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The Juneau Council unanimously asked the city manager on Monday to consider relocating all city employees to the building that houses the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation.
The city has been looking for new office space since voters this fall rejected the city’s request to fund construction of a new city hall through a $27 million bond. This was the city’s second attempt to fund the construction of a new City Hall through a ballot initiative.
Councilman Wade Bryson said he is in favor of keeping all employees under one roof despite the high rent for the space, which is expected to cost about $1.6 million a year.
“Nobody likes what the lease rates are going to be, but that’s what the public asked us to do: to rent space rather than build something new,” he said. “That’s what we’re doing, let’s do it right and make sure everyone is on the same page.”
Currently, 60% of city employees cannot fit into city hall. They work out of four separate office spaces downtown, with rents totaling nearly $900,000 a year.
The Michael J. Burns Building, which houses the Standing Fund’s offices on 10th Street, is one of three rental options that meet the city’s standards. City Manager Katie Kester said there appears to be enough space for all city employees. This is an issue raised by city leaders during past elections.
Tracy Ricker, a broker representing the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, said space will soon be available in the building.of the corps board of councilors is considering opening another office in midtown Anchorage and relocating some of its staff.
“One of the reasons CBJ’s acreage has increased is because one of the state agencies verbally said that the lease will not be renewed in mid-2020,” she said.
Councilor Worrall Gidak Barbara Blake said she supports the city moving to fully leased space, citing maintenance issues and a lack of space at City Hall.
“I think it makes sense for us to be in the same space because we know what it takes to keep this building functioning safely, literally safely for our employees,” she said. Told.
According to the city, City Hall is undergoing renovations and repairs. Cracks in the walls, leaks in the ceiling, asbestos For carpet, it costs about $14 million.
Kester said the Michael J. Burns Building also has the option of a partial relocation if the council decides against a full relocation. She said the city may rent out City Hall if the full relocation happens.
Deputy Mayor Michelle Bonnet Hale proposed the sale.
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