HomeMy WebLinkAbout01(A) - Regional Training Facility (RTF) Study Update Report
MASTER PLAN
SCALE REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY
TRAINING FACILITY (RTF)
January 27, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .............................................................................................. 1
Part 1: Executive Summary ............................................................................... 2
Part 2: Space Needs Analysis ........................................................................... 4
Part 3: Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................... 25
Part 4: Finances and Funding Strategies ........................................................ 29
Part 5: Master Plan .......................................................................................... 39
Appendix
i) RTF Memorandum of Agreement and Joint Powers Agreement
ii) National Register Nomination
iii) Existing programing plans and space spreadsheets
iv) Survey Responses
v) 2023-2027 Approved Budget - Capital Improvement Program
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PART 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
The SCALE Regional Public Safety Training Facility (RTF) serves Scott and Carver Counties, the adjacent
Minnesota River Valley Region, and greater Minnesota. The facility offers training facilities for law enforcement,
firefighting, public works groups, and community organizations.
LHB was engaged by SCALE to analyze functional use and building conditions, conduct stakeholder engagement
to gather anonymous/direct feedback on utilization by other parties, develop a master plan for the campus to meet
the future needs of users, and identify funding options related to various master plan options.
The SCALE RTF facility is located in rural Scott County near the town of Jordan. The core of the facility is the
historic ‘Mudbaden Sulphur Springs’ campus structures to which have been added garages, firing ranges and a
tactical fire tower and training area. The primary structure, dating from 1915, is listed on the National Register for
Historic Places.
Through the review of existing documentation, site visits, stakeholder interviews and collaborative work with Scott
County, LHB has developed the following analysis and master plan for the campus.
SUMMARY
This section is a summary of the documents created and outcomes determined during research and discussions,
including:
Space Needs Analysis.
The existing building is approximately 51,300 sf with two stories and a basement. Approximately 12,300 sf is
dedicated to training and simulation, 2,300 sf to administrative offices, 5,300 to classroom space, 3,200 sf of kitchen
and dining space, a 6,300 sf dormitory, and almost 8,000 of service space. There is a 6,000 sf tactical range and a
20,000 sf rifle range on site as well.
The existing building is primarily used for its classroom spaces, of which there are four of varying sizes. There are
situation rooms in the basement that are also used for training purposes. The dormitories on the second floor are
very sparsely used.
Overall, the existing building appears to have more space needed than required to support a regional training facility,
and much of the space has become ad hoc storage. The building interiors are generally in need of a refresh. Most
of the IT and AV equipment in the classrooms needs replacement as well. The MILO use-of-force simulator is also
in need of updating.
Stakeholder Engagement.
LHB conducted extensive stakeholder engagement during the production of this report. We attended joint meetings
of Scott Count police and fire chiefs, sent out an online survey to over 110 individuals, and conducted one on one
interviews with nearly 30 different stakeholders. By combining a mix of information gathering styles we were able
to obtain a good general overview of the perception of the facility from broad range of users. While there were many
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opinions represented on the overall quality of the facility, the general opinion was that although the facility fills a
critical role for training, general maintenance and upkeep of the facility and training equipment has been lacking.
Finances and Funding Strategies
The project team examined the operating expenses, income, and funding structures of three additional training
facilities and compared them to the S.C.A.L.E. RTF. In general, the RTF appears to generally less costly for its
partners than the other facilities examined; however, this appears due to both a lack of new capital investment as
well as partner contributions not having been updated to reflect inflationary pressures. Unlike its peer training
facilities in the Twin Cities, the RTF carries a significant level of debt servicing within its operating budget. Sources
for additional new funding and revenue are critical to assure the ongoing operation of the RTF.
Potential sources for grants and funding have been identified. Additionally, several potential funding sources related
to the building’s historic status and to its county/municipal function are presented.
Master Plan
Three options for a potential approach for the future of the RTF are presented. They are as follows:
• Option 1 – status quo
• Option 2 – updated facility
• Option 3 – maintain facility with reduced partners – bridging
Each option takes into account the fact that the RTF as it exists is essential to the continued training of essential
services and offers options for ongoing use. High level pricing of the major options is included to provide order of
magnitude information (formal estimates would require further development beyond the scope of this study).
This study has revealed both the strengths and limits to which the existing facility will be able to accommodate the
ever changing demands of professional training over the long-term. The existing facility can continue to be used
and renovated for a significant period of time to meet local training needs, as currently understood. As this facility
was not built originally to support training, it will likely eventually need to be replaced with a more purpose-built
training facility. However, at least for the next 10+ years, it is the design team’s opinion that with planned
improvements, appropriate staffing, create programming, and strategic marketing, the existing RTF can continue to
be a successful and cost-effective training facility for the community.
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PART 2: SPACE NEEDS ANALYSIS
Over several visits to the existing S.C.A.L.E. Regional Training Facility LHB identified the existing use and size of
spaces at the RTF. These are presented below and included as attachment iv. In general, it has been our
observation that the RTF facility includes much more space than similar facilities throughout the Twin Cities metro
area. However, these spaces lack the up-to-date amenities that many similar facilities feature, and many of the
current spaces do not directly serve functions comparable to other similar training facilities. This equates to added
maintenance and operations costs that do not directly serve the expected uses of such a facility.
Figure 1 Basement Existing Use Plan
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Figure 2 First Floor Existing Use Plan
Figure 6 Second Floor Existing Use Plan
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Needs Assessment Observations
1) The facility is located in an attractive, semi-rural area with relatively easy access off Highway 169.
2) The main building of the facility is an attractive historic structure, which is unique amongst similar training
facilities in the Twin Cities. The building includes several historic interior spaces, which are amongst the
most utilized meeting spaces for groups using the facility.
3) The existing buildings have been minimally modified and are well-maintained for buildings of a similar age.
4) The existing physical plant of the facility, especially the historic main structure, contains considerably more
square footage than required for current uses, at least as currently scheduled. In general, spaces are lightly
scheduled, and many are devoted to informal storage.
5) The close proximity of the train tracks and the shooting ranges has a negative acoustic impact on adjacent
interior spaces.
6) Although well maintained, when compared to new (or nearly new) purpose-built, competing facilities in
neighboring communities, the facility comes across as a bit tired and the spaces as somewhat makeshift
for purpose.
7) The firing range is considerably less sophisticated than other training facilities which are completely indoors,
allow for different lighting conditions, vehicle access for vehicle adjacent training, temperature controls,
appropriate ventilation, and more sophisticated spent ammunition removal systems.
8) It is difficult to identify the appropriate entry location and the arrival sequence at the building is not clearly
defined. Movement through the site and building is poorly signed.
9) The building lacks a clear point of initial entry and thus contact with staff is not always immediate or intuitive.
The office entry does not read as a primary entry point for visitors. The primary building entry leads directly
to a programmed space.
10) Parking is behind the building with no obvious path to a primary building entry. Parking has been described
by users as inadequate during the busiest times.
11) The building lacks a central ventilation or cooling system. Some individual spaces are cooled using window
units.
12) The restrooms and shower rooms are in poor condition and do not meet current accessibility requirements.
Gendered restrooms are unevenly distributed in the building and can be difficult to locate. There are no
locker rooms for users.
13) The classroom space at the RTF is generally in alignment with similar local facilities, but IT provisions for
users are inadequate per current expectations and standards.
14) The facility features an existing MILO use of force training simulator. However, the existing system is out
of date.
15) Situation rooms are adequate but better configurability is desired so that more adaptable and realistic room
configurations are available.
Needs Assessment Conclusion
The existing facility has more than enough room to accommodate the required features of a training facility as
required by a rapidly growing county like Scott County. However, the existing historic building was designed for a
very different purpose and is not necessarily the best fit for a program like this. This has created awkward
agencies and a general haphazard ambience within the building that many commented on during the duration of
this study. While the building is in relatively good condition for its age, significant maintenance to the spaces and
features that directly support the training purpose of the facility has not been undertaken almost since the opening
of the facility in 2007.
Historic preservation Concerns
The RTF’s location within a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places offers some advantages and
several disadvantages. One advantage it poses is the truly unique spaces it possesses. No other similar facility
possesses anything like the great room or the dining room. With the right updating, these spaces could be truly
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first-class meeting and event spaces. Additionally, the building’s historic status makes it eligible for several
history-based funding opportunities. These opportunities are further outlined in the funding strategies section of
this report.
On the other hand, the building was designed as a spa over 100 years ago and it makes for an awkward fit for its
current use. The spaces are old and many of the finishes and fixtures are well past there useful life. The building
was not designed to accommodate modern HVAC systems.
The following should be kept in mind when considering undertaking major projects at the building:
1) If major renovations are undertaken, they should be kept to the wings of the building and generally at the
interior of the building. Renovations should leave the significant spaces, like the dining and great rooms,
intact and largely unaltered. Major circulation routes should also be left intact. Otherwise, reconfiguration
of the interior rooms can be undertaken relatively freely. For instance, the dormitory rooms could be
reconfigured if necessary.
Additionally, improving the arrival and entrance experience has been discussed. Since entering the
building at the historic entrance is impractical as it leads directly to a meeting space, any additional
entrance/arrival features should be implemented at the back of the building, which generally conforms to
the way the building is used now.
2) It is not recommended that the building be demolished, and a new facility be built in its place. This
building represents an irreplaceable historic resource, and the public relation issues created by any plan
to remove it will be significant enough to make this an unappealing option. The county would be better off
selling the property and looking elsewhere if the building is no longer required.
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EXISTING BUILDING PHOTOS
Photograph 1: Looking west towards woodshop/garage and parking areas
Photograph 2: View of historic building looking northwest. Taken from Valley View Dr.
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Photograph 3: Looking east in great room
Photograph 4: Dining room looking east
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Photograph 5: Existing kitchen facilities
Photograph 6: South classroom
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Photograph 7: Meeting room in admin area
Photograph 8: Defensive tactics room
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Photograph 9: MILO room
Photograph 10: Dorm hallway
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Photograph 11: Typical dorm room
Photograph 12: Typical restroom
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Photograph 13: Gun cleaning room
Photograph 14: Typical situation room
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Photograph 15: Tactical gun range and warming hut
Photograph 16: Tactical gun range
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Photograph 17: Fire tower
Photograph 18: Class A training Connex boxes
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PEER FACILITY ASSESSMENT
On October 7, 2022, the LHB project team toured four peer facilities in the Twin Cities Metro area to gain a better
understanding of how different facilities function, what their costs and fees are, and how they are staffed.
North Metro Regional Public Training Facility (Maple Grove)
Partners: Maple Grove (owner), Hennepin Co. Sheriff, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park
1) In operation for about 30 years. There was a major fire in the firing range about 10 years ago.
2) Doing major expansion (about $17 million) with new firing range (funded primarily by Hennepin Co.
Sheriff), mat room, simulation room, updated training rooms and related facilities. Going from 22,000 SF
to 58,000 SF.
3) Renovation includes adding dedicated IT/data rooms.
4) 1 full time employee, one 50% maintenance person. 12 part time employees and a cleaning service.
5) Firing ranges use steel backstop. They are very happy with this technology.
6) Dedicated staff spaces (lockers, offices, break room, etc.)
7) Yearly budget ranges between $350-$380,000.
8) In addition to ‘partners’, have system of ‘members’ (currently only Plymouth) with a lower level of
dedicated access to the facility at a lower annual fee. They also have 12-15 groups that function on a
contract/fee basis. The public is able to utilize the facility on the weekends. Opening range to public is not
a money maker, but it is good for public relations.
9) Dedicated armory space with secure storage provisions for the partner and member groups.
