Council discusses larger, drive‑through design for new public works building to meet long‑term needs

Council members, public works staff and contractors discussed options for a new public works building and identified several design features they believe are needed for safety and long‑term use.

Concerns about the currently planned 45‑foot width focused on access for snowplows and large equipment. Staff and council members recommended either increasing the width to about 50 feet or moving the building to a different site (south of the cell towers easement was suggested) to allow a drive‑through layout. They discussed adding floor drains with collection boxes, a small crane or ceiling I‑beam for blade changes, compressed‑air hookups and water at each bay, insulated walls and heating so vehicles can be started in winter, restroom and shower facilities (which would add septic system costs, roughly estimated by staff at about $30,000), and ventilation to permit safe starting of vehicles indoors. Council members proposed touring Payson’s recently built public‑works building to examine drains, ventilation and bay configuration and directed staff to obtain updated bids from manufacturers that supply pre‑engineered steel or pole‑barn structures.

Why it matters: The design choices affect worker safety, equipment maintenance ease and long‑term capital costs. Council agreed to plan for a building that will meet needs for years rather than a minimal structure that quickly becomes inadequate.

Next step: Staff will collect updated bids for alternative sizes and layouts, arrange a tour of a comparable facility, and return draft specifications and cost estimates to the council for further action.