public works operations center project

Public Works Operations Center Project Works

Operations Center Project

July 16, 2018 Vancouver City Council Workshop

Brian Carlson, Public Works Director

Purpose: Update on Public Works Operations Center project

Topics: Site history, current site operations and challenges Review of master of planning efforts to date Consideration of alternatives Next steps

Key Points: Assessment of current site completed. Many buildings are beyond their useful life and are seismically vulnerable. Future needs and options evaluated. Alternatives being considered. Big decisions ahead. Follow up workshop: August 27

Presentation Overview

PW Ops Center Project - 2

• Built in early 1950s by Clark Public Utilities • City purchased site in 1978, along with

adjacent Brookside property, for Public Works Operations Services (10.2 acres) – 90 employees and 150 vehicles – City population: 42,000

History of Operations Center


10.2 original acres • 1.5 acres added

2001-2002 • 3.5 acres added

2015-2018

Current Site Properties


15.2 Acres Total 10.1 acres east and 5.1 acres west of General Anderson Avenue

Current Operations Center Site

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Current Site Operations


• 245 regular employees, 25+ Seasonal • Work Groups Water Wastewater Stormwater Utilities Billing Grounds Facilities Maintenance Warehouse Equipment Services Streets, Traffic Operations & Engineering Pavement Management • 500+ vehicles and equipment

City population 185,000

• Aged Infrastructure • Seismically vulnerable • ADA non-compliant • Maxed-out work

areas/spaces and inefficient layout

Key Concerns with Current Site

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Aged Infrastructure


• Original plumbing/electrical • No fire sprinkler system • Stormwater system non-compliant • 40 and 50 year old fuel tanks

Seismically Vulnerable


• Majority of structures seismically deficient • Liquefaction additional factor at site

ADA Non-compliant


• Elevated interior • Multiple levels • Accessibility issues throughout

Space and Efficiency Issues


• Maxed out work space • Disjointed and inefficient layout for workgroups • No room for expansion • Lack of adequate parking

Problem Statement


We have a significantly aged and inefficient facility housing essential first responder services that in a moderate seismic event is significantly compromised.

2005-2008 Study • Redevelop current site and co-locate several City functions in

campus-style development; move half of Operations to new east Vancouver site

Master Planning Efforts

Presentation Title - 13

• Purchased 15.4 acres at 162nd Avenue/65th Street

• Great Recession: Hit pause • Other opportunities arose

• Re-energized with purchase of Golden Skate in 2015

• Refresh and renew project planning goals

• Establish planning and study objectives

• Contract with Mackenzie Engineering in May 2017



Current Planning Efforts

Project Planning Goals • Modernize Operations Center campus • Relocate certain Public Works work groups to site

– Construction, Survey and Transportation Engineering (38 FTE) – Fire Equipment Shop (5 FTE) – Asset Management/GIS (9 FTE)

• Improve efficiency of operations • Ensure “Operational Status” after seismic event • Build for the long-term in mind • Integrate sustainable design practices • Contribute to the positive development of the Fourth Plain corridor



Master Planning Objectives • Gather and apply operational information • Evaluate and analyze existing conditions

– Facilities condition – Seismic – Soils/Drainage – Hazmat – Zoning and development code

• Evaluate if existing structures can be incorporated into new layout • Constructability while maintaining operations • Prepare concept design alternates and costs



Operational Information • Staffing – current and future

– Current staffing at site: 245 FTE + 25 seasonal = 270 – Relocated staff: 46 FTE + 6 seasonal = 52 – Total current staffing: 291 FTE + 31 seasonal = 322 – 15-20 Year projection: 362 FTE + 35 seasonal = 397

• Leads to an overall acreage need of 26 acres



6 Concept Alternates Studied • Alternates 1 – 3 (full consolidation of all services)

– Alternate 1: Existing property (15.2 acres) – Alternate 2: Plus two NE properties (16.0 acres) – Alternate 3: Two NE properties plus Market (16.9 acres)

• Alternate 4 (partial consolidation) – Plus two NE properties and – Relocate Equipment Services to new site

• Alternate 5 (full consolidation at new site)

• Alternate 6 (seismic upgrade only)



Alternate 1 – Full Consolidation


Existing properties

Existing properties plus two NE properties



Existing properties plus two NE and Market properties



Alternate 4 – Relocate Equipment Services


Existing properties plus two NE properties

Alternate 5 – New Site

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Full consolidation of services at new site on 25-30 acres

Alternates 1 – 6 Costs

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• Alternate 1: $157M (full consolidation, existing property)

• Alternate 2: $151M (full consolidation + NE properties)

• Alternate 3: $141M (full consolidation + NE and Market properties)

• Alternate 4: $123M (relocate Equipment Services + NE properties)

• Alternate 5: $126M (full consolidation at new site)

• Alternate 6: $ 53M (seismic upgrade only – not to Operational Level, addresses life safety risk and collapse, also includes ADA required upgrades and fire sprinkler system)

Note: Cost estimates in 2021 $

Other Issues and Challenges at Existing Site


Non-costed Issues • Some parcels split zoning, require rezoning • Fourth Plain Overlay District Challenges – will require variances • Nonconforming setbacks for some current structures • Stormwater management challenges

Other Challenges • Construction phasing • Limited future expansion

Other Considerations for Discussion


• Does this project still fit goals/vision of Fourth Plain Subarea Plan?

• Does the current site best fit long-term City needs? And is it in the best long-term location?

• Is it better to free up property for other redevelopment purposes?

• Few available 25-30 acre properly zoned sites: Is it acceptable to consider alternate site outside current City limits but within current service area?

Location, Location


Follow up Council Workshop scheduled August 27 • Project financing strategies • Policy direction in relocation versus redevelopment

Next Steps


Questions and Discussion

• Brian Carlson, Public Works Director [email protected]


public works operations center project

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