MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND JUSTICE CENTER COORDINATING COMMITTEE, JUNE 3, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Report on Activities of Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator
Report from Alternatives And Treatments Sub-Committee
Report from Public Information/Outreach Sub-Committee
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Administration Building 4:03 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Sally Stutsman; absent: Rod Sullivan; not present: Larry Meyers.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members present were: Justice Center Coordinating Committee Coordinator Bob Elliott, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Facilities Manager David Kempf, Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Captain David Wagner, Sergeant Kevin Bell, Judge Douglas Russell, Attorney James McCarragher, Recorder Kim Painter, University of Iowa Facilities Representative Larry Wilson, MECCA Clinical Manager Megan LaVelle, Johnson County Jail Alternatives/Mobile Crisis Team Leader Jessica Peckover, Dorothy Whiston, and John Stratton.
Facilities Manager David Kempf referenced a handout given to the Board. He stated the Committee has been looking at the Iowa City Press-Citizen property, GSA property, and the existing Courthouse property as it stands. The Novak Design Group (Novak Design) conducted a site study analysis and then prepared a cost estimate. He referenced the site plan to illustrate the possibility of creating a wraparound structure of the Courthouse, which would allow the Courthouse to remain the central feature of the Justice Center. This plan would not significantly modify the Courthouse.
Kempf said the Press-Citizen property estimate is approximately $49,935,000, including a parking ramp with 180 spaces. It does not include land cost. The asking price is $3.8 million so the total purchase price would be around $53 million. After analyzing the Durant Group study, Novak Design determined that some spaces had been duplicated, which increased the cost of the project. Kempf reported that Novak Design said once the reprogramming was done, there could be approximately $3 million in savings from the Durant Group cost estimate. County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek asked for examples of the duplications. Kempf indicated that the lobby areas were counted twice on some floors and he could provide additional examples, if needed. In addition, he believes errors were made in calculating the square footage and stated that this estimate is a quick look at the options for this space. If the $3 million in savings are realized the Press-Citizen property would cost approximately $51 million.
Kempf stated the existing Courthouse property would not require land acquisition costs. The estimate includes 174 spaces in underground parking, 96 secured and 78 public. Again, with the $3 million savings the estimate is approximately $54 million for the existing Courthouse property. Kempf indicated to the Board the interest in looking at the Press-Citizen property was to determine if there would be significant savings between the two properties. The difference is approximately $3 million. He also clarified the cost estimate for the Press-Citizen property does not include any rehabilitation or reprogramming of the existing Courthouse. John Stratton asked how many total acres are available with the Press-Citizen property. Kempf replied approximately 11 acres. Stratton asked if there would be the option to sell off part of the land. Kempf said he doubts if any land would be sold off. Stutsman asked if the existing Courthouse estimate includes remodeling of the Courthouse. Kempf responded yes. He added historical restoration runs approximately $250 per square foot which is a little more expensive than new construction. Stutsman asked what is included in the restoration cost. Kempf replied the HVAC and electrical systems would be updated and the space would be reconfigured into office space or courtroom space as directed. Stutsman asked if the space would be usable space by today’s standards and Kempf replied yes.
Larry Meyers arrived at 4:12 p.m.
Pulkrabek inquired where future expansion will be around the existing Courthouse. Kempf replied that they would need to work with the City of Iowa City to vacate Harrison Street. They would also need to maintain the three properties currently owned with the prospect of continuing to purchase the houses along that block. Future expansion would be to the south with space to duplicate the width of the wing on the south side Pulkrabek stated that a number of people have contacted him regarding the article in the Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper about using the Press-Citizen property as the site for the new building. He said the comments were that if the County can save a million dollars, why not save a million dollars. Harney had heard similar feedback. He added the issue is expansion and the Press-Citizen space offers 11 acres and is on a bus line. Using the existing Courthouse property would require the closing of Harrison Street and a need for additional parking. The Press-Citizen property option leaves the existing Courthouse empty and moves away from downtown where the majority of legal services are located. JCCC Member Connie Champion asked what would happen to the current Courthouse if they use the Press-Citizen property. Harney responded that the first plan discussed was to either put only the Sheriff’s Office out there or add a Justice Center. Stutsman said the appeal of this plan is that it could be phased. Champion inquired whether the Courthouse would be remodeled now. Kempf responded the general consensus is that the Courthouse as it exists is not going to go away. The County will have to decide what they want to use it for and there will be some expense associated with the reprogramming.
