Leavenworth council backs studying gateway feature for new Ice Fall roundabout, asks staff for process research

Leavenworth council members agreed July 8 to pursue research and public engagement on whether to install a gateway feature or public art in the new roundabout at Highway 2 and Ice Fall, and asked staff to return with process options in the coming months.

The discussion began when Melvin, a city staff member, said the city has budgeted $150,000 in lodging tax money for “some kind of gateway feature in the roundabout” and asked whether the council wanted to move forward now that construction is complete. "What I would like to hear from council is a discussion about whether or not we should pursue some kind of gateway feature in that location," Melvin said.

Council members broadly supported moving ahead but emphasized safety, aesthetics and process. Councilor Anne suggested using the Design Review Board to vet submissions and present top designs to council. "We should do something," Anne said, adding the DRB could vet submissions and present top three designs. Several members said they wanted a clear process to avoid creating an “attractive nuisance” that would encourage people to stop in the roundabout for selfies.

Councilors and staff discussed options including a design competition with realistic budget parameters, temporary seasonal elements (for example, lights or a tree in winter), and forming an ad hoc committee of business owners, residents and staff to develop selection criteria. Melvin said conduit for electric—and he believes water—was installed during construction, expanding design possibilities provided any work complies with state Department of Transportation standards.

Council members also wanted staff to look at how other cities have managed roundabout public art programs and to recommend a process. "Why don't I take some time to do some additional research on how other communities have done this process and bring something back in a couple of months to further discussion?" Melvin said.

No formal expenditure or design decision was made. The council directed staff to research options, potential processes (including design competitions and ad hoc committee models), cost ranges tied to the $150,000 lodging-tax allocation, and draft criteria to present back to council.

Community members and councilors asked staff to consider city identity in any design; some council members urged a Bavarian-themed aesthetic reflecting local character, while others focused on avoiding elements that would impair driver sight lines or attract unsafe pedestrian behavior.

Next steps identified by the council: staff research of peer-city approaches and costs; a return to council with recommended process options in a few months; and consideration of an ad hoc committee or DRB-led selection process if the council chooses to proceed.