Snoqualmie council votes to assess totem pole and remove council-chamber murals pending Arts Commission review

The Snoqualmie City Council on Dec. 8 debated the disposition of a historic totem-style story pole on Railroad Avenue and large murals in the council chamber.

Mayor Pro Tem Holloway moved to have the totem pole moved to Public Works for assessment and restoration as needed, and to send the item to the Arts Commission for a recommendation on future placement, expressing a preference that the pole not return to its current location. The motion passed with five ayes and Councilor Vincent voting no.

Councilor Vincent argued against removal, saying the pole has stood for eight decades and should remain as part of the city's history with contextual explanation rather than being removed: "I don't think that the appropriate way to deal with an offense is to attempt to erase it or sweep it under the rug." He urged using interpretive signage and opportunities for the tribe to present its perspective.

Separately, council debated removing the council-chamber murals that depict aspects of local history. Proponents said the murals are a distraction and do not represent the whole community; opponents called them skillful artworks that reflect historical themes and urged a more inclusive replacement rather than a blank backdrop. The council approved a motion to install temporary acoustic treatment for the chamber backdrop and then to remove the murals to storage and send disposition and replacement recommendations to the Arts Commission. Both the temporary-treatment and mural-removal motions passed on 5–1 votes, with Councilor Vincent the lone opposing vote on both measures.

Council members and the Arts Commission liaison said the commission should consult with the Snoqualmie Tribe and community stakeholders before forwarding a recommendation to council. The city attorney advised that the Arts Commission provide a recommendation and that the final decision rests with the council.