Agenda - 12-10-2002-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 The Space Needs Task Force report proposed that the Government Services Center (GSC) be expanded to support the relocation of the Planning Department, Environmental Health and ERCD to the GSC . Since each of these departments have a significant space deficit that impacts their ability to operate efficiently, their needs were given priority. Further, in an effort to provide a higher level of customer service as well as to promote collaboration among departments with the same service focus, co-location of these departments with other land records-related departments was proposed. Although, it is acknowledged that within the past couple of years, the ability to electronically access maps and other land-related information has somewhat mitigated the inefficiency caused by not being co-located with other land-related departments. The decision to limit expansion on the downtown Hillsborough campus to what can be accommodated with surface parking also affects the extent to which the GSC can be expanded. For your information, parking requirements by the Town of Hillsborough are calculated using a county campus approach. The campus, as defined by the Town, includes parking east of Churton Street, south of Margaret Lane, west of Cameron Street and north of the Eno River. By that definition, the Government Services Center (GSC) and the Judicial Facilities, including the Sheriff's office, share parking facilities. Given that a new approach is needed to addressing the space needs of departments originally targeted to relocate to the GSC, the Board is asked to provide appropriate direction to the staff on the following concepts that may be used in future development of options: • The Planning Department and Environmental Health will continue to be co-located; and • The Planning Department and Environmental Health would receive high priority in having their space needs addressed, i.e. the project would continue to be considered "Level 1". The Space Needs Task Force Report estimates that the two departments need approximately 14,000 square feet of total space for 2005 needs and 22,000 square feet for 2010 needs. • Suitable space could be created by: • Acquiring additional property and expanding the existing building; or • Acquiring additional property and constructing a new building; or • Acquiring property with an existing building suitable for use or rehab in which to house at least the Planning Department and Environmental Health. • A portion of the CIP funds originally designated for the GSC expansion could be reallocated to support any the resulting projects. • If the preferred approach to providing additional space involves relocating the two departments away from the existing building, the original space study recommendations regarding reallocation of space within the existing Planning and Ag building will remain as presented, with the following possible exceptions: • Farmer's Market. The Farmer's Market will be relocated to the downtown campus and the funds for its construction removed from the renovation estimates for the Planning and Ag building; and • ERCD. The original space study recommended that Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation, Farm Service Agency and the USDA Rural Development office remain at the Planning and Ag Building. After considering the amount of space requested by these agencies, approximately 2800 square feet remained unallocated. Space requirements cited by ERCD were approximately 1600 square feet. Allocating the requested square footage to them and reconfiguring it appropriately during the limited renovation that is to occur at the building could satisfy their need through 2010. • If the preferred approach involves expansion of the existing building, the issue will be re- visited and alternatives cited. • The Recreation and Parks administrative function was to be relocated to the Animal Control offices at such time that the new Animal Shelter was built and the Animal Control offices relocated. This recommendation will be discussed with the new Recreation and Parks Director and suggested revisions, if any, will be presented at a later date.