CONTINUED:  STAYING ON TRACK

         Said Beth, "What I've shown you would be our first choice."  The earthen colors are muted, with the darker cement board (like Hardie board, a maintenance free lap siding product) bordering the top of the building, and the limestone accenting bottom parts of the facade.  The limestone product sample that evening was from Kasota, Minnesota.  The rest of the facade is called "eefus" and is more formally known as EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finishing System.

         "For the most part, I like it," said Councilmember Tom Strigel.

         When asked about prices on the various materials, Dale Sonnichsen, construction manager with Stahl Construction, said that cement board is about $10/square foot, eefus is about $20/square foot, and limestone from $25 to $28/square foot.

         Asked Councilmember Jim Crowley, "What would be the cost to take the limestone all the way around the building?"

         Mr. Sonnichsen estimated an additional cost of $15,000 to $20,000.

         Stated Councilmember Crowley, "The one comment that seemed most clear to me at the Open House was to improve the back side of the building."

         A portion of the LRT trail that is scheduled for paving this year runs alongside the back of the new City Hall/Library.  Said Mayor O'Connor, "There's going to be a lot of traffic on the trail, and that will be the only impression some people will have for this building.  This city is going to live with this building a long time.  We shouldn't minimize the exterior."

         Commented Mr. Sonnichsen, "Even with cement board, there is opportunity to add color interest around the windows."

         Total building project costs for the new City Hall/Library are estimated to be $2,282,000.  Total land cost (acquisition and site improvements/land trade):  $438,000.

 

Financing the Buildings

         Reported Mr. Sonnichsen, "We will have 20 to 30 different contracts for each building.  I try to break down contracts into small packages, like all electrical in one, all plumbing in one, which gives some opportunity to local contractors."

         Mr. Uram said the new cost estimate is $15,000 less than the goal of $5 million.  He spoke of financing the cost through Capital Improvement Bonds or Lease Revenue Bonds.  He said that Capital Improvement Bonds are less expensive, but financing through them could delay the project a year if there's a reverse referendum that could halt or delay the project.

         Mr. Uram said that Lease Revenue Bonds would cost the city $800,000 more over 20 years, but it ensures the project will go forward and doesn't allow for a reverse referendum.

         Said City Attorney Mike Norton, "The CIP is subject to a reverse referendum.  There is no cloud in our view for Lease Revenue Bonds."

         Councilmembers referred to an individual citizen who has made threats to gather a petition and ask for a referendum on constructing the new city buildings.

         Said Councilmember Jim Crowley, "The response I see from constituents is overwhelmingly positive.  The small group that would like to take this to a referendum is the only reason we'd consider Lease Revenue Bonds, but we want to best represent our citizens."

         Said Mayor O'Connor, "Our preference is clearly the CIP vehicle.  It would be prudent to go the CIP approach, and if the threat becomes real, we can take the Lease Revenue approach.  The extra $30,000 to $40,000 a year in cost to the city would clearly be on the shoulders of the individual that Jim [Councilmember Crowley] referenced."

 

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The Victoria GAZETTE

February 2014

Preliminary Design of New Victoria City Hall/Library

Location:  Stieger Lake Lane.     Total bldg project cost:  $2,282,000

Building size:  Two floors totaling 12,130 square feet.

Floor plan:  Library will occupy the first floor. with City Offices and Council Chamberson the second floor, on the left above the children's library space.

General appearance:  Two-story wood frame construction with a combination of exterior materials including stone, glass, cement board, and EIFS or maintenance free siding.