10) Facility is heavily scheduled.
11) Ability to fund staffing to support all hours of use is essential. They do evening and weekend hours in
addition to typical daytime.
12) Controlled access during off hours for partner groups.
13) Well defined reception area with ability to supervise comings and goings.
14) Well distributed restrooms throughout facility.
15) Lockers are provided for firearms while on-site.
16) Installing VirTra simulator in lieu of Milo. Constructing oversized space to allow for evolving technology
and training needs (could also be repurposed as training or mat room). 3-year lease on VirTra program.
They provide own modified guns for training.
17) Video monitors in the DT room for training programs.
18) Shelves in restrooms for gun belts.
19) Training rooms have movable partitions to sub-divide large spaces.
20) Developing two-level situation room with movable partition system.
21) Firing range allows cars to be brought into spaces.
22) Firing range is a money pit. The facility director felt that no single agency could realistically operate an
adequate firing range on their own. Always need a staff person on site when firing range is being used.
23) Outdoor, controlled space for training.
24) Office space provided for Maple Grove and Hennepin County.
25) 94 parking spots on site.
26) Laundry facilities needed on-site.
27) Acoustic controls are critical in the firing range.
28) Firing range needs adequate height to accommodate shooting angles.
29) Moving target systems in firing range (run by tablet) offer range of options.
30) Stairwells are used for training. Providing a variety of stair conditions to support this.
31) Pepper balls/bean bag training areas are more relevant now than ever.
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Hero Training Center (Cottage Grove)
Owners: Cottage Grove, Woodbury
Tier Members: Washington Co. Sherriff, Oakdale Police, 2 Federal Agencies, Rasmussen College
1) Facility construction cost $21 million. Funding was ½ by the owners and ½ by outside, public funding.
2) Both firing ranges are 50 yds.
3) Larger range allows car access.
4) Ceiling is too low in the range and need side aisles – bullets are hitting both ceiling baffles and walls.
5) Firing ranges are set-up with tracks for adjustable depths and target placement.
6) Provide trauma kit in firing range.
7) Gun cleaning room is lightly used.
8) 24/7 access to firing ranges for partner groups.
9) 2 full-time staff.
10) 6 part-time staff.
11) Public works provides maintenance for the facility.
12) Found classroom near firing ranges to be useful proximity.
13) Significant amount of informal/flex spaces within the corridors.
14) Provide secure storage for partner groups.
15) Wish they had a lift for deliveries.
16) Catering kitchen has proved useful amenity.
17) Light use of smaller conference rooms
18) Larger classroom for 100 can be subdivided for 50 in each space. The divided spaces are regularly
scheduled.
19) Training spaces have good IT set-up.
20) Mothers room has proved to be unexpectedly well-used amenity.
21) Pre-training spaces need to be thought through and should not be within corridors.
22) Use TI Systems for virtual training. Has been a good system.
23) Indoor tactical training space allows fire truck to be brought into room.
24) Tactical training can be fully blacked-out.
25) Spaces where vehicles can be brought indoors needs provisions for washing down space afterwards
(vehicles bring in dirt, etc.).
26) Have dog wash provisions.
27) Stairwells are used for training purposes.
28) Lockable ammo storage is essential.
29) Breach door in tactical space is important for training.
30) Able to repel from second floor balcony for training purposes.
31) Have two exterior training buildings. These are used by both police and fire departments for longer
scenarios. Smoke and floor drains were omitted but should have been included.
32) Public can use firing ranges on weekend.
A.B.L.E. Training Facility (Burnsville)
Partners: Burnsville, Apply Valley, Lakeville, Eagan. Also used by outside agencies.
1) This is a Class A burn tower facility noted by fire chiefs as a good local example of this type of facility.
2) The facility takes a lot of abuse. It requires repairs/patching of CMU every 4 years. Primary structure is
protected.
3) Live fire burns require significant quantities of burnable material (pallets, bales). These require covered
storage space.
4) Run of from the site is extensive. It is directed into a nearby filtration pond.
5) The facility is heavily scheduled.
6) In addition to routine training, the facility is used for local fire academies.
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7) Flexible options for fire locations.
8) Would benefit from a dedicated, conditioned classroom and toilet facilities on site.
9) Need a variety of hydrant locations to support varied training routines.
10) Interior lights and devices do not work well in real fire situations (covered in soot or damaged beyond
useability soon after installation).
11) Exterior bleachers are useful but need more shelter and some provision for heating.
12) Facility is used year-round.
13) Also use Connex boxes for training.
14) Would like the ability to do ‘ceiling burns’ to better simulate reality.
15) Forcible door entry training should be included.
16) Need anchor points for ladders to set-up scenarios.
South Metro Public Safety Training Facility (Edina)
Owners: Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Metro Airports Commission
1) 100 person training room can be subdivided to seat 30 and 50.
2) 28,000 SF facility.
3) Have additional dedicated classroom.
4) Mat room could be twice as large 2000 sf would be ideal).
5) Simulator (MILO) Room is lightly used. Not clear if it’s worth providing relative to the cost of the
equipment.
6) 15 yd firing range with 4 lanes is heavily used and more economical for small groups.
7) 1 full-time facility director
8) 10 part-time staff
9) 1 part-time maintenance and 2 part-time custodial staff
10) 5 volunteer range safety staff (mostly retirees)
11) Combined 75’/150’ firing range is costly to run.
12) Ranges are open for public use during specific times.
13) Removed 6 tons of lead over 9 months from firing range. Disposal costs about $15,000.
14) Provide secure storage for partners/agencies. If unsecured supplies go missing.
15) Strongly recommend steel separations between stations in gun cleaning room. Have had numerous
incidents of guns being fired (mostly by police officers).
16) Useful to provide indoor support space adjacent to access point for outdoor training area. This is used
primarily by the alcohol testing program but is also useful for other groups as restrooms are provided.
17) Provide training area for canine agility.
18) Hope to build a tactical training building.
19) Burn tower (gas system) is under scheduled and consistently loses money. To make viable, needs to be
completely replaced.
20) Need significantly more storage
21) Struggle to efficiently schedule the building due to no-shows.
22) Interested in developing a dedicated, exterior ‘trench simulator’.
23) Essential to have dedicated, on-line presence with scheduling capability.
24) Public use is part of facility mission. Cost of providing means this is at best a break-even provision – not a
money maker.
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Photograph 18: Hero Center firing range
Photograph 19: Hero Center ammunition collection baffles
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Photograph 20: Hero Center firing stall.
Photograph 21: Hero Center hall storage
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Photograph 22: Hero Center reconfigurable situations rooms
Photograph 23: Hero Center double height indoor vehicular training space
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Photograph 24: South Metro tactical fire training tower
Photograph 25: South Metro MILO room set-up
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Photograph 26: South Metro firearm cleaning room
Photograph 27: South Metro partner storage area
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PART 3: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The project team conducted extensive stakeholder outreach during the process of producing this report. The team
attended the Scott County Fire Chief’s meeting on September 29th in Jordan, the Scott County Police Chief’s
meeting on October 6th. We distributed an online survey regarding the facility to approximately 110 contacts and
received responses from 61 individuals. Additionally, we conducted 27 one-on-one discussions with stakeholders
who wished to provide additional feedback. The stakeholders comprised of members of the RTF Board of Directors,
the RTF Partner Group, and Individual customers. Most individuals consulted were either law enforcement personal,
fire fighters, municipal officials, or private training contractors. The following is a summary of the topics they came
out of this stakeholder outreach.
OVERVIEW
Based on our discussions and observations, the firing range and the fire equipment are the primary draws to the
facility. The mat room, classrooms, and situation rooms were described by most users as nice to have while at the
facility, but not necessarily a draw on their own. While many issues with the facility were noted during our outreach,
and there are users that are overall dissatisfied with the facility, the site is still heavily used and seems to generally
meet most user’s needs, with some notable caveats. Users who recalled training conditions in Scott County prior
to the opening of the RTF were still happy to have access to the facility, but these same users also mentioned that
what was promised at the inception of the RTF is somewhat different than what the RTF has become. Several users
noted that if the RTF was not there, scheduling their required training would be extremely difficult as other facilities
are often very heavily booked. It was also noted that while day to day maintenance of the facility seems to be
acceptable, significant upkeep of some of the most heavily used features has been deferred for too long.
Some of the communities, while not necessarily considering leaving the facility, were concerned that if large
communities were to leave the partnership it would put undue hardship on them.
Several respondents thought that reaching out to groups from Sibley and Le Sueur counties would be a way to
bring in more revenue. Additionally, it was mentioned that more outreach should be made to bring in educational
groups. For some of the smaller law enforcement user groups in far-flung communities it was noted that there are
private facilities that are closer and comparable in price. It was noted that when the facility was first planned there
was public works training at the facility, but this has fallen off. This was suggested as another avenue to explore.
Several individuals from private training companies were interviewed, and these individuals were unequivocally
happy with facility. They were comfortable with pricing and were grateful to be able to use the RTF for their training
programs. These users are often coming from the furthest distances and did not really mention that as a negative
aspect of the facility.
It was noted that the guiding vision for the facility appears to have fallen by the wayside. Developing a
comprehensive vision for the facility and training program was identified as an essential priority. It was suggested
that constant diligence and commitment is needed to ensure continuation of adequate funding for the RTF. It was
suggested by one individual that the facility should be fully funded by the county with a nominal charge for users to
lessen some of the lingering “turf issues.”
STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION
Administrative and public perception issues were some of the most significant comments that the project team
received. While many respondents indicated that they had a cordial relationship with the staff at the RTF, many
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indicated that the facility seemed to be understaffed and that general administrative tasks where being overlooked
and let fall to the wayside. Many indicated the need for a better internet presence with the desire for an efficient,
transparent, and user-friendly scheduling program available online. There is a perception by some partner groups
that other outside groups are sometimes given scheduling priority and are given a better deal. It was noted that
there are many hours of the day when users are present at the building and no staff is present. There was the
perception by some respondents that fire chiefs were not well represented on the RTF Board.
It was suggested that the RTF Board needs to be more actively engaged develop a more cohesive vision for the
facility and to help staff deliver a better product. It was suggested that the director of the facility should be focused
on outreach, marketing, and searching out funding opportunities with other staff to take care of day-to-day
administrative tasks. The need for dedicated training coordination staff was discussed. One feature that several
respondents mentioned as being an initial premise of the RTF that got left behind was an easily accessible
centralized training library, so that individual groups could share training programs with each other and build off one
another’s trainings. Some respondents noted that when the visit the RTF they have to bring all their equipment with
them and very little is provided by the RTF. It was also suggested that there is ample grant money available for
places like the RTF and having a dedicated staff person to research and secure this funding would be highly
beneficial.
Food access was often mentioned, and the ability to have food catered was not widely understood. Some
respondents mentioned they would rather just bring food with them go to the extra hassle of coordinating catering.
SITE/LOCATION
Scott county is a large suburban/rural county with a population of 153,200, with approximately two thirds of those
people living in the suburban communities of Shakopee, Prior Lake, and Savage at the southwest corner of the
Twin Cities metropolitan area. Because these communities contribute a large portion of the users to the facility, the
location of the existing facility is seen as an inconvenience to many. Most of these users would prefer a site near
the Scott County Public Works Facility. For many of these larger communities, facilities in Burnsville, Edina, and
Minnetonka are equally convenient as the existing RTF facility. However, a location further to the north would put
the smaller communities at the south end of the county at an even bigger inconvenience and would not be conducive
to expanding use into counties further to the south.
