amount of usable space in the Center. These are not included as part of the Phase 2 building expansion, but rather offered as ideas for smaller projects that could enhance the usability of the existing building, in the interim period before Phase 2 work can be funded and implemented. Part of the scope of this implementation phase was to secure assistance and suggestions from a professional with expertise in emerging trends in senior center focus and design. Assistance was obtained from Rick Eldridge, Executive Director of the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center in Salisbury, NC, and a contributor to regional and national examination of these issues. Following is a list of these suggestions for consideration, suggesting ideas which would enhance capacity of the building, while awaiting the full building addition: 1) Remove/re-locate the wall separating the hallway from the large multipurpose room. 2) Fill-in the floors/ceilings between levels. 3) Relocate open lounge space in lobby to new flooring area and construct new offices in lobby. 4) Convert areas used for fitness machines to office space (with construction of new fitness wing). 5) Reconfigure the Computer Lab to regular classroom space over time by investing in laptops or tablets rather than desktop units, and making sure the building has Wi-Fi throughout. Roger Waldon concluded the PowerPoint presentation: Next Steps • Subdivision of Parcel • Detailed Drawings and Plans for Phase 1 • Obtain Permits for Phase 1 Construction Commissioner Dorosin asked if the plans contained in the packets before the Board include only additions to existing buildings rather than building up higher above the existing Southern Human Services Building. Roger Waldon said yes. Commissioner Dorosin asked if that determination was made based upon an evaluation of the existing building and the conclusion that it would not sustain a higher level. Roger Waldon said the current plan is a very cost effective way to add 15,000 sq ft. Jeff Thompson said the space study concluded that more space is not currently needed and the plan is addressing the dental clinic expansion and other discussed uses. He said he does not believe the facility is currently structured to go up. Commissioner Dorosin asked if once the planned construction is completed, if the Special Use Permit (SUP) allows for housing to be put on the site. Roger Waldon said he believed the SUP is specific to government services but he will check.