Memorandum 18-090 City Council Guidance on HERC 2

Memorandum 18-090

TO:                        HERC Task Force

FROM:                 Homer City Council    

DATE:                   August 8, 2018

SUBJECT:          City Council Guidance on HERC 2

The purpose of this memo is to respond to the Task Force’s request for additional guidance on HERC 2, or what is currently the Building Maintenance Shop. HERC 2 has not been studied to the extent of HERC 1, the larger building has to determine structural integrity and potential life span. Both were built at same time, of the same material (concrete) and are showing their age, albeit HERC 2 more so. It is unlikely there will be a new use that is cost effective to bring HERC 2 up to code. Continuing to use it in the way it is being used as a shop is consistent with Fire Marshall’s approval and Building Maintenance should be able to operate out HERC 2 in the foreseeable future in a safe manner.

After reviewing the four scenarios City Council tasked the HERC Task force with in Resolution 18-036(A), the only scenario where relocating Building Maintenance could be necessary is item four, demoing HERC 1. Under item four it would be prudent to develop a cost estimate for removing both structures. The remaining three scenarios, and to some extent the fourth depending on the proposed location of a new facility on site, all allow for the continued existing use of HERC 2 as a Building Maintenance shop.

Can the upstairs of the HERC be safely used with no capital improvements?
What are the minimum improvements that would be needed to safely use the entire HERC facility and cost associated with those improvements?
What are the desirable improvements that need to be made to the entire HERC facility to allow it to be used to its full potential for the next 10 years?
What would it cost to demo the HERC and build a new facility that meets the recreation needs of the community on the existing site?

In conclusion, consideration by the HERC task force of the future for HERC 2 should be limited to an estimate on the cost to demo the facility. The ‘entire HERC facility’ in Resolution 18-036(A) should be interpreted to mean upstairs, downstairs, and parking and outdoor spaces associated with HERC 1 only.