Commission authorizes needs assessment for a new city hall

The board approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to research and locate a firm to complete a needs assessment for a new city hall. Commissioners debated scope, timing and likely next steps before approving the measure.

Supporters said the city needs a professional assessment of space needs (offices, chamber, conference rooms, storage, safety and employee parking) before soliciting design or construction bids. Speakers referenced planning for growth over multiple decades and discussed whether the study should cover 10, 15 or 20 years of projected needs.

City Manager said staff would contact potential firms, possibly use local architects, and produce basic pricing for square-footage scenarios (the city manager referenced planning scenarios between about 20,000 and 30,000 square feet). Commissioners discussed potential assessment costs and funding; no binding contract or dollar amount for the assessment was approved at the meeting. Several commissioners suggested the assessment could save money later by reducing change orders.

The board approved the resolution and directed the city manager to return with recommended firms and, if required, a budget amendment to pay for the assessment. The meeting record includes no final cost figure for the assessment; one commissioner expressed an expectation that the cost would not be large but did not specify a firm quote.