The Port Washington common council on Aug. 6 received a facilities assessment and needs analysis for the municipal service center at 333 N. Moore Road from architect John Welenkamp. The assessment, prepared for the Board of Public Works, recommended retaining and reusing most of the existing structure while adding new maintenance bays, storage, a dedicated wash bay, upgraded salt/sand storage and a separated residential drop‑off area.

Why it matters: City staff and the architect said the existing maintenance bays are not sized for modern fleet vehicles, mechanics lack adequate clearance and long‑term vehicle storage is inefficient. The consultant argued that a remodel and addition would increase operational efficiency and vehicle longevity while improving staff safety and site security.

Findings and cost estimates
- Reuse most of the main facility but add new vehicle maintenance bays and a 33,000 sq. ft. vehicle parking/maintenance area plus a separate wash bay and storage mezzanine.
- Replace/upgrade aging roofing, HVAC and masonry that have reached typical life‑cycle limits.
- Create a dedicated, card‑access residential drop site to separate resident traffic from city vehicles.
- The consultant presented a construction‑only estimate of $9.4–$9.7 million and a total project cost (including soft costs and contingencies) of $13.8–$16.0 million. A lower “do‑nothing” five‑year repair estimate was presented at roughly $1.9–$2.3 million for targeted repairs and short‑term maintenance.

Direct quote from the presenter: “The stalls need to be properly sized for the vehicles that have to fit in them,” John Welenkamp said, describing current clearance and access problems that reduce efficiency and complicate maintenance.

Questions and next steps
Council members and Public Works members asked about queuing at the new residential drop‑off, internal communications (PA/radio), storage of wastewater/water department equipment, staffing projections and whether some maintenance tasks now outsourced could be brought in‑house. City staff agreed to supply a longer maintenance schedule and lifecycle cost plan to inform budgeting decisions; the Board of Public Works will continue detailed review and financial planning.

Ending: The presentation concluded without a vote. Staff asked the Board of Public Works and finance staff to develop a 25‑year maintenance forecast and to return to council with budget and sequencing options.