The out-of-the-way location of the RTF was identified mostly as a negative aspect of the facility, with many noting
the inconvenience of distance to restaurants and lodging facilities. However, there were those that also noted that
the remote location was a good fit for the loud, disruptive, and attention-attracting activities that occurred there.
Many complained about the lack of nearby food options. It was noted that planned upgrades to Highway 169 should
make access to the facility easier in the future.
Parking was mentioned repeatedly by many as often being over-crowded and messy.
Several users indicated that having a driving course would be beneficial, although most also acknowledged that it
would be difficult to accommodate this at the existing site. An indoor, climate-controlled facility for practicing traffic
stops and squad car exiting was also suggested by several users.
EXISTING BUILDING
Most complaints about the facility were directed at the existing building. Most feel that it is old, run down, and with
increased scrutiny placed on law enforcement training practices, not an appropriate site for a modern training facility.
Poor IT and AV support for the classrooms, poor HVAC systems, unpleasant and scarce bathrooms, poor water
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quality, and a general run-down atmosphere were frequently mentioned. The facility was noted as underutilized and
probably too large to efficiently maintain. Fire and police agencies mentioned that the location was not appealing to
host nationally recognized training programs. The lack of food, lodging, and modern conveniences were given as
the reason for this.
The dorms are generally not appealing, and most local fire and police agencies do not use them. There were some
private training companies that were happy to use them. Some of these individuals noted that as ex-military, they
were not far off from facilities they were used to. Some noted that the lack of lodging in the immediate area makes
the idea of on-site lodging appealing, but modernization is required.
Most municipal agencies have classroom space available in their own communities, so there is little incentive for
them to use the classrooms at the RTF. Even communities as close as Jordan expressed this.
The MILO system was noted as out of date. Many indicated that it was not likely useful to invest in upgrading the
system as many felt VR technology would completely replace it soon. Others expressed concern that VR technology
was not quite there yet, and MILO-type systems offered a type of training that is useful and that hasn’t yet been
completely replaced by VR yet.
Many mentioned using and appreciating the scenario rooms, but also added that they should be more realistically
set up to better simulate real life layouts. This could also include more sensory deprivation features like noise and
smoke simulators. A system to centrally monitor the different rooms was also noted as desirable.
Some addition facilities that were mentioned were a shared crime/forensics lab. Others mentioned that a fitness
center would be desirable, as many smaller communities do not have the budget to provide adequate fitness
centers. One interviewee noted that providing indoor dog training facilities would be beneficial.
GUN RANGES
The gun ranges represent the most utilized features on site. While there were issues noted, the majority of users
indicated it was more or less adequate for their needs. Despite negative aspects, many users indicated that it
provides one of the most consistently available gun training facilities in the area.
Poor ventilation at the range was one of the top complaints made by many users. The ability to better control light
levels within the range was also desirable. A system to provide moving targets was also mentioned as desirable.
One interviewee mentioned that better protection from the climate would be beneficial at the ranges. This might
include covered walkways and an improved central warming hut to rest in and store gear between shoots.
Private training groups spoke positively about the range. They enjoy the openness of the range for teaching classes,
instead of indoor ranges where everyone is sequestered in a stall. They indicated that this greatly improves
communication between student and instructor. They also appreciate that their students, most whom are just
learning to use a gun, appreciate not being surrounded by users firing intimidatingly large and powerful guns nearby
FIRE TRAINING EQUIPMENT
Most respondents were generally satisfied with the fire training features at the RTF. Most respondents noted that
the existing equipment, which includes the fire tower and burn props, were acceptable but haven’t been well
maintained over the lifespan of the RTF. Many mentioned the need for improved Class A training features. However,
there was hesitation at converting the existing gas fire building into a Class A tower, similar to the A.B.L.E. facility
in Burnsville. Some noted that Class A training is necessary but didn’t want to exposure their fire fighters to more
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harmful carcinogens than they are already being exposed to, and that the gas tower is good for this. Most felt that
Connex boxes are an acceptable way to achieve class A training. Almost all noted that Connex boxes have a limited
lifespan and that the existing Connex boxes at the RTF are in dire need of replacement. The need for additional
storage was noted by users to better protect class A burning materials from the weather. More flexibility for set ups
within the burn tower was mentioned as desirable. Having a rail car available for fire training was also noted as a
desirable feature and seemed plausible with a railway so close. Some users noted that even with drastic
improvements to the features at the RTF, there wouldn’t necessarily be a vast increase in use by the departments
that currently use it. Some of the larger communities noted that they incorporate many training features into their
fire houses when new facilities are built.
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PART 5: FINANCES AND FUNDING STRATEGIES
CURRENT CONTRACTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) and Joint Powers Agreements were established in 2007, establishing funding
commitments to operate the Regional Training Facility (see attachment A). The parties of the Agreements are Scott
County, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and the cities of Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, Jordan,
New Prague, Prior Lake, Savage, and Shakopee. Carver County joined the group in 2008. Conditions of the
Agreement include issuance of a $5 million bond with debt service towards the bond to be retired in fiscal year
2027. Parties to the agreement committed to a combined yearly contribution of $500,000 with payments
apportioned amongst the parties (apportionment to be updated every 3 years). Parties to the agreement have not
customarily been charged for scheduled use of the facility beyond the yearly contribution.
The Regional Training Facility has applied for three $1 million state grants for renovations. These grants were
awarded in 2008, 2010 and 2013. A funding request for the Regional Training Facility is not included on the 2022
SCALE Legislative Priorities List.
The facility is on the National Register of Historic Places (see appendices for National Register Listing documents).
There are no standing obligations or agreements with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or Minnesota
Historical Society (MNHS). There is no record indicating funding has been pursued based upon the historic status
of the property.
Figure 3 SCALE Member contributions by year as provide by SCALE RTF. Information for 2009-2011 was not provided.
30
Due to a projected flat revenue stream noted in the projected 2023-2027 budget and increasing inflationary
pressure, the facility risks having inadequate funding to function as currently organized, much less make substantive
improvements to meet current and future needs. Growing revenue is consequently critical to the ongoing functioning
and health of the Regional Training Facility (a discussion of potential funding options is addressed elsewhere in this
study.)
Although the agreements do cover a range of considerations, the following areas of concern were noted:
• The Agreements make provision for adjusting partner contributions. Although adjustments to individual
partner contributions have been made since 2007, the combined, total contribution remains unchanged.
This process does not include a requirement for an annual review and analysis of the facility’s changing
financial needs or the impact of inflation. Cumulative inflation by itself (per the US Bureau of Labor
Statistics) between 2007 and 2022 has been approximately 46%.
• The survey of partner groups indicates roughly half are contemplating going elsewhere for training; this
percentage is higher based upon meetings with the fire and police chief groups; however, during the
individual interviews, significantly fewer indicated a plan to shift training elsewhere. However, this does
raise the question as to the potential withdrawal of at least some current partner groups from the agreement.
A major departure of partner groups could result in severe financial hardship for those remaining in the
agreement and could potentially compromise the viability of the facility.
• The agreements make provision for adding new partner groups. LHB found no documentation indicating
recent attempts to add additional partner groups.
Figure 4 Proposed budget For the Years 2023 – 2027as provided by SCALE RTF.
31
FINANCIAL COMPARISONS
The following section compares costs and fees between the SCALE RTF and three peer facilities in the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area.
OPERATING BUDGET/EXPENSES
2021 (Actual) 2022 (Actual) 2023 (Estimate)
South Metro $941,079 $1,594,162 $1,665,757
North Metro (Not provided) $391,000 $500,000
Hero Center $608,509 $733,805 $920,340
SCALE RTF $611,436 $233,156 $642,445
YEARLY DEBT SERVICE
South Metro None. If debt service required in future, tracked under Edina city budget.
North Metro $90,000 starting in 2023 (shared equally by Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Brooklyn Center)
$8.2 million one-time payment from Hennepin County
Hero Center None. Any debt service is carried under city budgets of Woodbury and/or Cottage Grove.
SCALE RTF $315,000 to $370,00 remaining through 2027 (variation reflects incremental increases across final
years of debt repayment)
PRIMARY SOURCES OF REVENUE/FUNDING
South Metro Owner groups: $374,287
Contracting agencies: $120,000
Rentals: $93.575
Investments: $2,500
Other: $1,003,800
Notes:
Recently received $1 million state grant (see ‘other’ above) and are pursuing additional grants.
Received $500,000 in state funds towards original construction; additional $7 million in original
construction costs funded by MAC, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina. Have received grant
from DNR to improve accessibility.
32
North Metro Partners: $320,000
Other agencies, contracts, public shooting, metal sales, room rentals, etc.: $180,000
Notes:
Maple Grove is fiscal agent for original construction and new facility costs.
Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Brooklyn Park each pay $30K per year towards capital expenses as
their contribution towards debt servicing.
Hennepin County Sheriff contributed $8.2 million towards new construction; does not contribute to
debt servicing.
Hero Center Contracting agencies: primary funding
Non-partner agencies: secondary funding
Public Funding (Operations): None
Notes:
Cottage Grove obtained a state grant, detailing use of $9,500,000 State bond proceeds to fund the
construction, furnishing and equipping facility.
Woodbury and Cottage Grove both contributed about $4.5 million to the construction of the facility.
SCALE RTF Members/Partners: $499,986
Fees for Services: $50,000
Investments: $2,000
Notes:
State funding has been in the form of three $1 million grants over a series of years.
The annual bond payments carried under the RTF budget are payments towards the $5 million in
bonding issued by Scott County per the original RTF agreement. Portion of partner groups fees
contribute towards bond payments. Final payments scheduled for 2027. This debt is carried as a
liability under the RTF budget.
33
PARTNER/OWNER GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS (Most current year provided)
South Metro (Police & Fire)
Airport $71,893
Bloomington $150,248
Eden Prairie $104,080
Edina $76,136
North Metro (Police only)
Maple Grove: $37,180
Plymouth $41,300
Brooklyn Park $55,230
Hennepin Co. Sheriff $187,400
Hero Center (Police, Agencies, Education)
Rasmussen Univ $212,374
Washington Co. Sheriff $154,500
Oakdale Police (Tier II) $20,960
US Immigration & Customs $95,900
SCALE RTF (Police & Fire)
Scott County $244,137
Carver Co. Sheriff $39,745
Shakopee $41,021
Savage $29,674
Prior Lake $30,111
Mdewakanton Community $44,604
New Prague $17,455
Elko/New Market $13,528
Jordan $20,074
Belle Plaine $19,637
34
RENTAL RATES
South Metro
• Shooting Range:
o 1 Person: $20/lane for 45 minutes
o 2 Person: $35/lane for 60 minutes
o 3 Person: $45/lane for 70 minutes
• Room Rental:
o 30 Capacity @ $240/day
o 40 Capacity @ $240/day
o 50 Capacity @ $240/day
o 80 Capacity @ $450/day
o Evening & half-day rates available
• Tactical Gym (Mat Room)
o $240/day; $150/half day
• Tactical Tower
o Police & Fire (without live fire): $85/hr (2 hr minimum)
o $400/day (7 am to 5 pm)
o $100/hr (after 5 pm or weekend)
o Add $35/hr for water
o Add $35/hr for smoke
o Burn packages offered
North Metro
• Shooting range (temporarily closed to public)
o $18/person for 45 minutes
o $29/person for 60 minutes
• Room Rental
o 40 Capacity @ $150/day
o 20 Capacity @ $75/day
Hero Center
• Shooting Range
o Woodbury & Cottage Grove Residents (Public Use)
1 Person: $18/hr for 45 minutes
2 Person: $29/hr for 45 minutes
o Non-residents (Public Use)
1 Person: $20/hr for 45 minutes
2 Person: $31/hr for 45 minutes
o Police
12 lane 50 yard shooting range: $195/hr
• Mat Room/Training Simulator
o $100/hr for 4 hours
• Room Rental
o 30, 50, 120 Occupants at $75-$350 for 4 hours
• Indoor Tactical Training (flexible room configuration)
o $200 for 4 hours
• Outdoor Tactical Training Houses
o $200 for 4 hours
• Training Simiulator
o $80/hr
• Non-partnered/contracted agencies:
o Add $25/hr for use before or after regular business hours
35
SCALE RTF
2022 Fee Schedule for non-partner groups as provided by SCALE RTF
36
FUNDING SOURCES
Funding sources that are available to your organization are listed below. Funding opportunities change frequently
and should be monitored on a regular basis.
