Some Citizens Concerned About Location Of Public Works Building

FARMINGTON -- Neighbors living near the proposed location for a new Farmington public works building addressed Farmington City Council last week, asking city officials to find a new place for the facility.

The city is proposing to construct an 80-foot by 12-foot metal building on the west side of Broyles Street in Creekside Park. The building would be located 200-300 feet away from the street and be partly hidden by a thicket of trees growing in that area of the park.

The City Council also:

  • Approved an interlocal agreement with Washington County to give it oversight for community sewer systems.
  • Agreed to consider the possibility to purchase land and a house behind the fire department at 450 W. Main St.
  • Voted to remove an old stump grinder from inventory.

Three residents on Robb Street and another on Spokane Street told Council members that a public works building was not a good fit for a park setting and near a residential neighborhood.

Dean Roland of 76 Robb St., listed four concerns.

"Why does it have to be where it's located?" Roland asked. "I'm sure you've come across these questions before. Could there be a non-residential area not close to our city park and a residential area that this could be located?"

Roland also said he was concerned about the number of vehicles and equipment that would be stored at the public works building, children and families going to the park through that area and how the building would affect property values.

The Council's agenda included a request to approve a $57,427 contract with Key Architecture Inc., of Fayetteville, for architectural and engineering services to design the new public works building.

The total contract shows $44,750 for architectural services and $23,677 for civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering. Subcontractors would be used for the engineering portion of the contract.

Council members unanimously approved the contract.

Jim Key, president of Key Architecture, said the firm would start designing the building and he hoped to advertise for bids in January or February. The project will have to go through city tech review and Farmington Planning Commission as a large scale development plan to be approved.

Key estimated, if approved by the Planning Commission, the project would take five-six months to complete. The facility would have a large work area, wash bay, office space, restrooms and break room. The concept plan also shows a large paved area behind the building for equipment and storage.

Others who addressed the Council about the building were William Mace of 73 Robb St., Greg Walker of 35 Spokane St., and Nick Gordon, 79 Robb St.

Walker proposed the city use a phase-in contract for the project to give members of the public many times to speak. He said he was not concerned about his children getting into the facility or storage area but disagreed with the building being located in a residential area.

Alderwoman Diane Bryant asked Walker if there was anything that would make the project acceptable to him and he responded, "At this moment, no, it just doesn't fit. I can tell what I'm looking at and I'm very scared."

He added, "I'm worried about property values and the change of use. I think we've just dropped something in there that doesn't fit. That makes me very nervous."

This is the second time neighbors adjacent to Creekside Park have objected to a public works facility at Creekside Park. Originally, the city proposed to build it on the east side of Broyles Street, in a vacant grassy area across the street from the current proposed location.

After neighbors objected to it being directly behind their houses, Mayor Ernie Penn decided to move it across the street because of the thicket of trees already existing in that part of the park.

Penn asked those who addressed the Council to email their concerns to City Hall. He assured them they would have another opportunity to speak their objections during the large scale development process.

"Our Planning Commission is a strong Planning Commission and I guarantee you they will be very conscientious about the effect that facility will have on residents of that neighborhood, if any at all," Penn said. "They also will put criteria in there to protect residents."

Penn told residents the goal is to make the building as least intrusive to the adjoining neighborhood as possible.

Gordon said his last comment to Council members was,"How would you feel if it was in your backyard?"

Penn replied, "I probably would have the same concerns and I would want the city to address my concerns."

Editor's Note: This article was written via a video recording of the Nov. 14 City Council meeting.

General News on 11/23/2016