Approve Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association’s Request to Fund a Storage and Batting Cage Building at Central Park

The Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) desires approval to fund and construct a 20” x 32’ foot building between ballfields #4 and #2 at Central Park next to the batting cage that is being completed there now.

Community Development and Park staff have reviewed ARAA’s building permit application and other aspects of their proposal and find that the proposed building is consistent with what is permitted for parks as well as residential and commercial land use (setbacks etc.). The application shows that the construction would be the same burnished block construction, with ‘plum’ accent band as the other park buildings there.

In addition to reviewing the submitted plans for conformity to building code (snow loads, egress/ingress etc.); it is understood that the commercial storage unit that is placed in the parking lot would be removed when the building would be placed into use. This and other details (such as ensuring that ARAA shall be paying the maintenance expenses) and are being 'put in writing' via the attached Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement so that all parties are in full accord with expectations and responsibilities. ARAA has indicated that construction is desired to commence yet this fall.

Attached is a plan view of the proposed building, as well as an elevation; and a site location map.

The attached agreement identifies several stipulations and roles of responsibility for this project, and includes three issues in particular that Council is asked to provide direction on (with staff's suggested recommendation further below).

1, ARAA has requested the waiver of Building Permit Fees in the amount of $569.51.
(This cost is based upon the minimum estimated value determined by the square footage as identified by the State of Minnesota of a Building valuation of $19,502.)  As a point of information, the city has not waived building permit fees for the construction of the earlier Lion's Pavilion at the same park, or recent city projects like the parking ramp - although this project is considerably smaller in scope.

2, Staff requests a decision on whether to require a surety or escrow for the estimated $23,000+ project - or, if having ARAA's president signing the attached agreement would provide enough certainty that the project would be completed satisfactorily.

3,  While the operating and maintenance costs of the proposed building are identified in the draft agreement to be the responsibility of ARAA, electricity is not specifically named.  Unless heaters are installed in the building, or lights are left on, the annual operating cost for electricity is expected to be nominal (perhaps $144 dollars per year).

Staff recommends approval of the storage and batting cage building for Central Park pursuant to the draft agreement and addressing the three items above.  As to the three questions, the following are staff's suggestions:

1,  As there is precedent for all organizations to pay building permit fees, including for new city structures, it may be best to remain consistent and require the payment be incorporated into the project as there is also a real city cost of performing the inspections and plan review.

2, As for requiring an escrow, staff's recommendation would be to not require this, but rather and simply receive a copy of the contract between the general contractor and ARAA that authorizes the work.

3,  Staff estimates that the electrical costs will average $12 per month, and therefore tracking this expense may cost as much to administer as the electrical cost itself - and thus ARAA should not be required to cover the this nominal expense.

Little or no city monetary contributions are known to be needed, aside from the estimated electrical expense which could be covered within the Park's Operating Budget as part of the General Fund.

Motion to approve/not approve the Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement, acknowledging ARAA's proposed donation of a 640 SF storage building at Central Park.