INTERNAL RTF FUNDING
Index budget to inflation with appropriate adjustments for facility-specific costs to keep current with real-world
operation and maintenance costs.
Schedule and plan for major capital improvements, timing whenever possible to align with the availability of outside
funding sources.
Minimize the need for the facility itself to carry long-term debt under its budget. Partner groups fund their
contributions, cash or financed, as appropriate to their internal financial situation.
Establish an endowment fund, targeting major capital and emergency expenses, with the goal of reducing the
impact of these expenses on the operating budget.
OUTSIDE GROUP FEES
Adjust facility use fees at least annually to maintain alignment with fees charged at peer facilities.
Establish yearly contracts with regular users, whenever possible.
Establish and market ‘Tier 2’ partner level for frequent public users that are not interested in or able to underwrite
a full partner commitment. This option may be especially attractive to smaller rural communities.
Establish yearly goals for fees from outside groups.
GRANTS, ETC.
Pursue grants from professional associations that support training for fire fighters and police.
Pursue state grants for capital improvements, and when available also for training costs.
• Rural Fire Department Assistance
• Department of Public Safety (source of original grants to the facility)
• Department of Employment and Economic Development (work force training)
• Budgeted state capital funding
HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) offers several grants for historic buildings owned by municipalities or non-
profit organizations. These all require that the building be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which
the RTF facility building, original a spa resort, was in 1980.
Legacy Grants
The MNHS has two levels of legacy grants. Small grants of up to $10,000 to fund studies and minor design
documents. These are awarded four times a year. Once a year a large grant, typically up to approximately $200,000,
can be applied for. The large grant application is due in either May or July, depending on the year.
37
Heritage Partnership Grants
This grant program is available to partnerships to further similar goals at a historic resource. For instance, the Scott
County Historical Society could partner with the county government to pursue a Heritage Partnership Grant for the
historic mud bath building. Or the SMSC tribal government could partner with the county government. These grants
are awarded once a year. The application is due always due in January. There is no stated monetary value, but it
might be assumed that a grant would be in the $50,000 to $125,000 range.
State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid
These grants are available for use at publicly owned buildings. The grantee must provide matching funds 1:1. There
is no stated monetary value, but the grants may be assumed to be in the $100,000 to $200,000 dollar range.
It should be noted that all MNHS grants are required to be used for historic preservation projects. This would mean
rehabilitation of historic interiors at the two large gathering spaces at the building, exterior rehabilitation such as
tuck pointing, or building envelope improvements such as a new roof. These funds can also be used to improve
accessibility within historic spaces, so it could be used to provide ADA restrooms or improve ADA parking and paths
of travel. It cannot be used to make modernizations of historic spaces, such as installing AV equipment in a historic
room. It could not be used in any of the non-historic elements such as the firing range or burn tower.
HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The following is excerpted from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office’s website:
One of the ways the federal government encourages the preservation of historic buildings is through federal tax
laws that benefit qualifying historic preservation projects. A project may qualify for a 20% investment tax credit if:
• It involves rehabilitation of a certified historic building used for income-producing purposes;
• the rehabilitation work follows the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation; and
• the project receives preliminary and final approval from the National Park Service.
Property owners, developers and architects must apply for the tax credit through the Minnesota SHPO and are
encouraged to work with SHPO staff to ensure that appropriate rehabilitation measures are followed. The SHPO
then passes its recommendations on to the NPS for approval.
Until recently, Minnesota matched these 20% tax credits with an additional 20% investment. While the state match
is not currently available, it may be reinstated with the next legislative session.
It should be noted that historic tax credits are not usually realistic to pursue unless a sizable rehabilitation project,
in the multimillion-dollar range, is being undertaken.
Historic tax credits are not typically available to public entities, but it is possible to partner with a private developer
or financial institution and effectively “sell” the credits to that partner. A qualified tax adviser should be consulted
before proceeding with pursuing historic tax credits or forming a partnership.
38
ADDITIONAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Partner Agreements
• Modify agreements to incorporate a required annual process for review and adjustment of partner financial
commitments based upon inflationary pressures and known facility-specific needs/costs.
• Modify agreements to more strongly discourage withdrawal from the agreements.
Marketing
• Market to partner groups and their respective governing bodies to assure all are aware of the full-range
of what the training facility has to offer.
• Market to potential new partner groups and their respective governing bodies.
• Market the facility to non-partner, fee-paying users, both conventional and non-traditional.
• Market to potential fee-paying user groups with interest in long-term agreements/contracts.
• Develop and maintain a robust on-line presence.
39
PART 6: MASTER PLAN
The following options are presented as three potential approaches for the continued operation of the facility based
on our assessment of the needs and condition of the existing facility, observations of similar peer facilities in the
Twin Cities metro area, and extensive stakeholder outreach among the current and past users and planners of the
S.C.A.L.E Regional Training Facility (RTF).
OPTION 1 – STATUS QUO
• Consolidate functions into an identified area of the building
o By mothballing or partially mothballing areas of the building that are underutilized, a savings in operating
expense may be gained. However, having entire unoccupied portions of a 100-year-old building are not
likely to improve perceptions of an active and inviting facility.
o In every other modern facility that the project team visited, lack of storage was a universal complaint. This
is something that will never be a problem at the RTF, and could be explored further as a provided benefit
for local municipalities or other organizations.
• Essential maintenance and repairs to maintain essential functions and programming
• Focus on current partners and users satisfaction
• No staffing adjustments
o At a minimum staffing would include a director, an administrator, and maintenance staff. Staff should be
scheduled to assure coverage whenever the facility is being used.
OPTION 2 – UPDATED FACILITY
• Ongoing and proactive maintenance
o Prompt expenditure of significant funds should be undertaking as soon as possible to demonstrate the
County’s commitment to providing a facility that better meets the needs of the various user groups.
• Updates to maintain facilities to current standards and expectations including:
o Improvements to the existing gun ranges.
o Improvements to training facilities, equipmentl, and storage related to the propane burn tower and the class
A burn sheds.
o Installing AV/IT improvements to all the conference rooms,
o Improved HVAC systems,
o Parking, arrival, and wayfinding improvements.
o ADA accessibility improvements.
40
o Short-term lease of an up-to-date use of force simulator, with the understanding that this technology may
be obsolete soon.
o Improved restroom facilities.
o Additional lockers/gun lockers for day-use storage.
o Kitchen facility improvements. Kitchen facilities should be reconfigured to better serve its current utilization.
This will likely involve a reduction in the existing equipment as a full commercial kitchen is not required at
the RTF. As the kitchen is quite oversized, an eating nook/break room should be created within the existing
kitchen space to serve users while the dining room is in use as a meeting space.
o Refresh of scenario rooms. This would include improvements to the taser room, and a refresh of the 4H
room to make it more inviting as a centralized meeting space for groups using the scenario rooms. The 4H
groups could be moved to another location if necessary.
o Refresh of the gun cleaning room.
o Creation of secured ammunition storage areas.
• Phased updates to differentiate facility from peers
o This may include expanding the availability of the historic spaces at the interior for uses not directly related
to public safety, such as event space and education groups. The thing the makes the RTF unique is the
historic building and the two grand historic interior spaces. These spaces could be promoted as truly unique
and desirable features with some refreshing and the right marketing.
• Proactively market facility to expand user groups
o Making the facility available to communities in the adjacent counties to the south and west should be
pursued.
• Adjust staffing levels for optimal operations. Potential staffing to include:
o Director: Full time. Focuses on vision, marketing, business development, and funding acquisition.
o Administrative Manager: Full time. Focuses on scheduling, day-to-day operations, client contact, and
resolving scheduling conflicts.
o Maintenance Director: Full time. Should be responsible for maintaining the physical plant and the training
equipment.
o Training coordinator: Part time. Focuses on working with users to catalog training resources and make
them available to all user groups through an online repository.
o Grants coordinator: Part time. Works with director to research and complete grant and other funding
applications.
o Cleaning staff. Contracted.
o Part time staff as required to provide IT and site/facility assistance whenever the facility is in use.
o Volunteer pool to supplement paid staff.
41
OPTION 3 – MAINTAIN FACILITY WITH REDUCED PARTNERS – BRIDGING
• Consolidate functions into an identified area of the building
• Essential maintenance and repairs to maintain minimal functions and programming
• Modest focused updates to retain current and attract new users
• Proactive marketing of facility with goal to rebuild partner and user pool
• Minimal staffing adjustments
• Goal is to stabilize operations and as soon as conditions allow move to Option 2, as described above
42
COST ANALYSIS
General Cost Analysis Notes
• Costs are based upon high level review of proposed options as identified in this study and should be
reconfirmed in-depth after further development of specifics.
• Costs do not include cost escalation as current volatile market conditions make it difficult to predict.
• Costs do not include ongoing procurement challenges, as specific remain in flux.
• Project soft costs (professional fees, testing, permits, etc.) are not included. Soft costs include
purchasing/upgrades to equipment not part of the building systems.
• Economies of scale will impact cost of projects – small projects are likely to be more costly per square foot
than larger, more comprehensive projects.
