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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
City Manager's Report 7.A.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 08/11/2025
Agenda Item:
Resolution accepting feasibility report and ordering project for Capital Improvement Number 11201; Council Chambers Reconfiguration.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
The council chambers was created from underutilized space in the former Mankato Place Mall atrium in 2012 after relocating out of the original chambers in the Intergovernmental Center. The current configuration has public seating for 76 individuals, a media table, a dedicated staff table with seating for six, a public presentation table with seating for four, and a council table with seating for the seven elected officials and three staff members. The room also functions as a conference room when not configured as the council chambers and can accommodate 10 round tables and seating for 50 individuals.
Limitations of the existing configuration include mobile furniture, which works well when the space is utilized as a conference room. However, each time the room is moved around, the technology and electrical connections receive unnecessary additional wear and tear. Other limitations include the following:
Suggested improvements include the construction of a raised council dais on the north end of the room which will change the orientation and rotate the room 90 degrees counterclockwise. The public entrance will be relocated to the location of the existing staff table and all public doors will receive automatic openers, including the restroom hallway door. A new, non-public door will be added that provides access for authorized persons to the Intergovernmental Center. Finally, a new public presentation podium will be constructed with a permanent structure including two seated positions and a podium. The permanence of the cabinet will allow for the installation of technological connections but also the addition of a large monitor on the front to allow the council members to view the presentation material without having to redirect their attention away from the presenters. In addition to the construction, technology improvements will be needed in the amount of $100,000 and will be provided by the owner. The estimated cost of the necessary improvements is approximately $261,000 and will be executed through a budget amendment. The recommended improvements to the Intergovernmental Center are being proposed from December 2025 through January 2026.
The estimated costs and funding sources for the project are as follows:
Staff recommends the Council accept the project feasibility report, order city staff to prepare final plans and specifications, and instruct the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law.
Limitations of the existing configuration include mobile furniture, which works well when the space is utilized as a conference room. However, each time the room is moved around, the technology and electrical connections receive unnecessary additional wear and tear. Other limitations include the following:
- Lack of ADA openers on the public entrances
- Confusing flow for the public into the room through multiple vestibules
- Security concerns regarding the location of the public entrance
- Inability to provide council members with adequate monitors for presentations – currently some council members choose to turn around to the screens behind them.
Suggested improvements include the construction of a raised council dais on the north end of the room which will change the orientation and rotate the room 90 degrees counterclockwise. The public entrance will be relocated to the location of the existing staff table and all public doors will receive automatic openers, including the restroom hallway door. A new, non-public door will be added that provides access for authorized persons to the Intergovernmental Center. Finally, a new public presentation podium will be constructed with a permanent structure including two seated positions and a podium. The permanence of the cabinet will allow for the installation of technological connections but also the addition of a large monitor on the front to allow the council members to view the presentation material without having to redirect their attention away from the presenters. In addition to the construction, technology improvements will be needed in the amount of $100,000 and will be provided by the owner. The estimated cost of the necessary improvements is approximately $261,000 and will be executed through a budget amendment. The recommended improvements to the Intergovernmental Center are being proposed from December 2025 through January 2026.
The estimated costs and funding sources for the project are as follows:
| PROJECT ESTIMATE | |
| ITEM | ESTIMATED COST |
| Council Chambers Remodel | $225,000 |
| TOTAL CONSTRUCTION | $225,000 |
| 15% Contingency | $33,750 |
| Drafting Costs | $2,250 |
| Technology Improvements by Owner | $100,000 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $361,000 |
| FUNDING SOURCE | AMOUNT | PERCENT |
| Insurance Rebate | $361,000 | 100% |
| TOTAL FUNDS | $361,000 | 100% |
Staff recommends the Council accept the project feasibility report, order city staff to prepare final plans and specifications, and instruct the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law.