SEQUIM — Chastened city leaders are looking for someone to run a “public participation process” on the location for a new City Hall after hearing that they may have moved too fast in favoring a site away from downtown Sequim.
No decision has been made about where a new City Hall would be located, and city officials have repeatedly said that the public would be involved in the discussion.
However, they’ve also expressed a strong interest in building in the Water Reuse Demonstration site next to Carrie Blake Park — an interest that’s not universally popular.
The City Council on Monday directed city staff to start looking for a consultant who could gather opinions from the public as well as present the criteria that city leaders are using to select a new site.
The need for more municipal space has been apparent for some time. Currently, city administration, planning and public works offices are stuffed into two aging buildings on West Cedar Street next door to an unusable former fire hall.
The Police Department works out of leased space in a shopping center on West Washington Street.
Consolidation sought
A new building would allow city offices to be consolidated into one building and could also provide space for expansion as the city continues to grow.
Harold Anderson, a business owner on West Cedar Street, told council members Monday that he agreed a City Hall is needed — just not at Carrie Blake Park.
“You have spent millions of dollars on roads in the downtown area. You have a new transit center you’re meeting in,” Anderson said.
“I’d hate to see you go to the end of a cow path and start all over again.”
He added that “a new City Hall is a big deal” — and that council members should take all the time needed to make sure the community is “up to speed” on what’s being done.
Mayor Walt Schubert said the community will be included in the process.
“There’s nothing that’s going to be rushed on this,” he said. “We know we need the people on board.”
