HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-2008 - Supplemental MaterialsPage 1 of 2
City Hall Facility
From: Doug Dicharry [ddic@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:25 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: City Hall Facility comments
To Medina City Council
RE: City Hall Facility comments
5/21/08
Objective: Provide a cost-effective, safe, energy -efficient, technologically sound and functional
space for administrative and police functions with minimal footprint, maximum accessibility and
usability.
Assumptions:
1) Efficiencies should be created and preserved by:
a) centralizing all governmental functions (administration and police) to promote cross -training,
staff backup and resource -sharing.
b) providing incentives to use flex -time, office -sharing and telecommuting. Having staff work
on -site on alternate days would reduce the need for office space, decrease traffic and fuel
consumption, and improve employee satisfaction.
2) Strong community support for selected proposal (60% of voters
For all of these proposals, I would favor relocating all administrative staff to a temporary office
facility in Bellevue. Options should be explored for temporary sharing of police facilities with
other Points communities, or trailer space in an existing commercial facility that is designed for
public use (e.g. church parking lot).
COMMENTS:
FIRST choice: Put a bond issue before Medina voters for a state -of -the art City Hall and Police
facility. The 520 expansion offers an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate a unique design
into adjacent land that would be attractive, functional, and capable of meeting the city's needs
for the next 50 years. The community voted 50-50 on a $26 million bond for underground
wiring. It seems that an (estimated) $10 million bond that would provide ongoing, long-term,
visible, essential benefits to the community would be favorable to the majority of Medina voters.
Political leadership, vision, and community education would be critical, but the result would be a
lasting legacy for any City Council that finally takes action.
In the meantime, convert the current Council meeting room to office space and provide life
safety / seismic upgrades to the building. Medina Elementary could be approached about the
possibility of having all Council and Board meetings at the school. It offers excellent space and
plenty of parking. Once construction on the new building is complete, the old ferry terminal
could be historically restored and used as a community center and Medina history museum,
providing a resource for the three schools as well as residents. The terminal could also be a
potential source of city revenue if rented for receptions or other private events.
5/28/2008
Page 2 of 2
SECOND choice: (This proposal would be less efficient, and would not meet the criterion of
centralization.) Build a new police facility in a separate location, coupled with a remodel and
upgrade of City Hall to be safe, technologically forward -looking, and adaptable with flexible
office space. Any leftover space might be considered for use as a community center. Police
facility location is problematic, but it should be central to the city and accessible to major
arteries, including 520. It should promote traffic flow and maintain relative distance from school
and residential areas. Possibilities could include a long-term (50-year) lease or land purchase
from a commercial entity in Medina. Use of land or facilities of other cities (Hunt's Point, Clyde
Hill) may be feasible in the short-term, but this is not a good long-term solution, because
Medina would be subject to future political whims of those cities.
THIRD choice: If expansion is the only politically viable option, impacts to the beach park should
be minimized and the most attractive architectural design should be selected, attempting to
maintain the character of the original building. All governmental functions should be kept
together for maximum efficiencies. Minimize dead space by using flexible space designs, and
hold all Council and Board meetings at another location, such as Medina Elementary.
DESPERATION choice: Demolish the current building, and rebuild on the footprint, adding floors
as necessary to meet space requirements. Develop in the direction the rest of the Puget Sound
is going: up.
UNACCEPTABLE choice: Basic repairs and life -safety upgrades only.
Thank you all for your hard work on a very, very difficult issue.
Doug Dicharry
851 80th Avenue NE
5/28/2008
Page I of 2
City Hall Facility
From: Jan R [Jan-Medina@msn.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 10:02 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: Medina City Hall
Council Members:
I would like to address the issue of the Medina City Hall and plans for
replacement, expansion, or remodeling.
After reading the evaluation of city hall space by the former city manager, I have
come to the conclusion that, except for immediate needs to address employee
safety & work space considerations, that an expansion of the current city hall
building would be an unwise expenditure in terms of future building usage by
both the police department & other city departments.
The building is not a viable structure for municipal services in terms of the
extensive upgrades necessary, location, future needs, building age and the need
to take park space in order to accomplish a temporary goal.
