Monrovia Weighs New vs. Expanded Police Station

After the release of a report declaring space in the police station inadequate, the City Council on Tuesday appointed a subcommittee to evaluate whether it should construct a three-story addition or build a new station.

Mayor Pro Tem Mary Wilcox and Councilman John Nobrega have been designated to recommend residents for a task force that will evaluate alternatives and suggest a method to finance the project, estimated at $7 million.

Since the police force moved into the two-story station on Lime Avenue next to City Hall in 1961, the facility has been remodeled three times. And the staff of 77 still needs more than double the space available, according to a report by consultants Wendell Mounce & Associates.

“We’ve got desks and files all over the place,” said Police Chief William Tubbs. “It’s not untenable but we’ve really got a tight squeeze.”

The lobby has been reduced to a third of its original size, and the station has had to contract out more forensic work to the sheriff’s office because the Monrovia lab was converted to an office for a narcotics task force.

Cabinets for record storage have overflowed into the hallways. “You almost have to walk down the halls sideways,” said Tubbs, who has been with the force for more than 30 years. “We’re bursting at the seams.”

City Manager Jim Starbird said the city probably would have to go to the voters for help in financing the construction. He recommended creation of the residents committee to ensure public acceptance of the decision to expand.

The consultants’ report says that the police headquarters needs 28,600 square feet to operate comfortably through the year 2010. The station now has 12,800 square feet.

The report said land acquisition and construction costs would come to between $7 million and $8 million. Rehabilitation to add on three stories, including rent during construction and moving costs, would cost at least $7.1 million, it said.

Public Works Director Robert Sandwick told the council it would be more disruptive to renovate because police would have to make two moves. Also, expansion of the police station would rule out future expansion of City Hall, he said.