Valley council gets input on new city hall project

There were surprisingly few public comments on the initial design plans for the new city hall at the Spokane Valley city council meeting Tuesday evening.

The presentation of the plans followed by a public input session was the only thing on the agenda.

Community Development Director John Hohman reminded the council about the significance of the project.

“This is a legacy project for staff and the community,” Hohman said. “It should establish a sense of space and provide a spark for the East Sprague corridor.”

Project manager Steve Roth then explained the process behind the design, including the public input part of the project which included a meeting in May, followed by sorting through piles of comments.

Roth said architectural staff spent a lot of time with city staff and council members getting their input on the size and functions of the building.

“We spent quite a bit of time deciding how large the building should be,” Roth said.

One thing that has yet to be decided is whether the building will get a full basement at 17,000 square feet, or stick with the necessary 3,000 square foot basement.

“I hope the council stays very involved in this process and looks at all the options we have,” said Mayor Dean Grafos.

Chuck Simpson wanted to know more about the cost difference between the first design option, and the second one that was selected. He was also concerned that the trees – newly planted and existing – would obscure the view of the building.

“We need a full basement – there’s no question about that,” Simpson said.

Nina Fluegal was concerned that the flat roof over the main entrance wouldn’t hold up under a heavy snowfall.

“Are there solar panels on the roof?” Fluegal asked. “You’d think with the southern exposure we could harness a lot of solar energy.” The city wants an energy efficient building but is not aiming for LEED certification, the federal standard for green buildings.

Susan Scott asked what happened to the river rock.

“The round smooth rock that was used for foundation on our historic homes, not the boulders,” Scott said. “There’s nothing more appropriate than the use of river rock somewhere in city hall.”

The current plan has the mayor and council offices on the third floor. Heather Graham said that wasn’t sending the most welcoming message to visitors.

“Having them on the first floor sends a more welcoming message,” Graham said, adding that she liked the design of the building.

The council briefly discussed the location of its offices. Council member Ed Pace said he meets with lots of residents, but rarely at city hall, and council member Chuck Hafner said as a part time council member he doesn’t need a full-time office.

Council member Arne Woodard suggested the creation of some flexible workspaces on the first floor, near the reception area.

“There are so many details we have not worked out yet,” Woodard said.

The council voted unanimously to pursue this design option.

Hohman said the next steps include getting the city council’s continued input and taking care of countless details, including locating a flag pole.

“We have citizens that are willing to donate flags to fly over our city hall,” Hohman said.

City staff wants to put the $14.4 million project out for bid early next year, so construction can begin in early April.