Unit Costs for Planning (4th Quarter 2022)
• New ventilation and cooling system $50-60 per SF
• Improved ventilation and lighting in shooting ranges $10-20 per SF
• Replace telephone/data distribution (includes WiFi) $6 per SF
• Replace/upgrade A-V equipment $25,000-30,000+ per Room
• Door access/security $4 per SF
• Light replacement (LEDS) and control updates $8 per SF
• Electrical receptacle and branch circuit installation $12 per SF
• Carpet replacement with carpet tile $36 per SF
• Paint walls/ceilings $1 per SF
• Tile walls/floors (restroom updates) $12 per SF
• New partitions/ceilings (gypsum bd. on metal studs) $4.80 per SF
• Kitchen Renovation (this can vary greatly) $400 per SF to $1000+ SF
• Weapons Lockers $600-900 per Locker
• Modular Partitions (Scenario Rooms) $500-600 per LF
• Multi-level Conex Class A Fire Training Assembly $35,000 per installation
• MILO System $85,000+ base price
• Pavement (excludes soil/base preparation and curbs) $800-1000 per standard parking stall
Stormwater drainage and wetland requirements
are not included
43
Costs Applied to Master Plan Options
• Option 1 – Status Quo
o Staffing No changes/No new costs
o Consolidate use of space to minimize maintenance Minimal in-house tasks/No costs
o Replace A/V equipment in primary meeting rooms $90,000+
(Great Hall, Dining Room, Classroom)
o Misc. scheduled repairs/maintenance (Estimate) $50,000
• Option 2 – Updated Facility
o Full Staffing Per County Compensation Rates
o Proactive, scheduled maintenance $100,000
o Improve fire range lighting and ventilation $242,850+
(Assumes both primary and rifle ranges)
o Replace A/V equipment in all meetings rooms $240,000+
(Great Hall, Dining Room Classroom, Conference Room, Classroom, Large Conference Room,
Sun Rooms, MILO Room)
o Replace telephone/data distribution (includes WiFi)
First Floor and Basement $216,000
Dormitory Floors $53.400
o Install ventilation/cooling system
First Floor and Basement $900,000+
Dormitory Floors $445,000+
o Light replacement (LEDS) and control updates
First Floor and Basement $288,000
(Assumes relamp only on dormitory floors)
o Install door access/security system (throughout) $139,600
o Replace carpet (In addition to currently budgeted replacement)
First Floor $341,000
Dormitory Floors $320,400
o Paint walls/ceilings (assume about 50% of spaces) $224,500
o Kitchen renovation $700,000+
Modest renovation and related code/system upgrades
Kitchen equipment and lounge furnishings
o Weapons Lockers
20 New Lockers $15,000
44
o Install full signage package (interior and exterior) $200,000
o ADA/Restroom Upgrades and Expansion $25,000+ per restroom
o Parking for 83 (assumes 50% occupancy)
Add 35 parking stalls (currently 48 stalls +/-) $35,000+
o Training equipment replacement/upgrades
Replace MILO Equipment (in kind) $85,000+
Multi-level Conex Class A Fire Training Set-up $35,000
Modular Partitions (50 LF) $30,000
Other (TBD) Market Rate
o Marketing Costs TBD
• Option 3 – Maintain Facility with Reduced Partners – Bridging
o Staffing No changes/No new costs
o Misc. scheduled repairs/maintenance (Estimate) $50,000
o Replace A/V equipment in primary meeting rooms $90,000+
(Great Hall, Dining Room, Classroom)
o Replace telephone/data distribution (includes WiFi)
First Floor and Basement $216,000
o Limited training equipment replacement/upgrades Market Rate
o Marketing Costs TBD
Staffing
It is assumed that staff costs are governed by standard county compensation levels for equivalent positions. Current
compensation levels should be consulted to identify anticipated costs for the proposed staffing levels.
MASTER PLAN - CONCLUSIONS
It is our opinion that option 2 is the correct path forward in the immediate future for the existing RTF. Despite the
need for long deferred maintenance, there is currently a strong need within Scott County for the continued
operation of the facility. Prompt investment by the county into the existing facility should give confidence to current
partners and potential new partners of the county’s interest in investing in the facility. That being said, it is not
likely that the existing facility will be able to continue to meet the rapidly changing needs of public safety training in
the long term. It is recommended that Scott County pair immediate investment in the existing facility with long-
term planning for deaccessioning the existing historic building and planning a new facility, with the goal of being
operational in 10-15 years.
45
APPENDIX
i. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
AND JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
ii. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
iii. EXISTING PROGRAMMING PLANS
AND SPACE SPREADSHEETS
EXISTING SPACE INVENTORY SCALE RTF #220672
SCALE REGIONAL TRAINING FACILITY BUILDING SUMMARY
Existing
Gross Square Feet
Main Building 51,260
Training & Simulation 12,344
Admin 2,260
Education / Community Outreach 5,258
Kitchen / Dining 3,190
Dormitory 6,267
Building Services 7,831
TBD Spaces, Interior & Exterior Walls 8,202
Pump House 134
Member Woodshop & Storage 3,544
Garage 1,120
Tactical Range 5,824
Rifle Range 19,012
Archery & Dog Training Area 8,142
TOTAL SCOPE 89,036
OTHERS NOT IN SCOPE:
Tactical Tower 9,248
Tactical Pump House 500
Tactical Barn 1,200
Juvenile Buildings 9,620
Metropolitan Mosquito Control 25,090
RTF GRAND TOTAL 134,694
Building
EXISTING SPACE INVENTORY
MAIN BUILDING
Room Name Building Level
Room #Quantity Area Subtotal
MAIN BUILDING
Training & Simulation
Gun Cleaning Main Building Level 0 G-16 1 430 430
Defensive Tactics Room Main Building Level 1 138, 140 1 980 980
Defensive Tactics Storage Main Building Level 1 S-20 1 66 66
Situation Rooms Main Building Level 0 G-02, G-03, G-04,
G-06, G-07, G-08,
G-09, G-10, G-28,
G-29
12 244 2,924
Small Situation Rooms Main Building Level 0 G-01, G-10 2 128 256
Situation Room (Classroom) Main Building Level 0 G-18 1 236 236
Situation Room (Convenience Store) Main Building Level 0 G-19 1 295 295
Situation Room (Apartment) Main Building Level 0 G-20 1 460 460
Situation Room (Madbaden Bar) Main Building Level 0 G-22 1 552 552
SW Metro Drug Task Force Main Building Level 0 G-34 1 1,200 1,200
Workshop Main Building Level 0 G-12 1 150 150
Training Storage Main Building Level 0 G-11 1 158 158
Training Storage Main Building Level 0 G-13 1 145 145
Training Storage Main Building Level 0 S-12 1 94 94
Training Storage Main Building Level 0 G-15, G-17 1 317 317
Taser Training & Corrections Situation Room Main Building Level 0 1 932 932
Staging Room (Situation) Main Building Level 0 G-27 1 1,215 1,215
Training Toilet Main Building Level 0 1 75 75
Training Toilet Main Building Level 0 B-12 1 110 110
Training Toilet Main Building Level 0 1 90 90
Firing Range Toilet Main Building Level 1 1 105 105
Firing Range Vending Area Main Building Level 1 124 1 164 164
MILO Use of Force Simulator Room Main Building Level 1 136 1 840 840
Driving Simulator (Defunct) Main Building Level 1 1 228 228
Driving Simulator Lobby Main Building Level 1 139 1 322 322
0
Training & Simulation Areas Sub-Total 37 9,536 12,344
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 12,344
Admin
Administrative Suite Main Building Level 1 122 1 1,575 1,575
Admin Toilet Main Building Level 1 B-22, B-24 2 100 200
Admin Vestibule Main Building Level 1 1 35 35
Office Main Building Level 1 119 1 190 190
Office Main Building Level 1 121 1 130 130
Storage Main Building Level 1 123 1 130 130
Admin Sub-Total 7 2,160 2,260
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 2,260
EXISTING
Room Name Building Level
Room #Quantity Area Subtotal
EXISTING
Education / Community Outreach
Conference Room (Multi Divided Classroom) Main Building Level 1 107 1 1,020 1,020
Conference Room Main Building Level 1 105 1 220 220
Sunroom Conference Main Building Level 1 1 285 285
Storage Main Building Level 1 1 228 228
Storage Main Building Level 1 1 132 132
Storage Main Building Level 1 115, 117 2 106 212
Large Conference/Assembly Room (Historic) Main Building Level 1 1 2,125 2,125
Building Entrance Main Building Level 1 1 430 430
Education Toilet Main Building Level 1 B-20 1 120 120
Classroom Main Building Level 1 137 1 486 486
0
Education Sub-Total 11 5,152 5,258
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 5,258
Kitchen / Dining
Kitchen Suite Main Building Level 1 1 1,230 1,230
Dining Room / Large Conference Room Main Building Level 1 1 1,960 1,960
0
0
Kitchen / Dining Sub-Total 2 3,190 3,190
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 3,190
Dormitory
Large Bunk Suite Main Building Level 2 218, 226 2 380 760
Small Bunk Rooms Main Building Level 2 203, 205, 207, 209,
211, 213, 215, 217
8 113 900
Medium Bunk Room Main Building Level 2 223, 229, 231, 233 4 150 600
Ensuite Bunk Room (Large) Main Building Level 2 202, 204, 206, 208,
210, 212, 228, 230,
232, 234
5 400 2,000
Ensuite Bunk Room (Small) Main Building Level 2 219, 221, 225, 227 4 150 600
Three-Bed Bunk Room Main Building Level 2 235 1 250 250
Dorm Toilet & Showers Main Building Level 2 B-30, B-32 2 156 312
Lounge Main Building Level 2 222 1 595 595
Exercise / Lounge Main Building Level 2 1 250 250
0
0
Dormitory Sub-Total 28 2,444 6,267
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 6,267
Building Services
Stair 1 Main Building All 3 175 525
Stair 2 Main Building All 3 180 540
Stair 3 Main Building All 3 200 530
Stair 4 Main Building All 3 162 486
Room Name Building Level
Room #Quantity Area Subtotal
EXISTING
Stair 5 Main Building Levels 0 & 1 2 328 656
Vault Storage Main Building Level 0 1 73 73
Elevator Main Building All 1 90 90
Elevator Main Building All 1 45 45
Storage (Salvaged Building Materials) Main Building Level 0 1 382 382
Laundry Main Building Level 0 G-23 1 620 620
Emergency Generator Main Building Level 0 1 215 215
Mechanical Main Building Level 0 1 950 950
Crawl Space / Storage Main Building Level 0 1 890 890
Storage Main Building Level 0 S-14 1 96 96
Storage Main Building Level 0 1 124 124
Mechanical Main Building Level 0 G-05 1 214 214
Laundry Main Building Level 0 1 110 110
Mechanical Main Building Level 0 1 235 235
Water Heater Main Building Level 0 1 56 56
Water Heater Main Building Level 0 1 34 34
Electrical Room / Storage Main Building Level 0 1 230 230
Custodial Main Building Level 0 G-14 1 170 170
Janitor's Closet Main Building Level 1 1 13 13
Storage Main Building Level 1 1 155 155
Outside Agency Storage Main Building Level 0 G-21 1 216 216
Outside Agency Storage Main Building Level 0 S-15 1 176 176
0
Building Services Sub-Total 35 6,139 7,831
Circulation, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
(Programmed Estimate: 35% of Net SF)
0
Department Total Gross Square Feet 7,831
Main Building Total 120 28,620 37,150
Corridor Total Main Building All 1 5,908 5,908
8,202
Total Gross Square Feet - Phase I 51,260
TBD Spaces, Interior & Exterior Walls, etc.
iv. SURVEY RESPONSES
SCAL E RTF Board
1 / 14
40.00%2
40.00%2
0.00%0
0.00%0
20.00%1
Q1 How would you rate your need for a dedicated training facility?
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 5
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
V er y High
High
Neither High
nor Low
Low
Ver y Low
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very High
High
Neither High nor Low
Low
Very Low
SCAL E RTF Board
2 / 14
Q2 Which of the following offered amenities have you used at the RTF?
Answered: 4 Sk ipped: 1
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Cl assr oom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obstacl e Course
Gun Cl eaning
Room
Bur n Props
SCAL E RTF Board
3 / 14
100.00%4
100.00%4
75.00%3
100.00%4
100.00%4
50.00%2
75.00%3
100.00%4
50.00%2
25.00%1
25.00%1
75.00%3
25.00%1
Total Respondents : 4
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Clas sroom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obs tacle Course
Gun Cleaning Room
Burn Props
SCAL E RTF Board
4 / 14
28 110 4
Q3 How far would you be willing to travel to visit a training facility?
