Public Utilities staff presented options for the aging water storage tank at the IMAG (Imaginarium) site, which the presentation said was built in 1936, holds about 200,000 gallons and has been isolated from the water distribution system since 2020.

Assistant Director Jason Chandra and staff summarized a 2020 engineering study (Black & Veatch) that concluded the tank does not meet current building standards and would require substantial structural strengthening to remain a functional or preserved historic structure. The study estimated full restoration at roughly $8 million; demolition costs were estimated at about $1.25 million. Staff also noted the city has recently added other storage (Tree Line and Winkler tanks) that supply capacity and fire flow needs, reducing the tank's operational necessity.

Staff said demolition funding is available in the fiscal 2026 budget and recommended engaging the Imaginarium (IMAG) on the future of the structure if council wanted to preserve the landmark. Council members expressed concern over structural risk, lead paint and maintenance costs and suggested discussing replacement signage or art if the tank is removed. Staff noted that if the tower were retained, maintenance responsibility and funding would likely shift from Utilities to Facilities or a cultural/parks budget if the tank became primarily a historic/branding structure.

No formal action was recorded; staff said they would engage IMAG and report back with recommendations.