DPW flags two out-of-service underground tanks, estimated multimillion-dollar facility work under review

Speaker 2 (Public Works staff) told the council the DPW site contains "two 10,000-gallon underground storage tanks that have been out of service for 5 years" and that state rules require hiring a licensed site professional (LSP) to excavate and remove the tanks. Staff said removal will leave a large excavation and require site repairs, and that the DPW building — built around 1970 — needs a new outer shell, roof, doors, insulation and electrical upgrades. Speaker 2 said a conservative internal estimate is "at least a couple million dollars" for the broader facility work.

Funding and grants: Speaker 2 said the city is exploring a LUST (Leaking Underground Storage Tank) grant to offset tank removal costs. Council members expressed concern about sprinkler requirements: Speaker 2 explained that remodeling a certain percentage of the building could trigger mandatory sprinklers, which would add substantial cost.

Longer-term planning: Speaker 1 urged considering an expansion for the city's sign shop when renovating, saying "if we do it, we do it once, we do it right." Staff noted the building is unsprinkled because it was constructed before current code requirements and that splitting the building to avoid sprinkler thresholds is being evaluated.

Next steps: staff will pursue LUST grant opportunities, finalize cost estimates with consultants and return to the council with funding options and construction timing.

Sources: remarks by Speaker 2 and follow-up comments from Speaker 1.