Old fire hall building needs to be taken off city’s hands
Several things were brought to the attention of the Cornell City Works Committee April 9, including what should be done with the old fire hall/police department on Thomas Street.
Previously, the Parks, Halls and Recreation Committee had talked about the building needing a new roof and/or tearing off the old police station, which would cost about $80,000 or $90,000 for the updates.
However, utility/city works superintendent Derek Braun thinks that money could be better spent, by constructing an addition or lean-to on the existing lower pole shed building at the city shop. Currently, municipal equipment is stored in the old fire hall, but Braun says the square footage of that building is only one-third functional for the city’s use.
“I just can’t see putting money into that roof,” said Braun.
Braun mentioned that the city wants to attempt to sell their road grader which is not used, so that would free up space in the shop building and that the crew can make the extra equipment fit until a new shed is built.
Bill Kvapil, committee member, asked what size Braun had in mind for a new building. Braun says it would be smaller than the old fire hall, but they could lay out the structure properly for their use.
“And then you have everything in one location,” said council member Floyd Hickethier.
Braun agreed to get figures together for a new building, before anything else proceeds.
He also brought up what needs to be done about city streets, saying that Fifth Street needs pipe work, so it is not an option to be fixed this year, as that is much more expensive than simple paving. Bates Street, as well as sections from Third Street to Park Road, on Osborn and Thomas streets, are on a five-year plan.
Braun is looking into overlays that the city is taking care of themselves without a big street project. He said Eighth Street is bad in some sections, too.
“Where you need pipe work, it gets pretty spendy,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.
DeJongh suggested the city check into Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and mold some of the projects together. He said the city may also get $140,000 from the state, as “recovery money” from the economic effects of COVID-19, or they could continue with short-term borrowing to maintain infrastructure.
“In both cases, our residents are accustomed to that on their levy, or property taxes,” said DeJongh.
DeJongh said he would hate to not have something in the works for a year, and all of a sudden the next year, taxes shoot higher. Before the next round of eligibility for CDBG funding, DeJongh said a couple levies could be issued for milling and paving around the city.
“There’s plenty of work to do,” said DeJongh.
Braun says areas that really need to be addressed, are Johnson Road and Baribeau Road on the south end of town, especially Johnson.
“It’s a road we can’t do nothing with anymore,” he said, adding parts of Baribeau are the same way.
Although there are more main thoroughfares that need some work, Braun says it all comes down to price points, with the sewer still good on Johnson and Baribeau. With the South Street project that was undertaken a couple years ago, it cost $880,000 with pipe work.
“We’re not gonna go take that on if we can wait a year to get a CDBG to help carry us to pay our portion,” said Braun.
For now, he promised to work on pricing and keep the committee apprised.
Braun also brought up purchasing a different jet vac, as the current truck is a 1989 double axel model, and late last year, when workers tried to engage the jetting part, nothing happened. It was determined almost every part on the truck is obsolete and parts are very difficult to find.
The city could have a retrofit done – for $20,000.
“Well, that truck is certainly not worth putting $20,000 into,” said Braun.
Currently, Braun is seeing what it would cost to replace the unit and wanted to give perspective of what is out there. He might be able to find a double axel, but could get a single axel, but it’s probably going to be about $50,000, regardless.
The unit is used for jetting sewers five or six weeks a year, as well as all inlets that need to be vacced out to prevent sand build-up, which causes sewer plug-ups.
Those present asked Braun to also get information on how much it would cost to rent a truck for that service annually, and Braun said he would, but pointed out if there is an emergency back-up, they will have to wait until someone is available to come.
“I think your cost is going to get out of hand pretty quick,” said Braun.
For now, the city is alright, but the jetting is required by the DNR to complete and Braun says he wanted the committee aware they will need to do something in the near future.
“It’s not something we can just let go,” said Braun.