Answered: 4 Sk ipped: 1
Total Respondents : 4
#DATE
1 50 8/30/2022 12:13 PM
2 15 8/24/2022 8:56 AM
3 20 8/23/2022 3:49 PM
4 25 8/23/2022 3:40 PM
0 10 20 30 40 5 0
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
SCAL E RTF Board
5 / 14
Q4 The following amenities are provided at the RTF. Please rate your
interest in the following amenities:
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 0
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
SCAL E RTF Board
8 / 14
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
60.00%
3
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
60.00%
3
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
20.00%
1
20.00%
1
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
20.00%
1
20.00%
1
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
40.00%
2
5
20.00%
1
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
40.00%
2
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
20.00%
1
40.00%
2
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
40.00%
2
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
60.00%
3
5
60.00%
3
0.00%
0
20.00%
1
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
5
40.00%
2
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
5
20.00%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
40.00%
2
40.00%
2
5
25.00%
1
0.00%
0
25.00%
1
0.00%
0
50.00%
2
4
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Not at a ll in…Not so inte…Somewha t i…Very intere…
Extremely i…
Bur n Props
NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED
NOT SO
INTERESTED
SOMEWHAT
INTERESTED
VERY
INTERESTED
EXTREMELY
INTERESTED
TOTAL
25-Yard
Range
200-Yard
Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario
Rooms
Clas srooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical
Tower
Library
Obs tacle
Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
SCAL E RTF Board
9 / 14
Q5 What are some examples of amenities at other training venues that are
ideal for your organization, and are now a must have in your opinion?
Answered: 2 Sk ipped: 3
#RESPONSES DATE
1 updated Milo ty pe tec hnology. driving course for in-servic e training (s low speed skills -
backing, parking - other areas that have high crash rates for employ ees )
8/24/2022 8:56 AM
2 snowplow training, salt use training, ropes c ours e, water rescue course, ac tive s hoot er 8/23/2022 3:49 PM
SCAL E RTF Board
10 / 14
Q6 In your opinion, how has training changed in the last 5-years, and
where do you see it changing in the next 5-years?
Answered: 2 Sk ipped: 3
#RESPONSES DATE
1 need for more shoot-don't s hoot, de escalation, sc enerio based 8/24/2022 8:56 AM
2 n/a 8/23/2022 3:49 PM
SCAL E RTF Board
11 / 14
50.00%2
50.00%2
Q7 Does your agency plan to provide its own space to accommodate
current and future training needs?
Answered: 4 Sk ipped: 1
TOTAL 4
#IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", WHAT FACTORS ARE GUIDING YOUR DECISION AND WHAT
TRAINING WILL YOU PROVIDE?
DATE
1 Dis tanc e and c onv enienc e. This fac ility has not liv ed up to what was promised. We do not get
the value out of it that we pay for.
8/24/2022 1:44 PM
2 time to the t raining s ite.8/23/2022 3:49 PM
3 If a new fac ility is build, inc orporating training amenities would be added. It allows for easier
access for training and hav ing it c lose may also allow on-duty offic ers to participate.
8/23/2022 3:40 PM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
SCAL E RTF Board
12 / 14
Q8 When considering a training facility, how would the following factors
influence your decision?
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 0
The val ue fo r
your money
Amenities
offered
Locat ion of
the facility
Reservation
availability...
SCAL E RTF Board
14 / 14
0.00%0
20.00%1
20.00%1
20.00%1
40.00%2
Q9 How interested are you in receiving more information about our training
facility?
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 5
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Ext r emel y
interested
Very inter ested
Somew hat
inter ested
Not so
interested
Not at al l
interested
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Extremely interes ted
Very interes ted
Somewhat interest ed
Not s o interes ted
Not at all int eres ted
SCALE RTF Partner Group
1 / 15
58.33%7
25.00%3
8.33%1
8.33%1
0.00%0
Q1 How would you rate your need for a dedicated training facility?
Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 1
TOTAL 12
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
V er y High
High
Neither High
nor Low
Low
Ver y Low
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very High
High
Neither High nor Low
Low
Very Low
SCALE RTF Partner Group
2 / 15
Q2 Which of the following offered amenities have you used at the RTF?
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Cl assr oom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obstacl e Course
Gun Cl eaning
Room
Bur n Props
SCALE RTF Partner Group
3 / 15
69.23%9
69.23%9
46.15%6
61.54%8
76.92%10
61.54%8
46.15%6
53.85%7
61.54%8
7.69%1
46.15%6
46.15%6
38.46%5
Total Respondents : 13
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Clas sroom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obs tacle Course
Gun Cleaning Room
Burn Props
SCALE RTF Partner Group
4 / 15
24 318 13
Q3 How far would you be willing to travel to visit a training facility?
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
Total Respondents : 13
#DATE
1 25 9/2/2022 1:10 PM
2 15 9/2/2022 8:51 AM
3 25 9/1/2022 3:14 PM
4 20 9/1/2022 1:01 PM
5 20 9/1/2022 12:50 PM
6 5 9/1/2022 12:17 PM
7 50 8/29/2022 11:51 AM
8 25 8/29/2022 8:28 AM
9 20 8/25/2022 8:26 AM
10 10 8/25/2022 8:01 AM
11 23 8/24/2022 11:07 PM
12 50 8/24/2022 2:44 PM
13 30 8/24/2022 9:26 AM
0 10 20 30 40 5 0
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
SCALE RTF Partner Group
5 / 15
Q4 The following amenities are provided at the RTF. Please rate your
interest in the following amenities:
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
25 -Yar d Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hal l
Gr eat Room
Scenario Rooms
Cl assrooms
Mat Ro om
MILO
Tactical To wer
Library
Obstacl e Course
Gun Cl eaning
Room
Bur n Props
25-Yard Range 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%LEGEND
100-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
Classrooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obstacle Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
SCALE RTF Partner Group
8 / 15
30.77%
4
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
7.69%
1
61.54%
8
13
30.77%
4
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
7.69%
1
61.54%
8
13
44.44%
4
0.00%
0
11.11%
1
22.22%
2
22.22%
2
9
25.00%
3
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
16.67%
2
50.00%
6
12
8.33%
1
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
25.00%
3
58.33%
7
12
7.69%
1
15.38%
2
0.00%
0
15.38%
2
61.54%
8
13
33.33%
4
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
8.33%
1
50.00%
6
12
38.46%
5
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
61.54%
8
13
12.50%
1
0.00%
0
25.00%
2
25.00%
2
37.50%
3
8
83.33%
5
0.00%
0
16.67%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
6
11.11%
1
0.00%
0
33.33%
3
22.22%
2
33.33%
3
9
44.44%
4
0.00%
0
11.11%
1
0.00%
0
44.44%
4
9
44.44%
4
11.11%
1
11.11%
1
11.11%
1
22.22%
2
9
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Not at a ll in…Not so inte…Somewha t i…Very intere…
Extremely i…
Bur n Props
NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED
NOT SO
INTERESTED
SOMEWHAT
INTERESTED
VERY
INTERESTED
EXTREMELY
INTERESTED
TOTAL
25-Yard
Range
200-Yard
Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario
Rooms
Clas srooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical
Tower
Library
Obs tacle
Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
30.77%
4
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
7.69%
1
61.54%
8
13
30.77%
4
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
7.69%
1
61.54%
8
13
44.44%
4
0.00%
0
11.11%
1
22.22%
2
22.22%
2
9
25.00%
3
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
16.67%
2
50.00%
6
12
8.33%
1
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
25.00%
3
58.33%
7
12
7.69%
1
15.38%
2
0.00%
0
15.38%
2
61.54%
8
13
33.33%
4
0.00%
0
8.33%
1
8.33%
1
50.00%
6
12
38.46%
5
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
61.54%
8
13
12.50%
1
0.00%
0
25.00%
2
25.00%
2
37.50%
3
8
83.33%
5
0.00%
0
16.67%
1
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
6
11.11%
1
0.00%
0
33.33%
3
22.22%
2
33.33%
3
9
44.44%
4
0.00%
0
11.11%
1
0.00%
0
44.44%
4
9
44.44%
4
11.11%
1
11.11%
1
11.11%
1
22.22%
2
9
NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED
NOT SO
INTERESTED
SOMEWHAT
INTERESTED
VERY
INTERESTED
EXTREMELY
INTERESTED
TOTAL
25-Yard
Range
200-Yard
Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario
Rooms
Clas srooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical
Tower
Library
Obs tacle
Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
SCALE RTF Partner Group
9 / 15
Q5 What are some examples of amenities at other training venues that are
ideal for your organization, and are now a must have in your opinion?
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Re-configurable s hoot hous e or simunition room. indoor area t o drive in for traf fic s top
scenario's, DWI prac tice/training. Range with moving targets that are easier to s et up.
9/2/2022 1:10 PM
2 The SCALE facility is not adequat e for future real law enf orc ement training. An old building
without any modern training area, equipment, etc....
9/2/2022 8:51 AM
3 Milo, Classrooms , lunc h room.9/1/2022 3:14 PM
4 Showers /Loc k ers f or t hose who want to do personal hy giene after training.9/1/2022 1:01 PM
5 Both ranges , matt room, c lass rooms 9/1/2022 12:50 PM
6 Mus t have both firearm ranges . We're lucky to hav e both.9/1/2022 12:17 PM
7 Driv ing Course for Pursuit Refresher Improv ed MI LO Sy s tems 8/29/2022 11:51 AM
8 There are a number of other ranges in the metro area. The cos t to belong to SCALE is high
and I could s av e a lot of money for our c ity by s hooting els ewhere.
8/29/2022 8:28 AM
9 Class A burn building/Area. The "containers " in place now for clas s A are non-functional.8/25/2022 8:26 AM
10 Up-to-date clas s room fac ilit ies t hat support today s and future t echnology needs. A facility t hat
is clean and has a des ign that is welcoming creat es an env ironment our staff wants to occupy.
A fac ility that is accessible within a reas onable trav eling distance. Due to t he fac ility 's c urrent
loc ation, staff time is s quandered in trav el time, reducing time to t rain. The distance als o adds
cost to the use of apparatus . Gas and maintenanc e c os ts continue to increase, plac ing
department leadership in a difficult position with s hrinking budgets .
8/25/2022 8:01 AM
11 1. Ability to burn c lass A in t he training tower. 2. I mprov ed in s ize and scope and eliminate
holes in ex isting class A. 3. Expanded obs tac le courses with elev ation change and a longer
run. 4. Clip-ins for rappelling
8/24/2022 11:07 PM
12 Updated MILO 8/24/2022 2:44 PM
13 Roof, alarm, s prinkler and forcible entry door props.8/24/2022 9:26 AM
SCALE RTF Partner Group
10 / 15
Q6 In your opinion, how has training changed in the last 5-years, and
where do you see it changing in the next 5-years?
Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 1
#RESPONSES DATE
1 more immers ive training. Virtual training. Live actor scenario t raining.9/2/2022 1:10 PM
2 Has not c hanged and don't s ee it c hanging 9/2/2022 8:51 AM
3 We need far more c las s room training courses than we ev er have before. We need indoor space
to practice high ris k s tops, mobile field force mov ement, Pepper ball, Tas er. This building is
old, uninv iting, inconv enient (locat ion) and inefficient (1920s windows ...). With that said, it is
many times better than the little we had in the 1990s .
9/1/2022 3:14 PM
4 Seems like more online and clas s room group mandated t raining.9/1/2022 1:01 PM
5 More mandat es and that is not going to stop or slow. Higher expectation for the quality of
training and the hours of training.
9/1/2022 12:50 PM
6 Defensiv e tactic s has changed- moving toward a jiu-jitsu based system. An updated MILO
syst em would be nic e too as we fac e ammunition s hortages. We did a training that was all
MILO s ince rounds were hard t o c ome by.
9/1/2022 12:17 PM
7 Classroom and Sc enario ty pe c ourses hav e increased dramatic ally due to new POST
mandated trainings. SWAT and Mobile Field Forc e trainings have also evolved into a
department wide model. Training is required monthly for SWAT. Yearly f or Mobile Field Force.
Large Scale trainings will be needed (possibly required) moving forward.