Neuzil stated the Press-Citizen property cost projection was for a Justice Center located on North Dodge Street. Stutsman asked if the cost would be less if they proceeded in phases. Kempf indicated the first phase, with the Jail and excluding the cost of the land, was approximately $19 to 20 million. Meyers said the cost was $19.58 million. As a point of reference, the Health and Human Services Building ran between $17 and $18 million with the land acquisition. It did not have to go to a bond issue and within the next year or two it will be paid. Champion asked how many beds are included in the plans at the Press-Citizen property. Pulkrabek said 350 beds and the current population is at about 160. Stutsman asked how many are being proposed at the Courthouse site. Kempf said roughly the same number. Stutsman asked if it is time to check with the community to determine if it is worth it to them to save $3 to $5 million or would they prefer to have the Justice Center remain downtown. Harney stated that the Board will have to make a decision on what to pursue and any land will have to be zoned public; right now the Press-Citizen property isn’t zoned public.
Judge Doug Russell said he would find it educational if the Board of Supervisors would explain, on the public record, how the process has evolved from the Durant Group recommendations, and all the input they obtained through public hearings and lobbying and meetings with stakeholders in the Jail and Courthouse system to the vote by the Board of Supervisors that this would be one structure, built at one time in the downtown location south of the Courthouse to the present situation: considering other possibilities without notice to most of the committee members, at least not in writing, about this change of plans. He has no idea what transpired with the GSA negations and he would like to know how they got to talking about the Press-Citizen site and the other possibility of on the Courthouse square as it is presently. Harney replied that the Committee discovered the Press-Citizen location recently became available for sale with just under 11 acres. The Novak Design Group and several individuals walked through the facility to see if it could be used as a Justice Center. Harney said Architect Jim Novak felt there could be substantial savings by utilizing that building for the Jail and incorporating the Justice Center in an addition on the back side with at least three stories off of the North side. There is also the opportunity to build at least a three-level parking ramp. The group felt it was in the best interests to consider that option. Novak presented the information at the last meeting. At that time the Board directed Kempf to invite Novak to make a comparison between what could be built at the present downtown location versus the Press-Citizen property. Stutsman stated that at the time of the Durant study the Press-Citizen property was not for sale or they probably would have listed it as a site for consideration.
Neuzil noted it is the Facilities Subcommittee that has been looking at the different location possibilities. He replied to Judge Russell that the Board is just getting additional information and said he is not convinced that a couple of million dollars is a significant savings. In addition, he has not been convinced that the Justice Center should move away from downtown. Harney said $3 million is a significant savings in his opinion. He also said he has not sent a letter to GSA yet, because the Board hasn't decided what to offer the Government Services Administration regarding parking space quantity and location. He would like to send the letter but first needs details. The GSA would also like to know how the County will pay for the purchase. Neuzil clarified that he thinks $3 million is a lot of money also, but $3 million over the next 100 years is the question. The Board needs to decide if it wants to keep the Justice Center downtown and what is the cost to keeping it downtown. Stutsman said that today's taxpayers are paying for it. Neuzil said it will be taxpayers over the next 20 years.
County Attorney Janet Lyness indicated the cost to renovate the existing Courthouse is approximately $6,250,000 and they will probably have to spend close to this amount to do anything else with the Courthouse. So if it will cost $3 million to renovate the Courthouse, even if we move to the Press-Citizen, we are even. Unless there is another plan for the Courthouse, Lyness does not see a big savings with the Press-Citizen property. Harney responded that a similar discussion occurred with The University of Iowa and they had no interest in purchasing the Courthouse but they are willing to co-occupy the space. Kempf indicated they may consider partnering with the County. Harney added the County will have the opportunity to sell the present Jail site if the County builds elsewhere. Lyness noted that there will be renovation costs of at least $3 million associated with the Courthouse no matter what the County does with it and encouraged people to consider the whole picture when talking about saving taxpayers money.
Johnson County Bar Association Representative, Jim McCarragher noted there will be security, safety, and space concerns at the Courthouse and these issues will need to be addressed prior to making a decision on the property selected. The downtown location has great appeal due to the consolidation of the County services and the Juvenile Office is now in the downtown area. It does not make sense to relocate the Jail and the Courthouse to a new location away from the services that utilize the Courthouse. Stutsman noted that selling the Jail has not been discussed. Kempf noted that the Jail would be sold regardless of the scenario selected. Stutsman inquired if the plan included keeping the Jail. Kempf replied that this does not call for renovating the Jail or the Sheriff’s Offices.
Neuzil said one of the biggest problems is coming up with $60 million. Renovating the existing Courthouse and the property across the street will take nine years to complete. One way or another, there will be a phasing of the process, if it is going to be paid for internally. Neuzil asked if it is possible to build in stages and Kempf replied yes, and that the final phase would be the renovation of the existing Courthouse. Harney said it would be ideal to build the entire facility at the same time. Kempf agreed, but pointed out that if phasing is necessary, it would be possible. Neuzil stated that the question is whether to build the entire facility now or just a shell structure and Jail. Harney said that whatever the Board decides to do, it has to consider that currently the County is spending over $1 million annually to transport prisoners. Neuzil noted that there could be an additional $1 million in new staffing. Harney indicated the staffing costs would not be as high if the facility is built correctly.
