Indian Harbour Beach police have a new police station to look forward to, thanks to a frugal City Council willing to consider using saved city reserves for the estimated $4 million project.
A candid report July 25 on current conditions led to clear direction from the council to proceed with planning for the new police headquarters, to be located on city-owned property about a half mile north of the current facility. The report on the $18,590 Space Needs Assessment study by Architects RZK of Cocoa culminated a year-long process.
The current 5,600-square-foot facility adjacent to City Hall on 2.8 acres was converted to Police Headquarters in 1977 with the facility remaining unchanged since its last major renovation in 1983.
Its current deficiencies, as detailed in the assessment, just in relation to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), include excessive changes in level, inadequate turning spaces, inoperable door hardware, inaccessible routes, inaccessible toilet facilities and casework that is too tall and exceed range and reach requirements.
Shortfalls in operational efficiency and security include the lack of: access control between departments; double locking vestibules between detention and administrative departments; proper evidence lockers, storage and chain of custody; a juvenile holding cell a separate suspect interview room and others.
Other facility problems detailed in the report include that it is uncertain if the current structure can withstand a category one hurricane; there are numerous leaks throughout the building causing significant damage to interior finishes including ceiling tiles and carpeting; there is no interview/report room, physical training room, locker room or showers; and the lobby has no public restrooms.
“It’s not really designed to be a police department. We are very efficient and do a good job with what we have but it’s not very efficient,’’ said Police Chief David Butler.
The location for the proposed 14,080-square-foot headquarters facility is a city-owned 3.3-acre parcel on South Patrick about a half mile north of the current facility, acquired by the city at a discount in 2016 in a bankruptcy auction.
The size of the parcel can accommodate the future needs of a new police headquarters and will provide easy access to all parts of the community, officials said. The site also is large enough for needed stormwater treatment facilities.
City Manager Mark Ryan said he was pleased that the council has taken a conservative financial stance in order to have funds saved. Funding a new headquarters with ad valorem taxes would have required a voter referendum, he said. Florida statute requires a higher threshold of approval to hike up the property tax rate that much. The only other option would have been to float a bond or take out a loan.
“The City of Indian Harbour Beach is extremely proud to be a debt free community. The city’s reserves are intended to help the community recover from a major storm event, and provide for the renewal and replacement of city equipment and facilities, just to name a few. It is important to note that no decision has been made on how to fund a new police headquarters. The use of the city’s reserves is certainly one option that will be considered in the coming months,’’ Ryan said.
Chief Butler said the positive council vote was the culmination of a year-long, $18,590 process initiated and approved by the council. He stressed that the members of the department are not complaining about current conditions and have been able to function professionally throughout the years.
“We don’t complain about what we have. We’re very happy to work here. We all know that this building is in disrepair. Everything needs a replacement plan. It’s the same concept with a building. You know that eventually you’ll have to put money in it to remodel it,’’ Butler said.
As for the new headquarters, having a city building constructed in accordance with the latest, stringent building codes to withstand a major hurricane would give Indian Harbour Beach a bunker of sorts to better protect life and property in the event of a disaster.
“We’re not looking at the Taj Mahal. What we need is something sturdy and solid for hurricane and something that is easily accessible for our community,’’ Butler said. “I think because of that we are going to be to provide a better service to our community and our city will have a legitimate Emergency Operations Center.”
