Staff: K. Fuller, Recorder; E. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works; A. LeMaro, Facilities Director

Excused: D. Randall, Chair, P. Mackesey

Facility Tour

 Prior to the business portion of the meeting members of the Committee, including Ms. Mackesey, toured the Public Safety Building to obtain first-hand knowledge of its condition and needs.  Ms. Mackesey was excused at the end of this portion of the tour and the balance of Committee members briefly toured the Old Library building as well.  Members then proceeded to the Scott Heyman Conference Room.

Call to Order

 Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, called the business portion of the meeting to order at 4:55 p.m.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

There were no additions to, or deletions from the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 There were no persons wishing to address the Committee.

20-Year Capital Plan

 Ms. Kiefer reiterated the charge given to the Committee to prioritize various capital projects based on the physical condition and the usefulness of existing facilities to provide a direction to take when completing the 20-Year Capital Plan.  She asked members to share their thoughts following the tour.

 Mr. Booth indicated he felt much the same as when he toured the jail previously, that it was a somber experience and indicated deficiencies in many ways within the structure.  He indicated he did not understand how they could continue to operate without storage space.  Mr. Shinagawa agreed with Mr. Booth’s comments.  Ms. Kiefer stated she feels that for space reasons the inmates housed at the building lack programs.  Mr. Booth said that although he does not know it for a fact, he got a sense that Sheriff Meskill’s comment about the flow of the building not being efficient or appropriate may be true.

 Mr. LeMaro spoke of the difficulty in modifying the administrative areas of the building due to the block construction.  Last fall he proposed some modifications that could possibly provide more space, however no decision to undertake the project was made.  Mr. LeMaro noted the areas used by non-Corrections Division is between 10,000 – 12,000 sq. ft.; the Corrections Division is approximately 20,000 sq. ft.

 Mr. Booth asked if the construction of a separate building to house administration would provide adequate space to modify the Corrections Division and allow the needed space.  Ms. Kiefer said she recalls many scenarios were reviewed by the Public Safety Committee, and believes that included the possibility of a separate or add-on building.  Mr. Shinagawa stated the way the building is constructed makes it difficult to modify.

 Mr. LeMaro indicated the possibility of adding space to the building by adding additional office space in the area directly in front of the building had been considered.

 Ms. Kiefer noted there are possible political reasons to continue to hold off on pursuing jail construction, that it is easier to undertake the Health Department first, however, she now feels that perhaps the choice should be for the Public Safety Building.  It was noted that the issues for the Public Safety Building are space, the Health Department is building deficiency.

 The Committee then reviewed the potential cost differences for various choices.  Mr. Marx reiterated that the charge is to prioritize and the Budget and Capital Committee will develop the funding.    Mr. Booth said he does not believe it would be appropriate to build a 130-person jail, and the Health Department is a seriously deficient building.  He does not believe the Center of Government is a requirement.  In answer to Mr. Booth’s question, Mr. LeMaro spoke briefly of tobacco funds relating to the projects.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, to recommend the priority be set to indicate projects in the following order:  (1) Health Department; (2) Public Safety Building; (3) Center of Government.  A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes – 2 (Legislators Booth and Shinagawa); Noes – 1 (Legislator Kiefer); Excused – 2 (Legislators Mackesey and Randall).  MOTION FAILED.

 Ms. Kiefer said she we have received the total cost estimates for a Health Department project and a jail project, but she would like to see comparative annual cost estimates of the two projects in both possible orders.  Mr. Marx said that can be provided.  She also reminded members that if the Health Department is the first capital project undertaken, the issue of location will need to be reviewed.  Mr. Marx said the report of the Space Needs and Location Committee included West Hill and downtown locations and reviewed the issue.  In addition, he said at the time construction occurs there may not be other locations available.  Mr. Booth indicated he does not feel there is a compelling reason for the Health Department to be downtown.  Mr. Marx also spoke of current discussions regarding emergency planning that indicate having a site on the west side of the lake may be beneficial.

2006 Goals

 It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to adopt the 2006 Committee Goals as submitted.  GOALS ADOPTED.

Adjournment

 Ms. Kiefer declared the meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m., without objection.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk