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Council hears $42–50M plan for new 40‑bay fleet maintenance facility; debate centers on 2045 vs 2070 sizing
Summary
Staff presented a proposed 60,000+ sq. ft., 40‑bay fleet maintenance facility designed to replace an aging, flood‑prone garage. The 90% cost estimate is roughly $50M; council discussed whether to build to a 2045 or 2070 planning horizon, with several members supporting the larger shell to avoid short‑term rework.
City staff and the construction manager presented a plan to build a replacement fleet maintenance facility outside the floodplain to support police, fire, utilities and public‑works operations. The facility design calls for 40 service bays (24 light duty, 16 heavy duty), expanded parts storage, modern ventilation and fire suppression and an on‑site fuel site. Staff said the current facility is 19,000 square feet and forces technicians to perform maintenance outside, creating safety and operational problems.
The design team cited a 90%‑design cost estimate around $50 million (60% design ~$42 million) and recommended engaging a construction manager at risk (Charles Perry Partners) and approving an amendment for additional design and permitting services. Council discussion focused on whether to build the facility sized to 2045 needs (fewer bays) or to the 2070 planning horizon (10 additional bays and a larger shell). Staff said the building could be constructed as a shell and progressively fitted out, and fleet staff noted the system is already operating beyond its intended capacity.
Multiple council members and the fleet manager argued that delayed construction risks higher costs and continued operational problems for public‑safety vehicles. Others asked for careful phasing to limit near‑term debt. The council requested updated cost estimates from the construction manager and deferred a final financing decision to the debt‑planning discussion.
Why it matters: The fleet facility affects the city’s ability to maintain police, fire and utility vehicles that support public safety and everyday services. The size and timing of the build will shape future capital budgets and debt requirements.
What’s next: Staff recommended moving forward with the construction manager at risk contract and seeking financing plans; council signaled support for proceeding with design and then finalizing funding details in the upcoming debt workshop.
