Council to move forward on new public safety building

The council made a decision several years in the making at its June 13 work session, agreeing to move forward with planning for a new public safety building.

Police Chief Tim Ross presented a set of plans from CMH Architects for a proposed two-story public safety building, which would likely be located on city-owned property at West Valley Avenue and Bagby Drive. Ross said the plans, which were originally prepared for the department about five years ago, include space for the department's current needs as well as future growth. The proposed building is at least 50 percent larger than the current headquarters.

Ross outlined several particular needs including increased space, increased parking, better security measures and, most importantly, the ability to have the entire department housed in one location. Currently, the department operates out of its downtown headquarters and buildings on Bagby Drive and Citation Court.

The plans by CMH included a separate, secure parking area for police staff and more space for offices, training, a gym and other functions of the department. 

In the meeting, Ross said that he would like to maintain a downtown substation for the safety of area residents and business owners. He also stated that the police department would continue to do the best work they could whether or not they received a new building.

"Our service is not going to change. We're going to do the best job we possibly can with what we have," Ross said.

The council originally called the work session to discuss funding a feasibility study for the public safety building. After Ross' presentation and their own familiarity with the topic, council members agreed that they felt the new building was the right choice, though they may consider other options besides CMH Architects' plan.

"I think you go where the space is," Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith said.

The council can now look at different funding options for the building, and Council President Bruce Limbaugh mentioned organizations that will build the new building and allow the city to pay it off over 20 years. The city will also look at where to build a downtown substation and what to do with the current headquarters, such as selling the land or leasing it long-term to a tenant.

The process of determining these factors is expected to take a few months, and there is no timeline yet for when final decisions will be made or construction will begin.