While I have not really considered all the locations that might be considered, I
think it is possible to find a more centrally -located site with better parking (even
if shared with another entity), better access, more updated space for all
departments, as well as more agreeable working conditions for city employees.
I am strongly against taking space from an already small park that gets heavy
usage & currently has problems with parking, public facilities, storage, etc. Park
space is too valuable & too difficult to come by to give it up for other purposes.
The city should be trying to preserve as much green space as possible rather
than use it for office space.
On the other hand, I would prefer to see the city hall and the police
department in a common building rather than separate them. I think it is
important for municipal services to be together for efficiency, employee morale &
oversight.
I will be sorry to miss the presentation next week, but will be out of town. I hope
that the city will be quickly posting a review of it on the city website, as I am
very interested in learning what will have been discussed by representatives of
the city as well as Medina citizens and what conclusions may have been reached.
Sincerely,
5/28/2008
Page 2 of 2
Jan Roehr
2233-77th Ave NE
Medina, WA 98039
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 3
City Hall Facility
From: Kristen Edelhertz [edelhertz@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 2:42 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Cc: Robert Rudolph; Shawn Whitney; Lucius Biglow; Mark Nelson; Drew Blazey; Bret Jordan; Michael
Caldwell
Subject: City Hall Expansion - Working through the options
Dear City Manager and Council Members,
I recently became involved in the issue of city hall facilities because of my concern that Medina Beach
would suffer from a city hall building expansion that I believe would have a significant long-term
negative impact on our beach park. I quickly became aware of the urgent and very real issues facing
our city employees and the terrible working conditions in the current building, I am now very committed
to finding a solution that both meets the needs of our city employees AND protects our park space.
I think the council and our community need to agree on what our long-term goals are for city hall
facilities and parks. At the highest level, I hope that we can agree to protect our parks and have
adequate facilities for our city and police departments. I believe that we should be looking for a long-
term facilities solution that keeps our city hall functions and police functions housed together in a space
that is functional and flexible with the minimum possible impact on residential neighborhoods and that
does not take any space away from our parks. I think we have a unique opportunity to accomplish this
in conjunction with the 520 expansion and the associated lids and parks.
More specifically I would support the following efforts in order of preference:
Option #1 -- City Facilities Near 520 Expansion
• Find property along the 520 expansion project that would enable the thoughtful design of a new
city hall/police department building that would blend seamlessly into the 520 expansion plans.
• Issue a bond measure if necessary. A clear vision, clear communication and community
education would be critical to gain support from the majority of Medina voters - I believe it can
be accomplished.
• A new building designed to meet the needs of city hall and police employees with flexible use
space does not need to be a huge office complex.
• Meeting space may or may not need to be added to a new building -- if it is true that meetings
do not need to be at City Hall then we have lots of meeting space within the city limits -- Medina
Elementary, St. Thomas and the current city hall building at Medina Beach (post repair and
upgrades).
• The property at 2851 Evergreen Point Road across from the park-n-ride is a very good option
toward this goal and it is currently on the market. The benefits of this property in particular are:
o Provides a short-term solution (house staff and some police until the repairs/seismic
upgrades are made to the current city hall and then use it to house one or the other until
the expansion happens).
o Provides a long-term solution (design new building to blend with new lid and park-n-ride at
Evergreen Point Road overpass).
o Allows for strong police presence at public park-n-ride & first public transport stop on the
Eastside
• Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center (revenue
generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police presence at the
5/28/2008
Page 2 of 3
park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #2 -- City Facilities at Another Location (Long-term)
• Ask for first right of refusal for the property at 851 Lake Washington Blvd. This property is next
door to the First Church of Christ, Scientist building. The property is accessed from Lake Wa.
