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Memo Discussion Permanent VS Portable . CITY OF HOPKINS MEMORANDUM DATE: December 15, 1994 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Lee Gustafson, Public Works Director~ SUBJECT: Discussion on Permanent vs. Portable stage A few months ago staff was discussing an accessibility issue concerning the existing portable stage that eventually led into many more stage issue questions. Approximately one week later staff was approached by a local non-profit group that indicated they might be interested in funding a new stage, or another city project. The questions that resulted from both of these discussions made staff realize that Council input was necessary before anything further was decided concerning the stage. Staff therefore scheduled this item for Council's review in order . to receive input on a var iety of stage issues. The main issue being whether a portable or permanent stage best meets the City's needs in the future. The existing 16' x 25' stage was partially rebuilt approximately five years ago. It is presently functional, and typically meets our needs. It is not, however, A.D.A. accessible. The city of Minnetonka rents a lift at $700.00 per day when they need to make their stage accessible. A similar system would work on our stage if we would need to make it accessible. The existing stage should last at least another year before it will require repairs to the frame. The decking, however, needs to be replaced before it's put into use again. If the stage were replaced today, it would cost over $21,000.00 to purchase a similar size stage that is A.D.A. accessible. There are however a few drawbacks in using our existing stage or one similar to it. o The existing stage is difficult to put up or take down. The procedure typically causes 4 - 6 injuries per year mainly with regards to pinched fingers and hands. . 0 The installation and removal process usually takes 4 people, 1 hour each resulting in over $200.00 of labor each time the stage is used. ----" -- --- ___0. December 15, 1994 Page 2 ~ 0 Continually transporting the stage reduces the life expectancy of it considerably. An option to using our existing stage would be to purchase a self contained portable stage on a trailer, sometimes referred to as a showrnobile. Purchasing a showmobile would allow the stage to be used more frequently since it I S not such a burden to set up. The showmobile also provides better shelter from the weather for all of its users. Along with these positive factors also come some negative ones. a The purchase price of a showmobile including a handicap accessible lift is $60,000.00. This cost does not include a generator or P.A. system. o storage of the unit may be a problem if its determined that it should be kept inside. o The Music in the Park location would have to change since it presently would be impossible for this type of unit to be driven into Downtown Park. An option to both the existing stage and the showmobile would be to construct a permanent stage in Downtown Park. A permanent stage would naturally eliminate all the set up and . A.D.A. problems in both of the first two options. It would also provide a stage that could be used everyday with little or no notice. The obvious drawback to this option is that the stage is not portable. A permanent stage, similar to the attached drawing, could be built for about $15,000.00 - $18,000.00 without any fancy pillars or roof. If pillars and a roof were added in a similar fashion to the Clocktower Plaza, the cost could get as high as $50,000.00. There are probably other options, and also other pros and cons of each of the options mentioned above. Staff did not feel it was necessary to list anymore since all that is needed from Council is some general direction on how they would like to see the stage needs handled in the future. From this direction staff can develop a plan to meet A.D.A. requirements, replacement issues, and also have information to give out to non-profit groups who are looking to sponsor a city project. ~ --- ---- . -- -- --- --- -- -.. -- --.. --- --. --~ <-'> <1}. I.>-l '7- ~ -' 0- 0 "!. :~. ~ * : . ~. . .. ." . 1r /[ \ \ . \ \ . .. --1.....-... l -- ... -!.- -;-. ---L- _ . -L... - .2....L - -'- ' . . _ PERSPECTIVE VIEW DOWNTOWN PARK PERMANeNT CITY OF HOPKINS MUSIC STAGE 1010 FIRST ST. . HOPKINS, MN 55343 .