Robbinsdale Outgrows Aging Public Works Facility

When Robbinsdale’s Public Works facility was built in the mid-1950’s, it was built for a different era.

Today, larger modern equipment and growing community needs are putting pressure on an outdated building.

Public Works Director and City Engineer Richard McCoy knows first hand the importance of the Public Works Facility and what’s in it.

“We store all of our public works equipment down here,” says McCoy. “So that’s the utilities, the trucks, the special equipment, like the backhoes, the street sweeper.”

Inside the garage at the Robbinsdale Public Works Facility.

Facility Problems 

He also knows its many shortcomings.

“It’s rather small compared to the amount of vehicles and equipment that we have,” says McCoy.

The facility’s tight quarters and low ceilings also make maintenance work impossible on some vehicles and maneuvering is a challenge.

“To get the trucks in, especially when they got the plows on the front, not a lot of spare  wiggle room to get them in and out,” says McCoy.

The cramped conditions mean some vehicles can’t even fit in the main garage.

“Our vehicles are actually stored in the pole barn,” says McCoy.

Add in a leaky roof and outdated electrical and HVAC systems, and McCoy says sinking money into endless repairs no longer makes financial sense.

“In my opinion, you are better off building another building than spending $50,000 here, $100,000 there, to try and keep this building going along,” says McCoy.

Fixing the Problem Comes with a Cost

Replacing the facility carries an estimated price tag of $40 million dollars.

The city had considered funding the project through bonding and a local sales tax, but those options hit legislative roadblocks.

“The legislature did not approve any cities’ application for local option sales tax, so that is off the table, and then we did ask for $20 million dollars through the legislature, we received $3.2 million dollars, so a bit short of what we were expecting,” says McCoy.

For now, the project is on hold while city leaders explore alternative funding options.

In the meantime, McCoy will continue making the case for a modern facility.

“It would be more functional. It would make things more efficient, and I think the residents would benefit from that efficiency,” says McCoy.

Robbinsdale

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