Blvd and is shielded from uphill neighbors and the neighbor to the north with mature vegetation
and landscaping. Arrangements with the church could also allow for access through their
parking lot and/or sharing of parking spaces on the church property. Specific benefits:
o Minimal impact to any Medina neighborhoods with location on one of the busier roads.
o Easily accessible.
o Lot space available to house both city hall and police together (possibly with a remodel
vs. a new build).
o Available parking during the week and at night.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
• Inquire about the First Church of Christ, Scientist property itself. If they are willing to entertain a
possible sale then the city would also need to work with Bellevue to change the property
jurisdiction over to Medina. Specific benefits:
o Plenty of lot space and parking (even for the mobile police unit).
o Could probably remodel existing building without adding more footprint.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
• Inquire about possible land trade (city owns road through their parking lot) or purchase from
Overlake Golf Club.
o Dirt area off 24th Street just west and across from Wells Medina.
o Space next to or behind St. Thomas Elementary where Overlake's maintenance facilities
are located (accessible from NE 12 Street or 84th Street NE).
• Inquire about the BSD Three Points Elementary property that is vacant to the east of the
Bellevue Christian parking lot on NE 28th Street.
• Inquire about the unused lot between Wells Medina and the power sub -station.
• Inquire about purchasing Medina Chevron property or property adjacent to Medina Chevron.
• Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center (revenue
generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police presence at the
park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #3 -- Separate Facilities for City Hall and Police Functions (good short-term option but
less desirable long-term option)
Remodel the current Medina Beach city hall building, maintaining its current footprint and
envelope, to house one function and some community space if possible.
Find new location for the other function --
o Hunts Point has offered to lease space for police department or police substation
o Smaller of the locations listed in #2 above
o Ask for first right of refusal for triangle property across 84th Ave NE from Medina Chevron
Regardless what the long-term solution is, we must move quickly to improve the conditions for city hall
and police staff. They should be placed in leased office space as close to Medina as possible while we
do the life/safety repairs, upgrades, expand the basement into the 5 foot crawl space and change the
current meeting space into office space. Meetings can be held at Medina Elementary. Once the work
is complete on the Medina Beach building, some or all of the staff can move back into to the upgraded
building until the long-term solution is implemented.
I am concerned that not enough people know about the Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 28th. I
5/28/2008
Page 3 of 3
have tried to spread the word and the Medina Matters group has publicized it as well. However, our
communication is only reaching a small percentage of our citizens.
That said, I do appreciate the time you are taking to consider other options and the effort to try to get
more public comment on this issue. Thank you!
Kristen Edelhertz
h: 425.455.0240
c: 425.241.9093
5/28/2008
Facilities Improvement Page I of 4
City Hall Facility
From: Danya Hill [danya@hillflp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:21 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: Facilities Improvement
Please allow me to convey my opinion that I support improving the facilities that staff
works in, but am extremely concerned about losing additional park space. As a former
member of the park board, it has always been my utmost goal to preserve our parks for
generations to come. I served on the park board when the city was presented with an
opportunity to purchase the waterfront land directly north of the park and the city did
not act on it. This has always been a disappointment to me. I have been made aware of
several alternatives and would like to voice my support of these alternatives. I ask you to
use your vision to think beyond an easy fix for the building, that would be detrimental to
the public enjoyment of the beach park.
Option #1 -- City Facilities Near 520 Expansion
Find property along the 520 expansion project that would enable the thoughtful design
of a new city hall/police department building that would blend seamlessly into the 520
expansion plans.
Issue a bond measure if necessary. A clear vision, clear communication and community
education would be critical to gain support from the majority of Medina voters - I believe
it can be accomplished.
A new building designed to meet the needs of city hall and police employees with
flexible use space does not need to be a huge office complex.
Meeting space may or may not need to be added to a new building -- if it is true that
meetings do not need to be at City Hall then we have lots of meeting space within the city
limits -- Medina Elementary, St. Thomas and the current city hall building at Medina
Beach (post repair and upgrades).