8/29/2022 11:51 AM
8 MILO c an go. Virtual reality training will be key to ex plore mov ing forward. There are bet ter
fac ilities in t he metro s o I don't think hos ting trainings at SCALE is going to happen enough to
cover or div e down c osts .
8/29/2022 8:28 AM
9 We rely heav ily on SCALE for liv e fire training - propane AND class A. I do not see that
changing in the immediate future, unles s the conditions at SCALE c ontinue to deteriorat e as
they hav e been.
8/25/2022 8:26 AM
10 Ov er the last fiv e years, training delivery has transitioned to more virtual training. The change
is driven in respons e to the pandemic, time const raint s of staff, and t he increased training
requirements to meet indus try s tandards and state and federal mandates. In the nex t five
years, I s ee public safety’s responsibility increasing and the training requirements increasing.
The heavy reliance on v irtual training will reveal s hortf alls bec ause of the lack of practic al
hands-on training driving the need f or additional training opportunities.
8/25/2022 8:01 AM
11 Due to dec reas ed frequency of ac tual fires , the need for more true "live f ire" training c ontinues
to increas e. Perishable s k ills deteriorate otherwis e.
8/24/2022 11:07 PM
12 More intens e training for polic e in U of F and Firearms and mental health and seeing those
cont inuing in the nex t 5 y ears
8/24/2022 2:44 PM
SCALE RTF Partner Group
11 / 15
36.36%4
63.64%7
Q7 Does your agency plan to provide its own space to accommodate
current and future training needs?
Answered: 11 Sk ipped: 2
TOTAL 11
#IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", WHAT FACTORS ARE GUIDING YOUR DECISION AND WHAT
TRAINING WILL YOU PROVIDE?
DATE
1 If not SCALE, we will have to adapt to other training v enues.9/1/2022 1:01 PM
2 Improved IT s ervices for clas s room sty le trainings . In House trainings for Us e of Forc e and
ground tactic s (Mat Room).
8/29/2022 11:51 AM
3 We hav e a good training room and us e it when we can.8/29/2022 8:28 AM
4 We provide training space at our fire s tat ions f or classroom instruction and core fire
department c ognitiv e and limited practical training.
8/25/2022 8:01 AM
5 Cos t 8/24/2022 9:26 AM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
SCALE RTF Partner Group
12 / 15
Q8 When considering a training facility, how would the following factors
influence your decision?
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
The val ue fo r
your money
Amenities
offered
Locat ion of
the facility
Reservation
availability...
The val ue for
your money
Amenities
offered
Locat ion of
the facil it y
Reservation
availability...
St affing levels
Size of
facility
0.00%
0
15.38%
2
7.69%
1
30.77%
4
46.15%
6
13
4.08
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
15.38%
2
84.62%
11
13
4.85
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
23.08%
3
38.46%
5
38.46%
5
13
4.15
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
23.08%
3
30.77%
4
46.15%
6
13
4.23
0.00%
0
23.08%
3
46.15%
6
30.77%
4
0.00%
0
13
3.08
0.00%
0
23.08%
3
30.77%
4
30.77%
4
15.38%
2
13
3.38
NOT AT ALL
ESSENTIAL
NOT SO
ESSENTIAL
SOMEWHAT
ESSENTIAL
VERY
ESSENTIAL
EXTREMELY
ESSENTIAL
TOTAL WEI GHTED
AVERAGE
The value for your
money
Amenities off ered
Location of the
fac ility
Reservat ion
availability/Process
Staffing levels
Siz e of fac ility
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECI FY)DATE
1 The training atmosphere is important t o the learning environment. We need a range with good
ventilat ion and clas srooms t hat are consis tent with college and high s c hool classrooms , as
well as heated gymnasium spac e. We s hould be planning to move the SCALE fac ilit y to
Shakopee, Prior Lak e, Sav age to at tract more metro officers. The SCALE fac ility as it is today
is insuf ficient for the population it is serving. We need more space like a gy mnas ium,
additional c lassroom s pace, modern bathrooms and purpose built room c learing spac es . The
f acilities in Edina, Maple Grov e, St. Paul, Dakota County, Madis on WI, are the types of
f acilities that law enforc ement is ex pec ting in the met ro area. If you don't provide it, offic ers
f rom outs ide Sc ott County will not s ubmit training reques ts t o go to the t raining y ou adv ertis e.
Offic ers have ot her options. At the very leas t, we need a new building at the current loc ation.
9/1/2022 3:14 PM
2 I f spending the money on a new or refurbished fac ility, the IT systems need to be updat ed and
user friendly. Clas s rooms should have s everal monitors for viewing (s imilar to the BCA training
rooms ).
8/29/2022 11:51 AM
The value for
your money 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%LEGEND
Amenities
offered
Location of
facility
Reservation
availability
Staffing levels
Size of facility
SCALE RTF Partner Group
15 / 15
46.15%6
23.08%3
15.38%2
0.00%0
15.38%2
Q9 How interested are you in receiving more information about our training
facility?
Answered: 13 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 13
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Ext r emel y
interested
Very inter ested
Somew hat
inter ested
Not so
interested
Not at al l
interested
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Extremely interes ted
Very interes ted
Somewhat interest ed
Not s o interes ted
Not at all int eres ted
SCAL E RTF Customers
1 / 16
65.52%19
24.14%7
10.34%3
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q1 How would you rate your need for a dedicated training facility?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 29
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
V er y High
High
Neither High
nor Low
Low
Ver y Low
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very High
High
Neither High nor Low
Low
Very Low
SCAL E RTF Customers
2 / 16
Q2 Which of the following offered amenities have you used at the RTF?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Cl assr oom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obstacl e Course
Gun Cl eaning
Room
Bur n Props
SCAL E RTF Customers
3 / 16
75.86%22
65.52%19
58.62%17
58.62%17
62.07%18
41.38%12
44.83%13
31.03%9
27.59%8
17.24%5
27.59%8
48.28%14
13.79%4
Total Respondents : 29
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
South Clas sroom
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obs tacle Course
Gun Cleaning Room
Burn Props
SCAL E RTF Customers
4 / 16
43 1,254 29
Q3 How far would you be willing to travel to visit a training facility?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
Total Respondents : 29
#DATE
1 30 9/2/2022 12:36 PM
2 30 9/1/2022 2:26 PM
3 15 9/1/2022 12:58 PM
4 50 9/1/2022 11:36 AM
5 15 9/1/2022 11:06 AM
6 15 9/1/2022 10:34 AM
7 50 9/1/2022 10:22 AM
8 25 9/1/2022 10:12 AM
9 100 8/30/2022 7:55 PM
10 40 8/30/2022 10:16 AM
11 50 8/29/2022 7:57 AM
12 48 8/25/2022 9:58 AM
13 51 8/24/2022 6:30 PM
14 24 8/24/2022 5:53 PM
15 25 8/24/2022 1:42 PM
16 97 8/24/2022 11:03 AM
17 49 8/24/2022 10:53 AM
18 25 8/24/2022 10:44 AM
19 60 8/24/2022 7:39 AM
20 50 8/24/2022 7:27 AM
0 10 20 30 40 5 0
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
SCAL E RTF Customers
5 / 16
21 51 8/23/2022 7:51 PM
22 40 8/23/2022 5:42 PM
23 50 8/23/2022 5:05 PM
24 32 8/23/2022 4:44 PM
25 30 8/23/2022 4:29 PM
26 52 8/23/2022 3:58 PM
27 15 8/23/2022 3:57 PM
28 75 8/23/2022 3:25 PM
29 60 8/23/2022 3:22 PM
SCAL E RTF Customers
6 / 16
Q4 The following amenities are provided at the RTF. Please rate your
interest in the following amenities:
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
25-Yard Range
200-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
25-Yard Range
200-Yar d Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
Cl assrooms
Mat Roo m
MILO
Tact ical Tow er
Libr ar y
Obstacle Cour se
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Pr ops
25-Yard Range 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%LEGEND
100-Yard Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario Rooms
Classrooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical Tower
Library
Obstacle Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
SCAL E RTF Customers
9 / 16
11.11%
3
0.00%
0
11.11%
3
18.52%
5
59.26%
16
27
11.11%
3
0.00%
0
18.52%
5
22.22%
6
48.15%
13
27
11.54%
3
19.23%
5
23.08%
6
7.69%
2
38.46%
10
26
12.00%
3
12.00%
3
28.00%
7
16.00%
4
32.00%
8
25
3.70%
1
0.00%
0
18.52%
5
14.81%
4
62.96%
17
27
3.70%
1
11.11%
3
18.52%
5
22.22%
6
44.44%
12
27
12.00%
3
8.00%
2
16.00%
4
32.00%
8
32.00%
8
25
16.67%
4
0.00%
0
25.00%
6
25.00%
6
33.33%
8
24
19.05%
4
0.00%
0
28.57%
6
19.05%
4
33.33%
7
21
38.10%
8
28.57%
6
14.29%
3
4.76%
1
14.29%
3
21
14.29%
3
14.29%
3
19.05%
4
33.33%
7
19.05%
4
21
26.09%
6
0.00%
0
4.35%
1
30.43%
7
39.13%
9
23
45.00%
9
5.00%
1
15.00%
3
15.00%
3
20.00%
4
20
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Not at a ll in…Not so inte…Somewha t i…Very intere…
Extremely i…
Bur n Props
NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED
NOT SO
INTERESTED
SOMEWHAT
INTERESTED
VERY
INTERESTED
EXTREMELY
INTERESTED
TOTAL
25-Yard
Range
200-Yard
Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario
Rooms
Clas srooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical
Tower
Library
Obs tacle
Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
11.11%
3
0.00%
0
11.11%
3
18.52%
5
59.26%
16
27
11.11%
3
0.00%
0
18.52%
5
22.22%
6
48.15%
13
27
11.54%
3
19.23%
5
23.08%
6
7.69%
2
38.46%
10
26
12.00%
3
12.00%
3
28.00%
7
16.00%
4
32.00%
8
25
3.70%
1
0.00%
0
18.52%
5
14.81%
4
62.96%
17
27
3.70%
1
11.11%
3
18.52%
5
22.22%
6
44.44%
12
27
12.00%
3
8.00%
2
16.00%
4
32.00%
8
32.00%
8
25
16.67%
4
0.00%
0
25.00%
6
25.00%
6
33.33%
8
24
19.05%
4
0.00%
0
28.57%
6
19.05%
4
33.33%
7
21
38.10%
8
28.57%
6
14.29%
3
4.76%
1
14.29%
3
21
14.29%
3
14.29%
3
19.05%
4
33.33%
7
19.05%
4
21
26.09%
6
0.00%
0
4.35%
1
30.43%
7
39.13%
9
23
45.00%
9
5.00%
1
15.00%
3
15.00%
3
20.00%
4
20
NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED
NOT SO
INTERESTED
SOMEWHAT
INTERESTED
VERY
INTERESTED
EXTREMELY
INTERESTED
TOTAL
25-Yard
Range
200-Yard
Range
Dining Hall
Great Room
Scenario
Rooms
Clas srooms
Mat Room
MILO
Tactical
Tower
Library
Obs tacle
Course
Gun Cleaning
Room
Burn Props
SCAL E RTF Customers
10 / 16
Q5 What are some examples of amenities at other training venues that are
ideal for your organization, and are now a must have in your opinion?
Answered: 21 Sk ipped: 8
#RESPONSES DATE
1 N/A, we'v e been us ing the RTF exclus ively for 15 y ears .9/2/2022 12:36 PM
2 2 s tory c las s a burn rooms with fdc. Driv ing course for evoc training.9/1/2022 11:06 AM
3 The dorm rooms allows outs ide agenc ies to st ay at the facility and not hav e to find hotels.
Als o c uts down on cos ts for agenc ies. Its a conv enienc e that is ov er looked.
