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Council discusses using Reagan School rehabilitation as temporary city hall and separating police department; staff to get cost estimates and renderings
Summary
Council discussed using bond funds to rehabilitate Reagan School as a temporary city hall and later house the police department, while building a new city hall on the current site; staff were asked to produce cost estimates and renderings.
Mayor Jordan and council members discussed a multi-part idea to address limited space at City Hall: rehabilitate the historic Reagan School with bond funding to serve as a temporary city hall, detach the police department into dedicated space at the school once a new city hall is built on the current site, and protect the school from vandalism by returning it to active use.
The mayor said the plan would not necessarily come from the city’s operating budget but could be put to voters through a bond, and argued the community supports saving Reagan School. “Turn down City Hall. We don't know more patching, no more patching, design it like it's supposed to be,” the mayor said, urging a permanent solution rather than repeated repairs.
Architect Mark Thacker was referenced by staff; the council was told Thacker’s 2021 estimate to rehabilitate the former Reagan School was approximately $10,300,000 for hard construction costs, excluding fixtures, fees and equipment. Staff emphasized that the school has deed restrictions that may limit leasing options and that rehabilitation would likely require a bond vote and careful planning.
Council members asked for detailed numbers, schematic renderings and timelines. One member noted the need to balance priorities such as water and infrastructure work when considering a bond. Another said the November election timeline would likely be too aggressive and that aiming for a May election would be more feasible.
Police Chief Alco said a standalone police facility would be useful but that the department’s primary operational need is for adequate space; he described the current arrangement as workable if sufficient room is provided.
Staff recommended that council authorize the city manager to seek architectural cost estimates, renderings and financing options so council and the public can evaluate bond timing, tax impacts and alternatives. No formal action or bond authorization occurred at the work session.
