CR OPEN HOUSE update COMMUNITY FACILITIES September 2, 2009 Sandi Fowler, City Manager’s Office Dan Thies, OPN Architects
Community Facilities Public Participation Process
Open House #1 – June 23, 2009 ◦ Review the opportunity & process ◦ 200 Attendees ◦ 279 Feedback responses
Open House #2 – August 18-19, 2009 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Review facility options 591 Citizen attendees 157 City employee attendees 850 Feedback responses
Open House #3 – October 6-7, 2009 ◦ Presentation of recommended options
Engaging the public in the facility rebuilding process…
Summary of Feedback from Open House #1
Protect or relocate vital City services outside of the Cedar River flood plain.
Create multiple options for Community Facilities as a component of a renewed downtown.
Social sustainability (livability/walkability) should be a priority in future option considerations.
Develop options with accessible and centralized services, and plentiful free parking.
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility – present financial data in future options’ considerations.
Open House #1 Feedback
Open House #2 asked for Input on the Options…
Return to existing buildings as they were at the time of the flood
Return to existing buildings as they were at the time of the flood, with upgrades to improve sustainability and functionality
Consider new buildings, alternate locations, and the possibility of colocation of programs and services
Consider utilizing another existing building
City Services/ Veteran’s Memorial Building
City Operations/ Public Works Building
Fleet Maintenance
Central Fire
Animal Control
Main Public Library
Existing Buildings/Programs
Intermodal Transportation Facility
Community Safety Center
Neighborhood Centers
Former U.S. Courthouse
Potential Facilities Concepts
Review of Financial Data
We took a conservative approach to the financial data presented.
The numbers presented in Open House #2 were based on preliminary and operational benchmark data.
The University of Iowa and OPN have a scheduled meeting for evaluation of the financial model.
Financial Review
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
General Feedback Comment Themes
Many supportive comments were received, and people appreciated the chance to give feedback.
Overall, there is a greater understanding of the complexity of the issues and of the decisions that have to be made.
There is a small, vocal minority who still want Westdale Mall to be evaluated for further use.
Open House #2 Feedback
Intermodal Transportation Facility
Low Response Rate
Those who responded would like to see expanded program at the former Pepsi Location.
Potential Facilities Concepts
Community Safety Center
Low Response Rate
Those who responded were positive regarding the concept.
Potential Facilities Concepts
Neighborhood Centers
Low Response Rate
Those who responded were positive regarding the concept.
A handful of respondents feel it should be a lower priority right now.
Potential Facilities Concepts
Former U.S. Courthouse
General majority of respondents had concerns over/with City Ownership and burdens related to the building.
Regarding use, it was preferred to use the building as overflow space for City Hall.
Potential Facilities Concepts
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Veteran’s Memorial / City Services Center
None of the options received a majority, however, Option C was preferred.
Option C – New Building with Program Growth at an Undetermined, Centrally Located Site
Concern about future flooding of this building remains high.
Respondents have are torn between losing a city landmark versus practical considerations (flood concerns).
Open House #2 Feedback
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Public Works Facility/City Operations
Option B and Option C were equally preferred.
Current Site/Property was preferred regardless of choosing Option B or C.
A proposed continued use of the Fleck Building was a reoccurring theme.
Option B - Return to Pre-Flood Conditions with Flood Mitigation, Code Upgrades, Extensive Mechanical/Functional Update-With Program Growth Option C - New Building with Program Growth at an Undetermined Site
Open House #2 Feedback
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Fleet Maintenance
Overwhelming majority prefer to see Fleet Maintenance consolidated into a single location.
Option C was favored, although no option had the majority.
Single location will allow for efficiencies and cross training.
Option C – New Building, Contains Co-Location with Growth Needs (All New Building Campus on Public Works Site) Option D-Re-Purpose an Existing Building / Site with Co-Location Concept, Including Growth (Remodel Existing Buildings and Add Additions on Public Works Site).
Open House #2 Feedback
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Animal Care and Control
An overwhelming majority of respondents favored building a new facility and co-locating with Kirkwood.
Respondents were pro Kirkwood involvement for the shared resources potential and educational opportunities.
People would like to see a facility that is healthy for both employees and animals.
Open House #2 Feedback
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Central Fire Station
Respondents commented & expressed a desire to defer to the recommendations of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and their best practices criteria.
Respondents also expressed that the Central Fire Station offers a vital service and should never be incapacitated during emergencies.
A majority of respondents favored Option C.
Option C - New Building with Program Growth (Undetermined Site).
Open House #2 Feedback
Summary of Feedback from Open House #2
Main Public Library
An overwhelming majority of respondents favored a new building.
Ample and free parking was a reoccurring theme across all options.
Of the 4 possible sites/locations presented, 2 were predominantly favored:
TrueNorth Block
Former Emerald Knights Block
Future flood risk is still a concern.
Open House #2 Feedback
What are we solving for?
The
WHAT The WHEN The HOW
What’s Next
What - Development of the Implementation Strategy
Development of the Implementation Strategy for facilities is based on: ◦ City Vision ◦ City Council Goals ◦ Public & Employee Feedback ◦ Key Financial Strategies ◦ Service Delivery
Action and implementation then occurs after City Council approval.
What’s Next
When - Development of the Implementation Strategy
Timing impacts:
Varies depending upon facility/program
Based upon available financial information
Program reconfiguration
What’s Next
How - Development of the Implementation Strategy Funding impacts: Minimal v. optimal strategies for facilities recovery Research and pursue additional funding sources Context within other financial decisions
FACILITIES + KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES + FLOOD CONTROL + FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE
What’s Next
What additional information do you need?
What’s Next
Open House #3 –Recommended Options Tuesday, October 6 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 7 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Ballroom 350 1st Avenue NE