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City moves to seek quotes for RTC Phase 3 roof work, to consult SHPO on materials
Summary
Council authorized staff to assemble bid packages and seek quotes to reroof towers at the Regional Treatment Center using remaining state bonding funds (about $390,000 available), and to open dialogue with the State Historic Preservation Office about matching terracotta tile versus alternative materials and mitigation options.
Fergus Falls staff updated the council on Phase 3 work for the Regional Treatment Center (RTC) on Feb. 2 and secured authorization to gather quotes and engage the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Staff said drone inspections revealed slipping terracotta/clay tiles on the main tower and two side towers; a contractor estimate for the main tower was roughly $110,500, and staff estimated about $275,000 to reroof the three towers. Tyra told the council there is approximately $390,000 remaining from a 2018 state bonding appropriation that could be eligible to secure the building envelope.
Council members recalled a previous Stantec assessment that included interior remediation: mold abatement (~$275,000) and a ventilation system (~$450,000), summing to earlier interior estimates around $844,000. Given active water intrusion through the roof and window damage, staff urged prioritizing waterproofing the building envelope before undertaking interior remediation.
Council authorized staff to prepare bid packages and collect quotes for both matching clay tile repairs and alternative asphalt shingle options to determine costs and SHPO requirements. Staff noted that because the RTC is on the National Register of Historic Places, the contractor and the city will need to coordinate with SHPO during design review; SHPO typically requires review at 30, 60 and 90 percent plan stages and may require mitigation measures if an alternative material would affect the historic character.
Council asked that staff seek clarification about whether certain administrative costs are eligible for coverage by the TIF or bonding dollars and how escrowed project fees would be handled; staff said unused escrow is refunded and excess costs billed to applicants where applicable.
Next steps: staff will produce bid packages for the tower work, pursue SHPO consultation, and report back with firm quotes and an implementation plan.