The property at 2851 Evergreen Point Road across from the park-n-ride is a very good
option toward this goal and it is currently on the market. The benefits of this property
5/28/2008
Facilities Improvement Page 2 of 4
in particular are:
o Provides a short-term solution (house staff and some police until the repairs/seismic
upgrades are made to the current city hall and then use it to house one or the other until
the expansion happens).
o Provides a long-term solution (design new building to blend with new lid and park-n-ride
at Evergreen Point Road overpass).
o Allows for strong police presence at public park-n-ride & first public transport stop on
the Eastside
Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center
(revenue generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police
presence at the park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #2 -- City Facilities at Another Location (Long-term)
Ask for first right of refusal for the property at 851 Lake Washington Blvd. This
property is next door to the First Church of Christ, Scientist building. The property is
accessed from Lake Wa. Blvd and is shielded from uphill neighbors and the neighbor to
the north with mature vegetation and landscaping. Arrangements with the church could
also allow for access through their parking lot and/or sharing of parking spaces on the
church property. Specific benefits:
o Minimal impact to any Medina neighborhoods with location on one of the busier roads.
o Easily accessible.
o Lot space available to house both city hall and police together (possibly with a remodel
vs. a new build).
o Available parking during the week and at night.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
Inquire about the First Church of Christ, Scientist property itself. If they are willing
5/28/2008
Facilities Improvement
Page 3 of 4
to entertain a possible sale then the city would also need to work with Bellevue to change
the property jurisdiction over to Medina. Specific benefits:
o Plenty of lot space and parking (even for the mobile police unit).
o Could probably remodel existing building without adding more footprint.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
Inquire about possible land trade (city owns road through their parking lot) or purchase
from Overlake Golf Club.
o Dirt area off 24th Street just west and across from Wells Medina.
o Space next to or behind St. Thomas Elementary where Overlake's maintenance
facilities are located (accessible from NE 12 Street or 84th Street NE).
Inquire about the B50 Three Points Elementary property that is vacant to the east of
the Bellevue Christian parking lot on NE 28th Street.
Inquire about the unused lot between Wells Medina and the power sub -station.
Inquire about purchasing Medina Chevron property or property adjacent to Medina
Chevron.
Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center
(revenue generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police
presence at the park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #3 -- Separate Facilities for City Hall and Police Functions (good short-term
option but less desirable long-term option)
Remodel the current Medina Beach city hall building, maintaining its current footprint
and envelope, to house one function and some community space if possible.
Find new location for the other function --
5/28/2008
Facilities Improvement
Page 4 of 4
o Hunts Point has offered to lease space for police department or police substation
o Smaller of the locations listed in #2 above
o Ask for first right of refusal for triangle property across 84th Ave NE from Medina
Chevron
Thank you,
Danya Hill
8210 Overlake Drive West
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 2
City Hall Facility
From: Michael Caldwell
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:31 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: FW: City Hall Expansion and Design Options
From: Doug Dicharry [mailto:ddic@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 9:21 PM
To: Michael Caldwell; Shawn Whitney; Mark Nelson; Lucius Biglow; Lawrence; Drew Blazey; Bret Jordan; Robert
Rudolph
Subject: City Hall Expansion and Design Options
To Medina City Council
RE: City Hall Facility comments
5/21 /08
At least one council member has not received some email sent through the link on the city website. For that reason, I am
sending my comments to City Council members and the City Manager to assure they can be reviewed prior to the meeting on
Wednesday.
Incidentally, I have seen no notice of the meeting on the city's website. This is an issue of such importance that every
household should be informed.
My remarks:
Objective: Provide a cost-effective, safe, energy -efficient, technologically sound and functional space for administrative and
police functions with minimal footprint, maximum accessibility and usability.
Assumptions:
1) Efficiencies should be created and preserved by:
a) centralizing all governmental functions (administration and police) to promote cross -training, staff backup and resource -
sharing.
b) providing incentives to use flex -time, office -sharing and telecommuting. Having staff work on -site on alternate days
would reduce the need for office space, decrease traffic and fuel consumption, and improve employee satisfaction.
2) Strong community support for selected proposal (60% of voters).
For all of these proposals, I would favor relocating all administrative staff to a temporary office facility in Bellevue. Options
should be explored for temporary sharing of police facilities with other Points communities, or trailer space in an existing
commercial facility that is designed for public use (e.g. church parking lot).
COMMENTS:
FIRST choice: Put a bond issue before Medina voters for a state -of -the art City Hall and Police facility. The 520 expansion
offers an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate a unique design into adjacent land that would be attractive, functional,
and capable of meeting the city's needs for the next 50 years. The community voted 50-50 on the $26 million bond for
underground wiring. It seems that an (estimated) $10 million bond that would provide ongoing, long-term, visible, essential
benefits to the community would be favorable to the majority of Medina voters. Political leadership, vision, and community
education would be critical, but the result would be a lasting legacy for any City Council that finally takes action.
