Muscatine City Council discusses additional height on sports complex
The Muscatine City Council on Thursday upheld its previous decision to increase the height of the new indoor sports complex, though it also learned about a potential snag in the project.
During its regular meeting, the council discussed issues with constructing the complex higher than originally planned. On Sept. 5, the council had approved the change in the original plan to increase the height of the structure to 119.5 feet to accommodate indoor volleyball.
Since approving the increase in height, the city has learned this may require the installation of additional fire suppression equipment.
Council member Matt Conard asked if the additional height would cause an additional concern, such as fire safety. Acting city administrator Tony Kies explained city code could cause some issues because the original contract drawing changed. He said there are some fire suppression concerns that are being looked at to the point sprinkler systems may have to be added.
"We can't move forward with any of that if council doesn't allow us to build that up to 120' at this time," Kies said.
Council member Don Lampe commented that the sides of the complex are non-flammable and the turf is non-flammable.
"I can't imagine us being required to put sprinklers in this," he said.
Parks and rec director Rich Kleims said the project is underway and, as with most projects, there is discovery being made as it moves along. He said it has been discovered additional fire suppression is needed and discussions are taking place.
"The dome provider, the engineer, and the city staff are having conversations now," he said. "We want to approve up to that height so we can continue to have those conversations."
He said if it is determined the cost for the new fire suppression equipment is not feasible, the plan would return to the base bid, in which the walls were 80 to 90 feet tall.
Kleims said more information will be coming at future council meetings as more discoveries are made.
Kies said one of the problems is the Muscatine Fire Department does not have an aerial truck tall enough to fight the fire from the outside. He also said there are several other cities that have domes in which fire suppression is not a problem.
'"Our concern is the citizens on the inside of this," he said. "The square footage doesn't change, the exits don't change. The only thing that changes is the way up. Once we get the plans back we can have some answers to give to you. "
The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has set a groundbreaking ceremony for the complex on Oct. 10 at 1 p.m.
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