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City plans gas operations hub at former Knights of Columbus site; project budgeted from gas reserves
Summary
City presented concept to renovate the Knights of Columbus building at 2116 Griffin Road into a new, larger gas department headquarters, storage and a pole barn; staff said the gas enterprise fund will pay construction and the project aligns with growth in gas customers tied to regional development.
Corey Gifford, director of gas operations, presented a concept at the Aug. 11 workshop to consolidate and expand gas department facilities at the former Knights of Columbus building (2116 Griffin Road) and adjacent parcels.
Gifford described a two‑story addition and interior renovation to create office space, crew work areas, a large shop, a 3,000‑square‑foot records storage building for the city clerk and a pole barn approximately 160 by 60 feet to house line trucks and equipment. "This would be our shop where we would house our meters, regulators, miscellaneous parts that the crews need," Gifford said during the presentation.
Why it matters: Staff said the gas enterprise has grown substantially (from about 18–20 employees in 2013 to about 29–30 now) as service expanded to new customers and the enterprise fund has reserves that can support the project. City staff told the commission the project was included in the FY25 budget with roughly $1 million available; staff estimated construction costs in the $2.02–2.25 million range and proposed funding from gas reserves.
Design and operations: The plan consolidates two existing downtown gas facilities into one larger campus, accommodates emergency operations (a break/feeding area and EOC capability for crews), and includes secure overnight parking and enclosed storage to comply with record retention and equipment needs. Staff said the design intentionally reuses existing restroom and kitchen locations where feasible to reduce cost.
Budget and finance: City staff said approximately $150,000 of the $1 million budgeted for design has been spent, leaving about $850,000; staff estimated the total construction cost at roughly $2.0–2.25 million to complete the project and suggested gas fund reserves (revenues from the gas enterprise) would be the financing source.
Outcome: Commissioners supported the concept and authorized the city manager and staff to continue finalizing design and proceed toward bid documents under the proposed financing approach. No formal ordinance or appropriation was approved at the Aug. 11 meeting; staff will return with bid documents and construction agreements as appropriate.
