Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Cascade council approves feasibility study to assess relocating police to old library, 4–1
Loading...
Summary
After extended debate about costs, storage needs and alternatives, the council voted 4–1 to hire Martin Gardner Architecture to assess feasibility of relocating the police department to the old library; council discussed a $2,500 initial study step and cautioned against scope creep.
The Cascade City Council voted on Dec. 15 to hire an architectural firm to study whether the police department could be relocated to the city’s old library building and what improvements would be required. Council approved the action 4–1.
Councilmember Gail moved to enter into an architectural services proposal with Martin Gardner Architecture to evaluate feasibility; Oliphant seconded. The motion passed on roll call: Oliphant Aye, Weber Aye, Hush Nay, Gale Aye, Delaney Aye.
Why it matters: Police staff told the council the current station is undersized for evidence storage, interview space and daily operations. The staff speaker identified as Fred described long-standing space constraints and said the department had “outgrown our space” and needs expansion to properly secure evidence and operate safely.
Council debate focused on the scope and likely cost trajectory of work. Several councilmembers urged a limited initial study to produce a cost estimate comparing rehabbing the old library against expanding or remodeling the existing station; others warned that small initial fees can lead to incremental spending. One councilmember warned the study could start at $2,500 and escalate, potentially consuming far more if not carefully scoped. The motion that passed authorized the feasibility assessment as an informational first step; council did not approve a construction budget or specific site commitment.
The vote and next steps: The council approved the feasibility study instructed staff to return with the study findings and cost estimates for comparison, and clarified that the first phase under discussion was an initial scope estimated at $2,500 to establish ballpark figures. The council did not adopt any construction or relocation decision at this meeting.
