Carefree Truth

Issue #323, May 16, 2014

 

 

Mayor David Schwan introduced the discussion to hire local architect Michael Uhler to produce a conceptual plan for the potential expansion of the Town Hall building at 8 Sundial Circle to include Council Chambers and the associated uses. Should the Council decide to do so, $2500 would be taken from the contingency fund during this fiscal year.

 

 

 

Gary Neiss said the lease versus ownership issue was discussed at the budget workshop.  The primary concern is how best to leverage the outlay of funds.  $50,000 is earmarked annually to rent the space at 100 Easy Street, where the Council Chamber is now located.  The lease expires in July of 2016.  It can be renewed for an additional 5 year period at a rate to be determined, but the property owner has stated that the entire space must again be leased, including the empty space vacated by the court.

 

 

 

 

Money for the expansion of the 8 Sundial Circle building has been included in the proposed 2014/15 budget.  In order to make an educated decision, a conceptual drawing is required to ascertain costs.  Mr. Uhler was the architect and project manager for the Carefree Fire Station, and he assisted with the energy efficient grants for the Town Hall and Water Company improvements.  He helped bring these projects in on time and under budget.

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane asked how long it was expected to take, and what happens once the drawings are complete.  Mr. Neiss replied that it would come back to the Council in June or July.  If the decision was made to proceed, the drawing would be distributed to contractors for estimates.  Councilman Mike Farrar asked how many contractors would be contacted.  Mr. Neiss said one or two.  Mayor Schwan clarified, saying these would not be bids, just estimates to give an idea of costs. 

 

 

 

Councilwoman Melissa Price was relieved, saying she thought it would cost 10% of the project price.  Mr. Neiss said it wouldn't be full plans, just the conceptual layout.  Mayor Schwan explained that it would be a floor plan, with no elevations.  It would give the square footage and uses,  providing information for estimates.  For example, bathrooms cost more than offices.  Ms. Price asked if grants were available.  Mr. Neiss said if grants could be identified, the Town would apply for them.

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Les Peterson pointed out that the landlord had approached the Town saying he wished to lease the space now rented by Carefree to private businesses.  The Vice Mayor said this could generate sales tax revenue upwards of $80,000 a year. 

 

 

 

Mr. Farrar reminded the Council that for $50,000, the landlord maintains the premises, and asked what the operating expenses would be for a Town owned building.  Councilman Marty Saltzman said it was too early to ask that question, but it should be explored at the proper time.

 

 

 

The Council unanimously approved the expenditure for a conceptual plan for the potential expansion of the Carefree Town Hall building at 8 Sundial Circle.     

 

https://vimeo.com/94818485 

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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