5/28/2008
Page 2 of 2
In the meantime, convert the current Council meeting room to office space and provide life safety / seismic upgrades to the
building. Medina Elementary could be approached about the possibility of having all Council and Board meetings at the
school. It offers excellent space and plenty of parking. Once construction on the new building is complete, the old ferry
terminal could be historically restored and used as a community center and Medina history museum, providing a resource for
the three schools as well as residents. The terminal could also be a potential source of city revenue if rented for receptions or
other private events.
SECOND choice: (This proposal would be less efficient, and would not meet the criterion of centralization.) Build a new
police facility in a separate location, coupled with a remodel and upgrade of City Hall to be safe, technologically forward -
looking, and adaptable with flexible office space. Any leftover space might be considered for use as a community center.
Police facility location is problematic, but it should be central to the city and accessible to major arteries, including 520. It
should promote traffic flow and maintain relative distance from school and residential areas. Possibilities could include a
long-term (50-year) lease or land purchase from a commercial entity in Medina. Use of land or facilities of other cities
(Hunt's Point, Clyde Hill) may be feasible in the short-term, but this is not a good long-term solution, because Medina would
be subject to future political whims of those cities.
THIRD choice: If expansion is the only politically viable option, impacts to the beach park should be minimized and the most
attractive architectural design should be selected, attempting to maintain the character of the original building. All
governmental functions should be kept together for maximum efficiencies. Minimize dead space by using flexible space
designs, and hold all Council and Board meetings at another location, such as Medina Elementary.
DESPERATION choice: Demolish the current building, and rebuild on the footprint, adding floors as necessary to meet
space requirements. Develop in the direction the rest of the Puget Sound is going: up.
UNACCEPTABLE choice: Basic repairs and life -safety upgrades only.
Thank you all for your hard work on a very, very difficult issue.
Doug Dicharry
851 80th Avenue NE
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Rachel Baker
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:13 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: FW: city hall expansion
From: Mark Nelson [mailto:mark@nelsonarchitecture.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:09 PM
To: Rachel Baker
Subject: Fw: city hall expansion
Rachel,
I don't know if the file to recieve these emails is open yet, so I am sending it to you to put in the file when it is
ready to accept emails.
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: Beth Swanson
To: ccmail _.medina-wa.gov
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 11:31 PM
Subject: city hall expansion
To my friends and neighbors on the council -- I don't pretend to know any details about the needs of our city or
have answers to building solutions. I do however know firsthand how much my family has enjoyed Medina
Beach through the years. Since my 4 kids were newborns in strollers napping under those birches until now as
teenagers going with their friends to throw footballs and hang out, we have all been blessed by every square
inch of that small but beautiful beach. It is an exhaustible commodity, found in absolutely no other community
quite as nice. A site for a city building however can be placed just about anywhere. This much I do know and
understand - its pretty much common sense. Once a building is enlarged to give more meeting, storage, and
bathroom space, something has to be decreased, and in this case, its our one -of -a -kind stunningly beautiful
beachfront area. I ask you all to consider very, very carefully every possible option and present it to our entire
community, because that's who it will affect for years after our lifetimes - do this all please before "paving
paradise". Thanks very much for your consideration, Beth Swanson, 7759 Overlake Dr W, Medina
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Rachel Baker
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:39 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: FW: city hall expansion
From: Mark Nelson [mailto:mark@nelsonarchitecture.net]
Sent: Tue 5/13/2008 4:55 PM
To: Rachel Baker
Subject: Fw: city hall expansion
One more for the city hall expansion file.
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: annlundquistaa.comcast.net
To: ccmail medina-wa.gov
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:28 PM
Subject: city hall expansion
Dear City Council members,
We have lived in Medina for forty years and our family feels strongly that the beach and existing
building should be for the community and not for offices. Now is the time to move City Hall to the park
or buy a piece of property to house it. We are completely opposed to expansion plans as we are frequent
beach area users. We would like to use the building, beautifully sited as it is, for community activities
instead of community work. It is a waste of a unique location!
