HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.F.5. Outdoor Learning Center Building Pemit Fees
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CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
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TO: Mayor and City Council I' V~8:
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Outdoor Learning Center Building Permit Fees
DATE: April 20, 2010
Introduction:
The Council is asked to give direction regarding a request from ISD 720 to waive
building permit fees for its proposed Outdoor Learning Center (OLC). This had been
discussed, and tabled at the April 6th meeting.
Background:
Attached is a letter from James Murphy, Shakopee High School Principal, requesting that
the City waive building permit fees for construction of an OLC on the Shakopee High
School campus.
That request was discussed at the April 6th meeting. City staff had expressed concerns at
the meeting about the precedent set that would be set by waiving permit fees. While the
City Council concurred that the OLC is a worthwhile venture, it tabled the request until
more information could be provided by staff.
Council may recall that the School District last year agreed to contribute $3,200 towards
the construction of a sidewalk/trail extension on Fuller Street, which will connect the
pedestrian bridge that is currently being constructed across US169, to the high school
campus.
That contribution might alternatively be used to pay for the OLC building permit. Should
the Council so choose, other City sources of funding could be available to substitute for
the school's share ofthe trail construction. The end result ofthis option would attain the
School District's desire for the net reduction of costs, but the City would be able to keep
in place its "no waiver of fees" policy.
Budget Impact:
Under this scenario, the School District would be billed only for the balance of$380-
the difference between the $3,200 previously committed, and the $2820 estimated to be
needed for the building permit fees.
There would then be three possible sources of funding for the now reduced funding of the
trail project:
. General Fund (City Council budget);
. State Aid to Streets Account; or
. Capital Improvements Fund.
Given the current balance of the CIF ($3,651,932) and that the CIF is already funding
most of the project, the staff recommends that option. The State Aid balance is currently
$4,311,892.
Recommendation:
I recommend that the Council reduce the expected contribution from the School District
for the Fuller Street sidewalk/trail extension to $380, and direct that that balance of
$2,820 needed for the trail construction be funded from the CIF, if needed.
Relationship to Visioning:
This supports Goal B "High Quality of Life".
Action Required:
The first action would be to remove this item from the table.
Then, if the Council concurs, it should, by motion, require the payment of building permit
fees for the School District's Outdoor Learning Center and approve the reduction of the
School District's contribution toward the construction of the sidewalk/trail extension on
Fuller Street by a like amount. Further, it should authorize the use of the Capital
Improvements Fund for the difference caused for the Fuller Street sidewalk/trail
extension.
~JL k~
Mark McNeill
MM:cn City Administrator
S.uperlntendent: Jon McBroom
Principal: James Murphy
Assistant Principal: Barbara J. McNulty
Shako pee
Senior High School
March 11,2010
Mr. Jim Grampre
129 South Homes Street
Shakopee,~ 55379
Dear Mr. Grampre:
The purpose of this letter is to request that our committee, the Outdoor Classroom Fundraising Committee, be
placed on the Shakopee City Council agenda for the purpose ofrequesting a fee reduction for the permit we will
need to make the Shakopee School District Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) a reality.
A 28' x 40' structure to be located on the Shakopee High School campus, the OLC will be an asset to a variety
of students of various ages. For example, high school vocational classes such as the construction classes will
use some of the unique features of the structure to study various forms of alternative energy while students from
other schools in Shakopee will take field trips to the site to learn more about the natural world through hands-on
activities. In groups of two to about thirty, Shakopee students will come together at the OLC to experience,
appreciate, and learn more about various topics such as the natural environment, green construction, etc.
This project is in part funded by a Lowe's, Inc. matching grant as well as by the donation oftime, money, and
materials by various local contractors, businesses, and charitable organizations. Construction of this project is a
cooperative venture between the construction classes at Shakopee High School and numerous volunteers-local
business owners, construction workers, school personnel, students and their families, etc.
The process of applying for a building permit for the OLe has already begun, and Sonya Kraft of Design Build
I Service, Inc._will submit all infonnation required for permit approval. Due to the unique nature of this structure
and because it is being built by limited funds, the fundraising committee is requesting a reduction in the
building permit fee. The fundraising committee would be happy to answer any questions you or the council
may have; please feel free to contact us with any issues that need clarification. Thank you for your
consideration. We look forward to hearing from you regarding our request.
Sincerely,
~:r0lt
Shakopee High School principal
On behalf of the Outdoor Classroom Fundraising Committee
200 10th Ave. E. . Shakopee, MN 55379
(952)496-5152*' fax: {952445-3268
* Also a TTY number