E-mail To The Editor: Mayor Gives Recap Of Police Station Discussion

Design work on an interim U.P. Police Station located on the second floor of the new Civic Building is now underway based on action taken at this week's University Place City Council Meeting.

Under the agreement, the Helix Design Group (based in Tacoma) will develop an architectural design along with administering construction services after a bid is awarded.

U.P. Police currently share space in the Public Safety Building which also houses West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Due to the merger of the U.P. and Lakewood Fire Districts, the Fire District approached the City to determine if it could buy out the City's portion of the building to accommodate their need for additional space. The City agreed to move out by the end of 2011, and in return, will receive a payment of $1,000,000 from the Fire District.

Earlier this year, the City went out to bid to construct a new police building directly under the library on Drexler Drive. The low bid received for this work came in at $1.2 million which was $300,000 above the construction budget. Staff explored all options to reduce costs at this location and it became apparent that a new building space could not be constructed within the available budget.

A second option was subsequently developed to move the police into an interim space on the second floor of the new Civic Building. There is 11,000 square feet on the second floor which is intended for future office space, of which 5,000 square feet would be needed for the police space. The interim space is being designed to accommodate the current police needs as well as any future office tenant. Also, this alternative space would cost approximately half of what a new building would cost and would be within the project budget.

Although Council was disappointed that the initial bids for the Drexler Drive space exceeded budgeted amounts, a police presence within the Civic Building will add an additional sense of security along with providing a more convenient location for citizens to seek out information and assistance. Sitting the police within the Civic Building will also eliminate any lease or rental costs associated with using another location. All improvements will also be transferrable for future office use.

In terms of police usage, there will be no holding cells within the building. Instead, officers will take arrested individuals directly to the county jail. Project timelines call for bid requests in late June with a tentative bid award scheduled in July. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.

Other meeting highlights included:

*Community Events

Several community events will receive limited support from the City under a resolution approved by Council this week.

Due to budget cuts, the City was unable to provide the same levels of support to various community events compared to prior years. Last December, the Council directed that $26,000 left over from donations to the City festival fund be split in half to help fund certain events in 2011 and 2012. City staff subsequently met with representatives from involved groups to determine what the City could provide versus individual responsibilities of each group.

A proposal resulted in which the City would provide limited support in the following areas:

*Health (Port-a-potties, hand washing stations, garbage disposal)

*Limited support from Parks, Public Works, Recreation & Finance

*Police

*Liability Insurance

*Publicity using the City website, readerboard, UPTV and the newsletter

Events receiving assistance must support Council vision and goals regarding vibrant places and events, cost/benefit analysis, community contribution, diversity and other factors.Designated groups this year include:  Volunteer Appreciation, Parks Appreciation Day, Homestead Park Flower Show, Duck Daze Parade/Treasures in the Park and associated events, Curran Orchard Concerts and Cider Squeeze, National Night Out, UP Fest, Pups in the Park, Parks Make a Difference Day and the annual Tree Lighting.

Groups requesting assistance for 2012 events must submit an application in August which will be reviewed by Council later this fall.

*City Manager’s Report

Work continues on the Condominium and Operating Agreement between the City and U.P. Library. According to City Attorney Steve Victor, staff is awaiting the fifth (and hopefully final) version of a survey map containing extensive details regarding ownership of the atrium and easements along with proposed guidelines for building operations.

Duck Daze!Get out your “duck” gear for the annual Duck Daze on Saturday, June 4! This year’s festivities include the Duck Parade starting at 10 a.m. on 27th and Bridgeport going all the way up to City Hall at 37th and Bridgeport. Other activities include:

*Arts & crafts sponsored by UP for Art on Market Square in front of the new Civic Building

*UPTown 2011 Car Show

*Treasures in the Park

*Public Safety Fair.

Don’t miss out on this fun event!

As always, I welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact me atdklosowski@CityofUP.com.