Thanks for your time.
Deke and Ann Lundquist
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Peggy Cossano [pcossano@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2008 8:59 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: Expansion of City Hall
Is it true that Hunts Point has offered to house the Police Station at their facility?
I prefer that City Hall is not expanded and that the Medina Residents have full use of our Water front
property.
I'd rather have the City Hall placed in the Medina Dog Park. It seems to make more sense to have the
Building Dept. and Police in the center of the town.
Thanks,
Peggy Cossano
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Ronald J. Santi [r.j.santi@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 10:41 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Greetings,
Adding a total of 1000 sq. ft. of useable space to the existing structure could probably be done for less than
$400,000. Building a new facility (where I can't fathom) would cost seven -eight times as much with land costs.
Medina is a quaint old neighborhood deserving its quaint but remodeled facility rather than a new edifice to what
would be inevitable government bloat and higher tax rates. It would make sense for any new site to be visible, not
bring City Hall traffic through the neighborhoods as it now does, and provide quick access by police to all corners
of the City. The only location meeting these criteria would be out on 12th perhaps immediately east of the
Chevron station. Otherwise a new site could be atop new lids over 520 when built along with new park and play
fields.
2M
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Diane Bocek [dbocek@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 7:43 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: new city hall space
the most practical efficient and reasonable solution to the need for more space at city hall is to expand the
existing building to the north in addition to adding space to the top floor and adding space on the bottom floor
under the porch.
this solution for additional space will be the most economical and efficient, take the least time to complete, and
be the least disruptive to the cty staff and the citizens of medina.
the key to the project will be sizing the expansion. the city council must strike a proper balance between "real
needs" for space versus "like to have" space. everyone involved must remember that medina is still a city of only
3000 citizens and that our space needs must reflect this population and the staff size consistent with
this population. we need more space but we do not need space beyond that necessary to provide basic
service delivery.
the city also must balance the cost of the new space with the amount of the city's reserve funds that are
deemed appropriate to spend on this project.
thank you for your consideration. miles adam
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Jill Birkeland Oillbirkeland@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:39 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: City Hall Expansion
To: Medina City Council
We are a family of six who frequently uses Medina Beach park in the spring, summer and fall. One of the things
that my kids love about the park is the large amount of grass play area. It is great for picnics and all kinds of
kids games. We would strongly dislike any expansion of city hall at its current site. We would like the council to
explore other options, even if it may cost our community a little more in time and money. That park is one of the
true treasures of our lovely community, and we would hate to see it shrunken any further.
Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Jill, Chris, Chase, Spencer, Ryan and Natalie Birkeland
944 88th Ave NE, Medina
5/28/2008
Page I of I
City Hall Facility
From: Shawn [railroadcowboy@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 10:25 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: new city hall
Schubring 2457 78Th
Build a new building right were the old one is now this is not a historic building maintain the character
but it will be much cheaper and faster to start over, use the elementary school for city meetings if
necessary. The 32 or even the 26 feet is no problem and we can use it no matter what for a civic center
or future uses. The city has to comply with ADA so just do it now before the rules change and we have
to start over again. If we do find another location this building still has to be repaired lets make the most
of it the first time and not the third or forth revision The police issue should have been resolved years
ago with a "points" police force yes Medina, Hunts Point, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point all with one force.
We do not all need a chief we need more Indians. But with that typed, make the elevator go to the third
floor. Tell your very poor architects to use a hydraulic unit like in the airport if you get a dumb look
from them, no roof top box needed.
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From:
Michael Caldwell
Sent:
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:31 AM
To:
City Hall Facility
Subject: FW: Comments re: City Hall options
Attachments: Medina proposal.doc
From: Kathryn Koelemay [mai Ito: kkoelemay@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 10:00 PM
To: Michael Caldwell; Shawn Whitney; Mark Nelson; Lucius Biglow; Lawrence; Drew Blazey; Bret Jordan; Robert
Rudolph
Subject: Comments re: City Hall options
For your review for Wednesday night's meeting...
