Vacant Rio Communities incubator space found unsafe after fire inspection; library expansion paused

At the Rio Communities meeting on June 3, a city fire official reported that a vacant incubator space attached to City Hall failed a fire inspection and is "unfit for anybody to be in there until we can do some updates," preventing its immediate use for either rental or program space.

The official listed specific deficiencies, including a noncompliant or impaired fire alarm notification system, nonoperational emergency lighting and gaps in egress continuity. The official said the rest of City Hall is in compliance; the incubator area had not been occupied for several years and had not undergone recent inspections until consideration of reusing the space.

The finding matters because the city has discussed multiple possible uses for the room, including a library expansion or rental to a local business. Several board members told the meeting they prefer holding the space for future library use, but no decision or formal direction was made and the board emphasized repairs must come first.

"It is unfit for anybody to be in there until we can do some updates," said the city fire official, summarizing the inspection's conclusion. Board members asked whether the portions of City Hall currently in use meet code; the official replied that they do.

Board member Lisa Lamanna moved to approve the meeting agenda earlier in the session; Marita Wilson seconded the motion and the board voted to approve the agenda. Later, Lamanna moved to approve the minutes; Rita White seconded and the minutes were approved.

Next steps identified at the meeting were limited and procedural: staff and the appropriate city departments must obtain estimates and budget for the fire‑safety repairs before reopening or marketing the space. The board did not vote on any contract or renovation funding at the June 3 meeting.