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Staff explored several options for providing the needed space for the base operations
<br />Blackwood Farm
<br />One such option was the Blackwood Farm where four pieces of equipment are currently
<br />housed, However, there is no additional space available for equipment. The barns provide no
<br />opportunity to manage the equipment due to lack of adequate electric service, full protection
<br />from the weather or security. In addition, the Blackwood farm structures are scheduled to
<br />undergo stabilization work in the near future, which will preclude the equipment from remaining
<br />on site during this time frame.
<br />Leased Space
<br />Funding for a partial year lease was included in the approved 2003-2004 Recreation and Parks
<br />operating budget. The building that was proposed for lease on May 18 is a metal "shell
<br />building" and includes two garage bays, a small office area, restrooms, and workshop space
<br />totaling 4,000 square feet. In addition, 3,500 square feet of exterior space is included for
<br />secure overnight parking of the department's rolling stock and for short term storage of bulk
<br />items to be used in parks, such as mulch, compost, etc.
<br />The lease proposed on May 18 was far a term of three years, However, the landlord has also
<br />indicated that he would accept cone-year lease, commencing on July 1, 2004. The annual
<br />lease rate would be $33,000, with any renewals to increase at the rate of 3%, As presented
<br />previously, the County would pay for utilities and janitorial services, with the landlord accepting
<br />responsibility for all remaining maintenance of the building,
<br />Construct County-Owned Building
<br />Construction for a building similar to the 4,000 square foot leased premises previously
<br />discussed is estimated at $300,000, However, if the County were to consider building a
<br />structure in which to house parks operations on a permanent basis, staff would recommend a
<br />structure no less than 8,000 square feet, with an estimated construction cost of $600,000. Both
<br />of these scenarios assume that the facility would be located on existing County-owned property,
<br />therefore no land cost is included.
<br />Per the Building Inspections Division, any structure used for the parks operation base will need
<br />to be engineered to meet building codes for public buildings, including, but not limited to,
<br />accessibility for restrooms and parking, emergency lighting, etc,
<br />MANAGER'S COMMENTS: The first priority is collaboration among the County Manager,
<br />Assistant County Manager, the Recreation and Parks Director, Public Works Director and
<br />Purchasing Director in working toward the long term solution of a building that would
<br />accommodate both Public Works and Recreation at the Public Works site. A tentative
<br />development timeline is attached, The aggressive timeline is based on a construction of a style
<br />of building, perhaps prefabricated, that would yield a significantly shatter construction time.
<br />However, the interim step, given that there is no place to house equipment and personnel in a
<br />satisfactory manner, is the execution of a short-term lease, Staff has been able to negotiate a
<br />reduced lease term to one-year, during which time the long-term plan may be implemented,
<br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to support a lease beginning July 1, 2004 have been included in
<br />the 2004-2005 Manager's Recommended Budget, Should the Board direct staff to pursue
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