Champion said she is not favoring either location, but as she considers all the people who walk to the Courthouse for any kind of business, the current location is more accessible than the Press-Citizen property. Environmentally it would be favorable to keep the facility downtown; it would eliminate the need for many to drive. Harney agreed the ideal location is downtown. Stutsman added, it is important to keep options open, so the public will know the Board studied the options and ultimately made the wisest choice. Neuzil stated that it would be helpful to know more about the phasing concepts and what possibilities exist. Specifically he was interested in knowing if enough beds could be built for today’s standards, could additional courtrooms be added, and make the existing Courthouse safe and secure for $20 million. Kempf replied it would not be possible to do that until the facility programming and designing begins.
Stutsman indicated the bottom line is how to the facility will be funded, which may ultimately determine everything. The word she hears from the public is that they have had it with taxes and they may reply to phase the project, or choose the least expensive option.
Neuzil said the Press-Citizen property, which just became available, is worth exploring, but it would be nice for the Committee to make a decision on the best location. If it continues to be the downtown location, it is possible to negotiate with GSA and to acquire property as it becomes available. In 2 ½ years the County could have negotiated a rate for the GSA and saved, purchased, and built a parking ramp, and at least have that done. It is very possible to have that over the next two to three years, if that is a priority for the Committee and the County. Stutsman asked what the County would have to give up to in order to do this. Meyers noted that, based on the Novak report the County may not need to deal with GSA. Kempf replied that at the last meeting, some questions arose regarding the GSA component and the Press-Citizen component, but people wondered whether the project could go forward on just the existing property. Novak was asked to evaluate this question and they determined that yes, it could be done and calculated renovation costs at $250 per square foot.
Neuzil said this was an original concept in the 1970s and Kempf confirmed. Stutsman asked what the structure would look like from the front. Kempf replied that this report was requested to provide information only. Harney noted that the only stipulation was the design must complement the existing Courthouse.
Champion asked Neuzil how the Committee could consider phasing again. Neuzil responded that the Committee should determine the immediate need for the next 10 years. If immediate needs are determined to be an additional 100 beds, plus a few more secure courtrooms, and making the existing Courthouse a safe environment, what will that cost. If the cost is $20 million then the committee needs to plan how to fund $20 million. First though, the committee needs to determine where this facility will be located and then determine if it is possible. It would be great if everything could be on County property.
Harney stated that a lot of progress has been made in lowering the costs associated with each location and would like to proceed without phasing. Novak could come back to give an overview of both proposals and go from there or the Board can decide to go one way or the other and move on. Stratton stated that before making a decision they should consider all costs, including convenience and time. Strategically, the Board should evaluate its needs and decide what it is willing to sacrifice before presenting choices for the public. If Stutsman is correct with her assessment of the public's perspective, then they will vote for the cheapest option, which may not be adequate in three or five yeas from now. Harney said there are risks with the phasing process that include securing a bond for one phase and only to learn that the next phase may be pushed back. Stratton replied that the public should have a chance to vote on the proposal. Stutsman added that Cedar County experienced a similar situation where the people voted no and they built the facility anyway.
Neuzil stated that the underground parking component of the project is estimated at over $4 million and inquired as to whether there were any other options. Kempf replied yes. One option would be to eliminate half of the underground parking and use surface parking for a savings of approximately $2 million. This option would now allow for adding the underground parking at a later time. Neuzil stated that some of the GSA representatives were optimistic about having one floor in a ramp. He asked whether it would be less expensive to negotiate something with GSA rather than build an underground parking structure underneath the existing Courthouse lawn. Kempf responded that given the cost variables from one site to the other, there would not be a significant savings by choosing surface parking over the underground parking option.
Harney did not favor underground parking under such a facility. Champion asked how many parking spaces are being built and who would be using them. Harney replied GSA has 250 spaces and they want additional space to accommodate tenants and future employees. Kempf said there are 174 spaces of which half would be secured for Courthouse staff, Sheriff’s Office staff parking, and patrol car parking. The other portion would be public parking. Champion asked if parking was provided underneath the existing Courthouse lawn, would the GSA property still be needed. Kempf replied no. He then added, if further space was needed, they could utilize Harrison Street for additional surface parking or building expansion. Neuzil said the phasing option may be the best approach as it would be difficult to raise $55 to $60 million without a significant tax increase. The County saw the impact of $20 million for the Joint Emergency Communications Center and what that did to the tax levy. He asked people to think about what would be the impact of a $55 or $60 million bond on taxes; people would not vote for that. If the facility can be built without purchasing any property, that would be a huge advantage.