See you then!
Kay
5/28/2008
Page 1 of 1
City Hall Facility
From: Kathryn Koelemay [kkoelemay@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 10:28 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: City Hall facility comments
Attachments: Medina proposal.doc
Please see attached.
5/28/2008
Dear Council Members,
For many years, space has been an issue at City Hall. Now, rather than space, the most
pressing issue is soundness and stability of the current structure. These repairs and seismic
upgrades need to happen as soon as possible. However, this should not compel the Council to
accept the most expedient plan for expansion, which might prove shortsighted.
No matter whether your decision is to expand the current City Hall facility or to consider
relocation of City services, I urge you to seriously consider permanently moving Council
meetings and other public meetings to Medina Elementary School, as has been suggested
by other citizens over the years.
♦ Would encourage citizen participation in public meetings, which I feel is discouraged by
both the size of the Council chamber and by limited parking at the Beach Park
♦ Meeting at the school would afford the following:
o Abundant parking close to facility, which is particularly valuable to older or
disabled citizens and to all, in inclement weather
o Comfortable space and sufficient seating
o Strengthen relationship with school
o Increase awareness of community meetings with listing on school calendar
o Freed -up room at City Hall to accommodate modular office space
For a moment, please consider the following ideas:
The current city hall structure, the "Medina Ferry Terminal," becomes a historic
community center, which provides a gathering point within our community for social activities
open to a// citizens.
♦ Has potential to generate income for the City
♦ Would serve as an emergency shelter, complete with newly purchased generator
♦ Frees up parking spaces now dedicated to police and city hall staff
A new modern green state-of-the-art city hall and police facility, including generator, is built
within the City of Medina, situated in a more prominent location with minimal impact on adjacent
residences.
The property available on Evergreen Point Road, across from the park & ride and
immediately next to 520 meets these criteria, in my opinion.
♦ The current structure on that site is in ready -to -move -in condition, with some easily
added amendments for police communications
♦ It would afford a space to relocate City Hall staff and police to allow upgrades to City
Hall, including modification of council chambers to provide increased office space. Staff
and police would move back to upgraded current City Hall facility until a new "green" city
hall and police facility is built.
♦ The property can accommodate a structure with 2 stories and basement, affording
planned projected necessary and fully usable space
o Consider moving footprint more to the west to increase available space for
parking, to potentially enlarge basement floor and to spare beautiful cypress
trees
Special considerations for impacted residents:
♦ Reassurance to adjacent property owners that all large public meetings will be held off -site
at community schools
♦ Entertain possibility of extension of 28th St. to 841h with automatic movable barrier to allow
emergency access for police to 84th
♦ Consider additional city hall parking spaces at perimeter of Fairweather Park, which would
be easily accessible across the new 520 lid
Advantages:
♦ Opportunity to create two "new" facilities for the city, to include a showcase green facility
related to lid improvement at 520 and a community center which preserves a piece of
Medina's history
♦ Minimal impact on a residential area
o Actually may provide sound buffer for adjacent properties
o Provides reputable occupant for property with less desirable qualities
♦ Would make police presence more visible and centrally located
o More accessible to northern section of City
o Enhances crime prevention related to park & ride
♦ Increases parking access at Beach Park
Funding considerations:
♦ Bond issue
♦ Memorial gifts, e.g., "The John Smith Room" or "The Smith Building"
I submit that this Council has the opportunity to facilitate a major change in City facilities that will
enhance the long-range interests and the future of the City of Medina. It will require vision,
leadership and more effort than simply expanding the current facility, but it will create a legacy
of which you will be proud and for which your contribution will be remembered.
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Koelemay Dicharry
Former Council Member
851 80th Ave. NE
Citv Hall Facilit
From: Michael Caldwell
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:32 AM
To: City Hall Facility
Subject: FW: City Hall/Lack of Citizen Feedback
-----Original Message -----
From: City Council Mail
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 8:09 PM
To: Bret Jordan; Drew Blazey; Lawrence; Lucius Biglow; Michael Caldwell; Robert Rudolph;
Shawn Whitney; Mark Nelson
Subject: FW: City Hall/Lack of Citizen Feedback
-------------------------------------------
From: heija@heija.com[SMTP:HEIJA@HEIJA.COM]
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 8:05:41 PM
To: ddic@msn.com; City Council Mail
Subject: Fwd: City Hall/Lack of Citizen Feedback
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Doug,
Last week, I sent the letter below to the city council. I received one response from a
council member who stated that he will be absent from the discussion about City Facilities.