9/1/2022 10:34 AM
4 For the 25 Yard Range... Having the ability t o mak e t he entire range dark for low light s hooting
training. The current c overs do not allow low light situations .
9/1/2022 10:22 AM
5 Open range. Ability to run drills on the range.8/30/2022 7:55 PM
6 Ability to do low light/no light s hooting/scenarios .8/30/2022 10:16 AM
7 Scales offers the right amount of options 8/29/2022 7:57 AM
8 K9 Search Midwest is an all-volunteer search and res c ue unit. We as sis t law enforcement in
searches for missing persons , alive and dead. Our dogs are nationally certif ied in live-find and
cadaver s earc h and building search. SCALE is ideal for searc h training and we very much
appreciate using it sev eral times a year.
8/25/2022 9:58 AM
9 Some form of online scheduling. Better ventilation on ranges.8/24/2022 6:30 PM
10 Liv e fire s hoot hous e, ability to s hoot f rom elev ation or ot her angles 8/24/2022 5:53 PM
11 Area for outdoor and indoor scenarios 8/24/2022 1:42 PM
12 The dining hall and k it chen and bunk accommodations are a must for group training. Builds
team
8/24/2022 11:03 AM
13 Flex ibility is key in our room set-ups 8/24/2022 10:53 AM
14 Nothing c omes t o mind. SCALE is great. It 's not fancy or pret ty, but it has every thing you
need, es pecially a ton of scenario t raining s pac e. I would probably take SCALE as -is ov er t he
new Hero Center facility in Cottage Grov e.
8/24/2022 10:44 AM
15 Mat rooms , Class room, dining hall. Aces t o tower slab and Connex box for les s then lethal
rifles and gas exposer.
8/24/2022 7:39 AM
16 Quality A/V equipment. Virt ual reality 8/24/2022 7:27 AM
17 Solid working A/V equipment Spac ious clas s rooms 8/23/2022 7:51 PM
18 nothing 8/23/2022 4:44 PM
19 Spec ific driving area for traffic stops/v ehicle block s and more outdoor buildings to do s c enarios 8/23/2022 4:29 PM
20 Shoot house 8/23/2022 3:58 PM
21 Media set up - projector, internet, wifi, Mic roSoft Of fice, s peak ers 8/23/2022 3:25 PM
SCAL E RTF Customers
11 / 16
Q6 In your opinion, how has training changed in the last 5-years, and
where do you see it changing in the next 5-years?
Answered: 19 Sk ipped: 10
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Scenario bas ed training has tak en ov er completely. Milo s y s tems will be replac ed by v irtual
reality tec hnology that is far superior.
9/2/2022 12:36 PM
2 Virtual is bec oming more and more prevalent - I'm concerned that is not good.9/1/2022 11:36 AM
3 More hours and more subjec ts t hat we c ov er. More tec h rescue or water res cue training.9/1/2022 11:06 AM
4 It has become more hands on and int erac tive. The training will only c ontinue to be interact ive
and the more s pac e av ailable t o do s c enarios is what agencies are looking for.
9/1/2022 10:34 AM
5 Training has become more tec hnical with the knowledge portion. People need to not only
understand the "how"... but als o the "why ". It also needs to be applied in a variety of ways.
Practical applic ation with hands on training is the utmos t importance. Having t he ability to
simulate as clos e to real training as possible is crucial. Having a t raining facility that can keep
up with the ev er changing tec hnology (optics, flashlights, weapon lights , scenario training gear,
etc ....) is c ruc ial to the appeal of agenc ies and civ ilians for a pos itiv e training ex perience. Too
often trainers and agencies get s tuc k wit h 1 way of training and do not adapt over time.
9/1/2022 10:22 AM
6 More practical training for ev ery day.8/30/2022 7:55 PM
7 It has become more necessary from a liability limiting standpoint. I only s ee this need
inc reas ing.
8/30/2022 10:16 AM
8 SWAT teams ex ecute warrants differently due to c hanged legislation. Be good to build training
sites around this
8/29/2022 7:57 AM
9 Our training has stayed the same for the most part. Dog training is a weekly ev ent f or our unit.8/25/2022 9:58 AM
10 Our agency has trained less due to c ov id. Now training s horter day s due to an internal
decis ion.
8/24/2022 6:30 PM
11 Scenario bas ed training and shoot /no shoot training is imperativ e. The ability t o train in and
around v ehic les is a mus t have
8/24/2022 11:03 AM
12 Use of force will continue to shift and we need to stay on top of these developments .8/24/2022 10:53 AM
13 More emphasis on less then lethal in Law enforcement. More DT training.8/24/2022 7:39 AM
14 Training always c hanges and the facility jus t needs to be flex ible. Sc enario based training will
cont inue t o be needed.
8/24/2022 7:27 AM
15 I believ e t hat the need for a flex ible 25 y ard range is cruc ially neces s ary due to the consis tent
res ponse from s tudents- “the world is getting more uns afe and I need to be able to shoot/train
in a dynamic /realistic environment, not just a s tat ic shooting lane.
8/23/2022 7:51 PM
16 More scenario bas ed training whic h increases the need for a variety of realistic areas to
prov ide this training
8/23/2022 5:42 PM
17 More mental heath awareness 8/23/2022 4:44 PM
18 We are already seeing more POST mandates with more classroom type 8/23/2022 4:29 PM
19 Our cours es foc us on t he needs of civ ilians who are new to c onc ealed c arry. We mak e us e of
the MILO for scenario-bas ed training, and we plan to expand our use of t he 25-y ard range for
the same.
8/23/2022 3:25 PM
SCAL E RTF Customers
12 / 16
20.69%6
79.31%23
Q7 Does your agency plan to provide its own space to accommodate
current and future training needs?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 29
#IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", WHAT FACTORS ARE GUIDING YOUR DECISION AND WHAT
TRAINING WILL YOU PROVIDE?
DATE
1 On duty training for our s taf f.9/1/2022 11:06 AM
2 Don’t hav e t o drive and c an train all y ear 9/1/2022 10:12 AM
3 good training loc ations with lots of options 8/29/2022 7:57 AM
4 We hav e training c enter in our County. It does n't overnight dorms .8/24/2022 7:39 AM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
SCAL E RTF Customers
13 / 16
Q8 When considering a training facility, how would the following factors
influence your decision?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
The val ue fo r
your money
Amenities
offered
Locat ion of
the facility
Reservation
availability...
The value for
your money
Amenities
offered
Location of
the facility
Reservation
avail abil ity...
Staffing levels
Size of
facil it y
The value for
your money 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%LEGEND
Amenities
offered
Location of
facility
Reservation
availability
Staffing levels
Size of facility
3.45%
1
0.00%
0
3.45%
1
55.17%
16
37.93%
11
29
4.24
0.00%
0
3.45%
1
3.45%
1
41.38%
12
51.72%
15
29
4.41
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
24.14%
7
44.83%
13
31.03%
9
29
4.07
0.00%
0
3.57%
1
10.71%
3
50.00%
14
35.71%
10
28
4.18
10.71%
3
28.57%
8
35.71%
10
21.43%
6
3.57%
1
28
2.79
3.57%
1
10.71%
3
39.29%
11
25.00%
7
21.43%
6
28
3.50
NOT AT ALL
ESSENTIAL
NOT SO
ESSENTIAL
SOMEWHAT
ESSENTIAL
VERY
ESSENTIAL
EXTREMELY
ESSENTIAL
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
The value for y our
money
Amenities offered
Location of the
fac ilit y
Res ervation
availability /Proces s
Staffing levels
Size of facility
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 We hav e often asked for access to SCALE at the last minute when bad weather threatens to
cancel our out door training.
8/25/2022 9:58 AM
SCAL E RTF Customers
16 / 16
41.38%12
27.59%8
17.24%5
10.34%3
3.45%1
Q9 How interested are you in receiving more information about our training
facility?
Answered: 29 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 29
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00%
Ext r emel y
interested
Very inter ested
Somew hat
inter ested
Not so
interested
Not at al l
interested
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Extremely interes ted
Very interes ted
Somewhat interest ed
Not s o interes ted
Not at all int eres ted
v. 2023-2027 Approved Budget - Capital Improvement
Program
Category Project ID Project Name ARPA
Dedicated
Funds Department Levy Grand Total
Building
2023 1,085,000$ -$ 1,259,300$ 1,355,364$ 3,699,664$
Enhancement VFLEC11010 Dispatch Expansion - - - 90,000 90,000
Enhancement VFJAIL120003 Jail Safety Railings - 2022/2023 - - - 229,300 229,300
New Capability WBJAF JAF Indoor Recreational Space - - - 79,064 79,064
New Capability BIP2021-50 Supportive Housing Investment - - 1,152,300 - 1,152,300
Preservation PWGEN10523A Belle Plaine Salt Shed Roof Replacement - - - 52,000 52,000
Preservation VFLEC11009 LEC Plumbing - - - 810,000 810,000
Preservation VFHWY17008 PW Sanitary Sewer Pump(s) Replacement - - - 21,000 21,000
Preservation SHTOWER2201 /
SHTOWER2202 Radio Tower Replacements 1,085,000 - - - 1,085,000
Preservation RTF0301 RTF - Range Mancom Replacement - - 49,000 - 49,000
Preservation RTF0201 RTF Carpet - 2023 - - 58,000 - 58,000
Preservation FLGEN03 Shop Vehicle Hoists - - - 74,000 74,000
2024 -$ -$ 85,000$ 145,000$ 230,000$
Enhancement BIP2024-15 Library Space Planning - - - 50,000 50,000
Preservation BIP2024-10 Fire Alarm Upgrade - - - 95,000 95,000
Preservation BIP2024-30 RTF - Boiler Room Roof Replacement - - 50,000 - 50,000
Preservation BIP2024-25 RTF Carpet - 2024 - - 35,000 - 35,000
2025 -$ -$ 35,000$ 1,460,000$ 1,495,000$
Enhancement BIP2024-20 Jail Safety Railings - 2025 - - - 1,200,000 1,200,000
Preservation BIP2025-06 HHW Sanitary Sewer Pump(s) Replacement - - - 25,000 25,000
Preservation BIP2025-02 LEC Mechanical Shaft Air Intake Cap (Dog House)- - - 150,000 150,000
Preservation BIP2025-03 LEC Walk-In Cooler/Freezer Condenser Replacement - - - 60,000 60,000
Preservation BIP2025-05 RTF Carpet - 2025 - - 35,000 - 35,000
Preservation VFHWY17009 Water Softener Replacement - Central Shop - - - 25,000 25,000
2026 -$ -$ 96,000$ -$ 96,000$
Preservation BIP2026-01 RTF - Smoke & Fire Detection System - - 30,000 - 30,000
Preservation BIP2026-06 RTF Carpet - 2026 - - 35,000 - 35,000
Preservation BIP2026-02 RTF Smoke & Fire Annunciation - - 31,000 - 31,000
2027 -$ -$ 53,000$ 947,000$ 1,000,000$
Preservation BIP2026-03 LEC Roof Replacement - - - 947,000 947,000
Preservation BIP2027-04 RTF - Fire Tower Burn Room Upgrades - - 29,000 - 29,000
Preservation BIP2027-03 RTF - Fire Tower Hydrant System Upgrade - - 24,000 - 24,000
Grand Total 1,085,000$ -$ 1,528,300$ 3,907,364$ 6,520,664$
Scott County, Minnesota
Capital Improvement Program
2023 - 2027
Building Projects and Funding Sources