Elliott told Judge Russell that he is to blame for the lack of communication. He said he will meet with the Supervisors to prepare a summary and provide Harney with the information needed to submit a proposal to GSA. Right now there are multiple alternatives, each of which present questions and concerns. Stutsman asked Kempf if Novak Design conducted any borings around the building. Kempf responded no; however, it was done quite a while ago and there should not be any problems building below that area.
University of Iowa Facilities Representative Larry Wilson asked if there was a chart available that compared all the facility options. Wilson inquired whether the Courthouse renovation wraparound proposal could be phased and if the GSA can be secured in a timely manner. Neuzil replied that three months ago the Board discussed the GSA and they still don't know where they stand with that property. With this concept, it is possible to stay downtown even without the GSA, and that is new information as of this week.
Harney said the downtown option is more convenient for jurors and legal services; however, the Press-Citizen property would make the Sheriff’s Office more accessible for Coralville, North Liberty, and the State Troopers, there are pros and cons on both sides. Neuzil said it would be helpful for the Facilities Subcommittee meet with the Justice Center Coordinating Committee to review the plans again. Neuzil said underground parking may not be necessary, if Harrison Street plus the property from the existing three houses is available for parking. Elliott said he agrees with Neuzil wholeheartedly but that until the GSA property issue is settled, there are only two alternatives: the wraparound site downtown and the Press-Citizen. He asked when the Committee could expect a reply from GSA. Harney responded that GSA has a management committee that oversees all of their facilities for a review process. Elliott replied the proposal could still be prepared and leave the GSA component undetermined at this time. Harney indicated GSA made it clear that if there is a proposal they will expect the County to follow through. Elliott asked if Harney needs to present specific information to the GSA including exactly what the County will offer. Harney replied yes. Kempf added that GSA said they want space in a secured parking area. Elliott said the Committee would get together and get back with recommendations for the Board.
Pulkrabek inquired if there could be negotiations with the City of Iowa City regarding the new parking ramp being built on the St. Patrick’s Parish Hall property. He wondered if negotiations would be possible with Iowa City and the GSA. He said the JCCC should learn more about the ramp Iowa City is building now and what is their projected use. Iowa City Council Member Connie Champion said that when the City of Iowa City built the Tower Place Parking Ramp, it took three years to deal with the Federal Government and ultimately, underground secured parking was built for the apartment buildings the government owns. Stutsman said she has heard that if the Chicago rail system becomes a reality, there will be the need for more than just day parking for rail passengers. She asked Champion if this ramp was supposed to accommodate rail passengers. Champion said no, this ramp is part of the parking impact fee for all the apartment buildings currently under construction or already built. The City's parking ramps are all full and the only possibility for additional parking for the City is from the University of Iowa. The City has well over 600 people waiting for parking permits. The City has to build this ramp or else return money to the construction companies who build the apartments. Neuzil said this brings up the rumored gigantic parking ramp the University plans to build and he asked Wilson if that is in the plan. Wilson said it is a concept; however, at this time, there is no demand. Stutsman summarized that parking will continue to be a major issue downtown.
Neuzil suggested that Harrison Street could provide a significant amount of surface parking on both sides and also down the middle. He asked if that would be a possibility rather than building a ramp. Kempf replied yes.
MECCA Clinical Manager Megan LaValle reported that MECCA had 31 Jail visits this month. They remain busy on weekends and holidays. The Jail requested 39 evaluations and MECCA completed 36, of which 16 were completed on weekends and holidays. At the request of the Public Defender’s Office, MECCA evaluated three individuals.
McCarragher reported that the results of the survey conducted by University of Iowa Political Science Professor David Redlawsk demonstrated that people really did not know about the County’s need for a larger Courthouse and Jail. This means public information needs to be more forthcoming. The survey population also indicated they did not like the build-as-you-go route and favored bonding; the percentages were close on all of the options. The survey population did favor combining the Justice Center with the Jail. Harney inquired if the survey was random. McCarragher said yes, but that the survey was not scientific. The survey questions for the JCCC were added to a survey about same-sex marriage in the State of Iowa, which Redlawsk was ready to conduct. The Justice Center component was appended to the existing survey.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. Neuzil said the Shelter House ground breaking is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. on the same day so the Board and the JCCC agreed to a 3:00 p.m. start time for the next meeting. Johnson provided copies of the Redlawsk survey and Neuzil encouraged everyone to review the survey.
Adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By:
On the _______ day of _____________________, 2009
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary
Sent to the Board of Supervisors on July 8, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.