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OFRTEL <br /> ARCHITECTS INITIAL COMMENTS <br /> The following are a few initial comments regarding your site and operation: <br /> 1. The site has some considerable changes in elevation. While not ideal, there are many <br /> ways to make a positive out of this condition. For the cities of Woodbury, Waconia, and <br /> Mahtomedi, which are situated on sites with much more grade change, our final designs <br /> included a two story building that essentially worked with the site as opposed to <br /> extensive earthwork to make the site usable for a single story building. <br /> 2. The existing utility buildings appear to be extremely inefficient in regards to energy <br /> usage. Potential re-use of the existing buildings should consider this factor. Significant <br /> upgrades may be necessary and in some cases not practical. Considerations should also <br /> be determined in ongoing maintenance. While a new building will have warranties and <br /> solid construction, the existing buildings, for example, may need new roofs, ADA <br /> accessible routes, replacement of mechanical units and other maintenance work. All <br /> this plays into the equation of project costs and preferred options. <br /> 3. There are a number of health and life safety items which were noted, from HVAC <br /> systems which do not meet code, to non-pressurization of the buildings (causing a build- <br /> up of fumes in the work areas). While the lack of floor drains would not be considered a <br /> health and safety issue directly, floor drains at internal parking areas are required by <br /> code and important for numerous other reasons. <br /> 4. There appears to be a considerable amount of double and triple handling of equipment. <br /> By correcting this, the staff will be more efficient in exceeding current service levels, <br /> limiting the need for future hiring and similar goals. <br /> 5. There is no "front-door" of any type, no image to the public and a non-cohesive group of <br /> buildings. Although public access is limited, a secured and obvious front door would be <br /> a plus. <br /> 6. The existing buildings and usable open site area (including the adjacent residential <br /> properties) offer the potential for several good options. Elk River Municipal Utilities <br /> should be able to review a number of options. This would range from a master plan <br /> which saves most everything, with necessary additions/ renovations, to one that <br /> includes starting anew. <br /> 7. With this said, master planning needs to consider that your operation will be in full <br /> service during and construction activities, now and into the future. An effective master <br /> plan will determine how to operate during what could be one full year of construction <br /> and phasing construction work as necessary. We have included this in all of our <br /> planning projects. Please trust me, this is a big deal. <br /> El <br /> 126 River <br />