CC Minutes - 10/18/06 Workshop - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ms. Bettman favored the half-block designs because of the density and the implications for sustainability. She bemoaned the fact that fire administration could not be included in a central city hall. In terms of the patrol issue, she wished to point out that three ballot measures for a separate police station had failed. Ms. Bettman felt the public entrance should be the central focal point of the structure. She thought the Council Chamber should be visible and accessible. Additionally, she believed that all of the floors could be designed to be accessible. Mr. Hacker stated that the Half Block B had the public entrance as the focal point, possibly with escalators. Mayor Piercy was amenable to a police presence in the City Hall. She was not opposed to placing the patrol arm of the EPD elsewhere, but acknowledged that this would make two buildings instead of one. She noted that the City’s desire to build a green building might preclude being able to afford to build two structures. She also did not have a preference of one site over the other. She did like having the Council Chamber “up.” She said she would like a cultural space. She hoped there could be a conversation about using space in that way. Mr. Kelly asked that costs for a potential second building for police patrol be included in cost estimates. Mr. Kelly agreed that the public entrance should be a focal point, but thought the Council Chamber should be made architecturally distinctive. He suggested the team bring back a design “not unlike” the Half Block B with the police patrol on the second floor. Ms. Taylor wanted the Council Chamber to be central and inviting. She felt that people who wanted to speak were intimidated by the idea, so it should be easy to find. She did not believe that planning for expansion worked. She also was not certain that there was a need to expand because she thought “more and more people were working at home.” Ms. Ortiz also liked the design that featured an elevated Council Chamber. Mr. Papé indicated his preference for the half-block design utilizing the Butterfly Lot. He said it just felt right for the community. He agreed that the Council Chamber should be architecturally distinctive. He observed that the current Council Chamber was the least-used space in the City. He noted that he had recently visited Boise, Idaho and the council chamber there included sound walls that could be pulled in front of the dais so that it could be utilized for other functions. Councilor Solomon preferred the Whole Block 3 C/D design, but said she could be persuaded to keep the patrol arm of the EPD “in the mix.” She liked how the Council Chamber had been treated in that design. Ms. Teninty summarized the input from the council. Mr. Penwell commented that one of the most difficult costs to capture for the half-block site would be the purchase price. Mr. Papé suggested getting the property appraised. Mr. Kelly remarked that it might be reasonable to replace the parking elsewhere for the County. MINUTES—City Council October 18, 2006 Page 5 Workshop