Memorandum 14-113 HERC Gym Fire Code Updates

Memorandum ID: 
14-113
Memorandum Status: 
Backup

Details

Memorandum 14-113

 

TO:              Mayor Wythe and Homer City Council

FROM:       Walt Wrede

DATE:         July 21, 2014

SUBJECT:  HERC Gym / Fire Code

On September 23, 2013, the Council adopted Resolution 13-095. Resolution 13-095 authorized the City Manager to keep the HERC Gym open for pickleball, basketball, and other Community Recreation programs that require only minimal heat and utilities. The gym is heavily used by the Community Recreation Program and its use has expanded because facilities at the High School and Middle School are in high demand for school related activities. Many people consider the gym to be a community asset.   The Council decided to make it available for use by the public until such time as it is demolished or a final determination is made as to the future of the building and property.

Every time the Council discusses this building, the fact that it does not meet modern building codes invariably comes up. Of particular concern is the Fire Code. The City consulted with the Fire Marshall on several occasions over the years regarding this building. We provided old building plans prepared by the Borough and the University, described current uses and building characteristics over the phone, and requested a site visit. A Fire Marshall plan review was performed on this building before the college moved in and the occupancies had not changed much since the college moved out, especially with respect to the gym. The Fire Marshall did not express concern about this building and its uses however, we never received anything definitive. Since the gym is now the only part of the facility now open to the public, we decided to ask the Fire Marshall for a full plan review of the gym only. We did this to assure the Council and the public that the building is safe from a Fire Code perspective and to get a more precise handle on what deficiencies there are and how much it would cost to fix them.

Attached is a copy of the letter the City received from the Fire Marshall which constitutes his preliminary plan review response. Also attached is a rough estimate from the City Engineer regarding what it would cost to address the issues raised. You will see that the Fire Marshall requested additional information and confirmation, which the Public Works Department is in the process of providing. 

Although the Fire Marshall plan review is not final, we decided to get an ordinance moving now so that we are in a position to make the required improvements quickly and not interrupt activities at the gym. We believe the chances are good that a final determination will be received prior to second reading of the ordinance. The cost to bring this building into compliance is relatively inexpensive and it would be a good investment in the community to keep it open until a determination is made as to its final disposition. The $19,000 would come from the HERC Building Depreciation fund.

RECOMMENDATION:  Approve Ordinance 14-37 appropriating up to $19,000 from the Leased Property Depreciation Account.