City Hall Facility Assessment; LenzCITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 7, 2017
To: Mayor & Council
From: Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager
Subject: City Hall Facility Assessment
In 2017, the City budgeted for architectural services to help develop a plan and a cost
estimate to solve some City Hall facility issues. Specifically, staff began by looking at
the lobby configuration after the elimination of the receptionist position, and updating the
council chambers and the front entrance of the building.
After speaking with staff, reviewing facility maintenance schedules and interviewing
consultants, staff decided it would better suit the City’s long-term financial planning and
organizational needs to do a facility needs assessment. While this will delay the capital
improvement project planned for 2018, staff feels that taking a broader look would lead
to a better end product.
The City hired Wold Architects to do the facility assessment. Wold completed a survey
of staff and held department interviews to gain feedback on needs and long-term
department goals.
City Hall was originally dedicated in 1964 and renovated in 1989. In the past 29 years,
there have been fundamental changes in how the City operates. The biggest changes
stem from advancements in technology (computers and modern internet were
introduced in 1990). Another area in which the City has seen a shortage of space is
conference rooms. City Hall (non-police) currently has three conference rooms (Room
227, the Raspberry Room and a small conference space behind Inspections).
Working with Wold, guiding principles, project objectives and a long-term facility plan
were developed. At the work session, Wold will be presenting their findings and next
steps.
Community Services