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11/01/1991 Maas Brothers Task Force Meeting November 1, 1991 Members present: Bob Bickerstaffe Hal Ebersole John B. Johnson Ed Mazur Wray Register Stephen Saliga Nancy Simmons Debra Weible Members absent: Jim Graham Joanne Faruggia Robert Kennedy Joshua Magidson Phoebe Moss Jim Stewart Jackie Tobin Others present: Terry Flowers Steve Fowler Mary Nix Carol Horne-Warren Helen Wheelis Staff attending: William C. Baker, Public Works Director Vic Chodora, Building Official Jerry Sternstein, Economic Development Director Sue Diana, Assistant City Clerk The Maas Brothers Task Force met on Friday, November 1, 1991, at 8:04 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by the Economic Development Director Jerry Sternstein. Mr. Sternstein said the Chairperson elected today will play an important part acting as the liaison between the task force members and staff. Discussion ensued in regard to electing a chairperson or a nominating committee and it was indicated either would be difficult to do at this time as most of the members were strangers to each other. Short bios have been requested from the members and copies of each member's bio will be distributed to the other members to help familiarize them with one another. A Chairperson will be elected at a later date. Discussion ensued regarding the most suitable meeting times for the members and the majority agreed on Thursday night meetings. It was felt night meetings were better for those who work and provide more of an opportunity for the public to attend. It was noted the City Commission meets on the first and third Thursday of the month with the Development Code Adjustment Board meeting on the second and fourth Thursday. The task force still agreed to meet on Thursdays. Member Ed Mazur moved that the Maas Brothers Task Force schedule their meetings on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. A specific date and time were not set at this time. Mr. Mazur expressed concern regarding possible contamination of soil on the Maas Brothers property due to a service station having existed there in the past. He recommended that an environmental audit of the parking area be done as soon as possible and felt this could be accomplished for approximately $2000. He said, if the City chooses to sell the property in the future and it is contaminated, they would be responsible for its removal. He questioned why the City would buy this property without first obtaining an environmental report. Mr. Sternstein said the building was examined internally, the purchase of the property was not contingent on environmental concerns and the City was now committed to purchase the property. Member Bob Bickerstaffe said that when the service station was removed, the entire corner had been dug out. Public Works Director Bill Baker said it had been concluded, when the old service station was removed, there would be no subterranean problem. He said, if contamination is discovered, it would cost about $50,000-$100,000 to remedy the situation. He said, if found to be appropriate at this time, holes could be bored in the parking lot and samples taken. At this time, 8:20 a.m., the task force left City Hall and walked down to the Maas Brothers facility to begin their tour. There they were met by a representative from Allied Stores who opened the facility. Building Official Vic Chodora led the tour floor by floor answering questions presented by members of the task force. He led the group up to the roof area indicating the roof is not structurally unsound; however, there are soft spots which allow moisture to enter causing deterioration. He said the roof is thirty years old and has never had any major repairs. The air-conditioning and chiller system are the original ones and are reaching the end of their life expectancy. Mr. Chodora led the group to areas of the building where leaks were occurring. Questions arose as to whether or not these leaks were internal due to rusted pipes or the sprinkler system. Mr. Chodora said leaks were scattered throughout the building. The group proceeded to the lower level of the building. Mr. Chodora pointed out areas that contained asbestos, and in response to a question, he indicated approximately 30 percent of the building contained asbestos. The kitchen, restaurant and storage areas were also inspected. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 a.m.