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Public Works building: town considers 4‑bay facility; rough estimate $600,000–$700,000, council asks for bids and consultation
Summary
Genola staff presented plans for a new 50x120‑foot Public Works building (four bays) with a shell bid of $358,516 and total project estimates of $600,000–$700,000; council directed staff to solicit bids and obtain professional advice on steel vs. wood construction.
Town staff briefed the Genola Town Council on plans for a new Public Works building to replace an aging, unsafe structure currently used by the town. The conceptual building discussed would be about 50 feet wide by 120 feet long, with four vehicle bays, office/breakroom space, restrooms and showers for staff, and storage areas. A single bid for the basic structure (shell) was presented at $358,516; staff said moving to a commercial standard for truck storage and heavier equipment increases foundation and concrete requirements and adds roughly $100,000, and that a complete architect/engineering/construction cost is likely in the $600,000–$700,000 range once septic, French drains, utility moves and interior fit‑out are included.
Staff said a principal driver is protecting and servicing recently acquired trucks and getting operations out of an old blue building contractors declared unsafe to repair due to liability. The council discussed whether a steel building or a wood (stick) structure is preferable; speakers noted steel offers higher interior clearances and easier installation of cranes or higher bays, while wood interiors may be simpler to finish. Council members raised operational questions: door heights (14 feet), interior clearance (about 15.5 feet under trusses), the need for higher bays for dump beds/backhoe buckets, interior floor drains and a French drain system for snow runoff.
Council direction: Members agreed to obtain competitive bids and to get professional consultation. The mayor asked staff to solicit bids for steel buildings and to reach out to a local construction manager (John Rosenberger was suggested) for comparative advice on steel vs. wood structures. Councilmembers also discussed site placement near existing utility towers where other uses are limited and observed the town could pay cash for the project rather than borrow funds.
Why it matters: The building affects the town’s ability to shelter and maintain public works vehicles, host public restrooms for events, and store equipment. The price range and choice of construction method will influence capital planning and the town’s ability to pay cash vs. finance.
Ending: Staff will solicit bids for building systems (including at least a steel building option), gather engineering estimates for septic and site work, and consult a local construction manager; results to be reported back to council.
