Council directs staff to pursue “Option C” concept for campus master plan, asks for leased alternatives for license/passport center

Roseville — City Council members on Monday told staff to pursue a revised campus plan (presenters labeled it the “Option C” concept) that would concentrate public‑works yard functions with a smaller campus footprint while preserving neighborhood amenities such as the VFW building and the adjacent ballfield and playground. Council members also asked staff to evaluate leasing alternatives for the license/passport function before committing to an on‑site, city‑financed building.

Why it matters: the campus plan lays out long‑term investments — a maintenance operations center, vehicle and yard storage, a license/passport center and a dance studio — that will affect parkland, neighborhood access and the city’s capital spending for years to come. Council members sought a balance between operational efficiency for public works and protection of park amenities valued by neighbors.

What consultants told the council

- Facility condition: Kraus Anderson reported the older sections of the existing public works complex (early 2000s structures and older) have reached or are near the end of useful life for key systems (roofs and masonry). The firm recommended replacement of aging roofs and repair of exterior enclosure work regardless of which master plan option is chosen.

- Program and options: The design team presented the previously studied predesign plan and several alternate concepts. Option C would split yard and storage needs between the north and south sides of Woodhill Road and reconfigure the south campus to reduce the footprint next to the park; consultants said Option C reduces park impacts while still meeting maintenance operations’ needs.

- Schedule and pricing: Consultants reported multi‑year construction schedules and cautioned the council that estimated costs are large and include contingencies and escalation assumptions. The firms recommended a next step of design procurement and confirmation of phasing and funding prior to executing construction.

Council discussion and direction

After public comment and council member discussion — several neighbors voiced explicit support for Option C because it preserves the ballfield and playground — the council directed staff to proceed with additional development of the Option C concept. Council members also asked staff to gather market information about leasing and build‑out costs for potential off‑site locations for the license/passport center so the city could compare an on‑site build versus leasing.

What the direction does and does not decide

- Direction, not vote: Council members gave staff a direction to refine Option C and to explore leasing alternatives for the license/passport function. No final construction contract or financing authorization was voted on June 16.

- Phasing and financing: Consultants said a multi‑phase approach would likely be required and that critical long‑lead items and escalation assumptions are included in the cost model; staff will need to return with phasing, financing options and a recommended timeline before the council commits to sale/borrowing or bond measures.

Ending

Council members signaled a preference for the Option C approach that minimized park impacts while addressing the Public Works facility needs. They asked staff to return with lease vs. build financial analysis for the license/passport center and a phasing and funding proposal before formal approval of design or construction contracts.