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FAIRMONT-- Before its regular meeting, the Fairmont City Council held a work session on Monday to go over the city's strategic plan. One area of focus for the work session was ways to maintain and improve the city's existing facilities
"The main philosophy is to re-evaluate as we look at our goals," said City Administrator Cathy Reynolds.
She shared that the plan was put together in April 2021 and that it will guide the 2023 budget preparation.
Reynolds went on to say the first goal is to maximize community potential, which includes zoning code update, community development software, supporting a range of housing options and promoting a vibrant downtown
The second goal is to cultivate a culture of trust, effective communication and collaboration. The last goal is to enhance and protect community amenities and infrastructure.
Reynolds said in talking with staff, they're using the last goal to set forth a philosophy of trying to focus on maintaining the existing infrastructure rather than adding and building more.
To look more at that last goal, Jonathan Loose of Wold Architects and Engineers was present to go over a Fairmont facility assessment. Wold said he had looked at six different facilities in Fairmont and shared his findings with the council.
Loose shared some issues at City Hall which includes foundation walls with water damage, aging electrical distribution equipment and necessary accessibility upgrades. He said they've also considered the balance between making sure there are reasonable and accessible accommodations for the public and that staff feels secure and safe.
The Fairmont Municipal Airport was also discussed. Loose shared that the restrooms haven't been updated since construction and are not accessible. The furniture and finishes are also worn out and outdated.
"It was originally designed for commercial airlines to come and go... there's a lot of space there that's not functional anymore," Loose said.
He said that they've looked at how to reframe it as a community resource and incorporate sustainable design practices when feasible.
Moving to park structures, Loose spoke about issues both at Sylvania Band Shell and the Lincoln Park Shelter. Sylvania's issues include rotting wood, stained and cracked stucco and no accessible parking stalls.
"That piece needs to be addressed. You can't have it rot away. It is an icon and I firmly believe that that piece of the puzzle needs to happen as needed or sooner," said Council Member Bruce Peters.
As for the Lincoln Park Shelter, Loose said that the building entrance is not accessible as one must go up six steps before entering. The foundation walls are also cracking, the windows need to be replaced and there is no air conditioning.
"We'd really want to tackle heating, ventilation, air conditioning. There would be some significant work that would need to be done," Loose said.
Other buildings Wold Architects and Engineers looked at are the Southern Minnesota
Educational Campus and the Martin County Arena. While finings weren't shared for the last two, Loose said costs and long-range plans will need to be discussed for all facilities by the council.