[music] Menota Heights City Hall was originally built to serve the community efficiently, safely, and with a strong sense of connection. But today, the way they do that has evolved. The existing facility has served the city well for decades, but it now faces significant issues. The city council has reviewed several options to address the facility needs and invest in a municipal campus [music] that is fiscally responsible, prioritizes safety, security, flexibility, and accessibility for all. >> [music] >> Some have asked whether the city should start to contract police services from another agency. Contracting would reduce costs, but it would also reduce local control, response times, and the strong community connection. >> You got it. Oh, keep going. >> That defines the department. The city council has directed staff to maintain the Menota Heights Police Department and ensure that it has the infrastructure and operational support needed to provide services. [music] Staff explored several relocation sites, including the fire station, public works, other city-owned property, and vacant community buildings. Each option presented challenges from lack of space to jeopardizing the city's sports complex along with high construction costs. The city council directed staff that the municipal campus must be centrally located to ensure effective emergency response [music] and where city hall and the police station can be in one building to maintain public safety and efficient municipal operations. >> [music] >> City Hall and the police station must remain operational, and relocating staff during renovations could cause service disruptions and added costs, all without solving long-term space or safety concerns. After evaluating both options, the city council directed staff to develop proposals that invest in infrastructure that provides long-term value. The council is also committed to relocating Merton's Auto Field if necessary. The final scope of the project is not set, but initial estimates show about a $33 per month impact for the average homeowner. Most of the project will be funded through property taxes. However, the city has submitted a bonding request to the state legislature which if approved would supplement residents costs. Council also considered phase construction. While it could reduce initial expenses, inflation and duplicated construction expenses would likely increase overall costs to taxpayers. Instead, the city council directed staff to develop proposals for a long-term scope that adopts a dig once approach, building the facility the city needs for both today's and future needs. Finding the right path forward for the municipal [music] campus project requires careful planning and thoughtful review. Initial timelines anticipate completing design in 2026, followed by the construction and a new building expected in 2028.