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In response to a question by Councilmember Rader, Mayor Summers explained that while the <br /> City is not yet legally obligated to create the storage tank that it seeks to include this obligation <br /> in its next NPDES permit to demonstrate its commitment to the EPAs and avoid a consent <br /> decree. He spoke about the next steps in the City's discussions with the EPA and emphasized <br /> that a water storage facility is very important to avoiding a consent decree. If the facility goes <br /> forward it would not interfere with the existing building and would be located in the current <br /> parking lot space. <br /> The Committee and the Mayor discussed other aspects of the IWWIP as presented to the EPA. <br /> In response to a question by Councilmember George, Mayor Summers explained that no other <br /> site that fits the needed parameter is currently for sale. <br /> Human Services Director Gelsomino remarked on the potential of the church building on the <br /> property to serve as an intergenerational community center where all human services staff and <br /> programs can be housed. She expressed great excitement about the possibility, stating that the <br /> community will benefit and the staff will increase their potential for collaboration. She remarked <br /> that the Lawther Center is worn out and that the City needs to provide something better for <br /> seniors and all residents. One thousand seniors were served by the Department in 2018. <br /> Director Sylvester explained that the Planning Department entered into an agreement with Cove <br /> Church to perform a fit analysis to evaluate whether it is a possibility for Human Services' <br /> programming to fit within the existing Cove Church space. The analysis included an assessment <br /> of: <br /> • Environmental conditions <br /> • Interviews with Human Services staff <br /> • Development of preliminary floor plans <br /> • Building Code, life safety and accessibility review <br /> • Mechanical, electric, and plumbing review <br /> The environmental analysis revealed that removal of all hazardous materials such as asbestos <br /> would cost$110,000. <br /> Director Sylvester stated that upon completion of the analysis that he is confident that the space <br /> can meet the goals of the Human Services Department. He remarked that the open floor plans <br /> lend themselves well to many creative options. Currently, the space consists of two 8,000 square <br /> foot spaces. He reviewed the existing floor plans and presented newly proposed ones suitable for <br /> Human Services. He presented draft renderings of the current space renovated. Moving forward <br /> he recommended taking a design-build approach to realize such renovations and discussed <br /> additional next steps that would be required. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed that he expects to support the resolution. He asked for <br /> Council to consider if the City will work to rebuild capacity in the land acquisition fund as it has <br /> drawn down on that fund twice this year. He also asked for more information about the costs of a <br /> newly built community center verses the proposed renovations. Lastly, he asked what will <br /> become of Human Services' existing space if a community center is located at the property. <br /> 2 <br />