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Issaquah task force flags police facility as urgent after tour; staff to produce renovation options
Summary
Members of the Issaquah Public Safety and Civic Facility Task Force said the police building’s layout and security shortcomings create safety, operational and retention risks. City staff told the group they are developing two renovation cost options and expect preliminary estimates within several weeks.
Members of the Issaquah Public Safety and Civic Facility Task Force concluded after a site tour and discussion May 8 that the city’s police facility on East Sunset Way requires prompt attention because of safety, operational and staff-retention issues.
Task force members described the building as mixing public and police functions in ways that complicate secure operations, limit storage and evidence handling, and hinder privacy and efficient workflows. “I’m glad I don’t work there,” a task force member said after the tour, summarizing the group’s impressions.
City staff told the task force they are preparing two renovation scenarios for the police department: a “maximum reuse” option that minimizes demolition and a higher‑function option that reduces operational compromises. A city staff member said the team expects to finish adjustments and a cost estimate in “a couple of weeks,” and offered a rough three‑to‑five week window depending on the scope of remaining refinements.
Task force members repeatedly framed urgency around officer safety, the secure handling of persons in custody, and employee retention. Task force member Jason said retention is a major concern, arguing that substandard facilities make it harder to keep officers who know the community. Other members cited the building’s cramped circulation and inadequate storage as operational impediments that degrade service.
The group also discussed short‑term relocation options for administrative staff so the police department could use more of the existing building while a longer-term plan is developed. Several members urged staff to include financing comparisons for short‑term leases versus phased renovation in the forthcoming cost briefings.
No formal vote or policy decision was taken. The only formal action recorded at the start of the meeting was approval of the April 22 meeting minutes. Task force members asked staff to return with the two renovation scenarios and preliminary cost estimates, and to outline near‑term options for relocating administrative staff during renovation work.
The task force plans to use those estimates to weigh urgency and financing choices, including whether to pursue a bond or other funding approaches. The staff timeline and the renovation options are expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting once estimates are available.