I remain very concerned that the council is holding a meeting of such importance with
little or no notice to citizens. This meeting was set over two weeks ago at the May 12th
Council Meeting. There has been ample time to notify residents by mail if there is truly
an interest in public feedback. Instead the city is relying on small public notices issued
on May 22, just prior to a holiday weekend. This meeting is not even posted on the city
website.
I read the public notice at the Post Office and it states that action may be taken to
"list" facility needs. To me this indicates that a vote may be taken that could lead to a
specific outcome and/or eliminate certain ideas and possibilities. This meeting should be
cancelled and rescheduled after properly and liberally notifying the residents of the
pivotal choices we face. This should be done in the monthly newsletter, with a special
mailing and through the e-lert system. It's that important.
We can do a better job including the community in a decision that will affect our
community, our city budget, our parks and our employees for years to come. It us
unreasonable and unfair to expect private citizens to spread the word about public
meetings.
I was hopeful that this new council would be proactive in soliciting citizen feedback.
This meeting feels rushed and the lack of puclic notification feels like a strategic, if
legal, move to limit discussion and to guide the process towards a particular outcome. If
the council insists on holding this under -publicized meeting, I would question the
motivation.
Your group might also be interested to know that the Park Board voted as an advisory
committee to recommend AGAINST expansion of the old ferry terminal building footprint or
building envelope. And today as I drove past the store I remembered that the city required
the Green Store to be rebuilt with pinpoint historical accuracy. The useable square
footage represents that of the original structures on the site, with a new basement that is
not visible or accessible from the street. How can we not reflect the same preservation
attitude towards the iconic ferry building that now houses city hall?
There are alternatives out there, and tough choices to be made, but rushing to a decision
out of fatigue, or worse, laziness is simply not good enough. We deserve better.
Heija Nunn
1
-----Original Message -----
From: heija@heija.com [mailto:heija@heija.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:49 AM
To: ccmail@medina-wa.gov
Cc: medina_matters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Citizen Communication and Feedback
Dear Mr. Caldwell and Honorable Council Members,
I understand the city intends to hold a special meeting on Wednesday May 28th to discuss
City Hall expansion options. So far I have neither seen, nor received any special
communication notifying citizens of this important meeting.
A decision to expand or relocate city facilities will impact our city for decades to come.
It is important to include all residents in this discussion in order to accurately reflect
the greater good and true desires of our entire community.
Please consider rescheduling the meeting until residents are properly notified. If you
proceed with this meeting two days after Memorial Day, I respectfully request that you use
both the e-lert notification system, and a special mailing to adequately notify the public
of this decision.
Any communication should include a brief description of ALL options that have been
presented or discussed as well as a clear idea of the timelines, permits and other
processes necessary for each possibility.
Planning a new or expanded City Facility is one of the most important decisions our city
will face. Certainly it also deserves the most citizen participation and communication.
Thank you for your time.
Heija Nunn
rN
Citv Hall Facilit
From: Paul Edelhertz [pedelhertz@orb.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 5:23 PM
To: City Hall Facility
Cc: Robert Rudolph; Shawn Whitney; Lucius Biglow; Mark Nelson; Drew Blazey; Bret Jordan;
Michael Caldwell; edelhertz@msn.com
Subject: RE: City Hall Expansion - Working through the options
Dear City Manager and Council Members,
I would like to reiterate my wife's overall comments, but also suggest a few philosophical
and process suggestions.
First, in any exercise of this type, it is important to have a set of goals and framework
for the process. Let me suggest a statement to drive the process (it may have a bit of my
bias tied up in it, but you get the idea):
11 It is critical to our community that our city hall and police staff have good working
conditions, while at the same time completely preserving our park space. We want to balance
the concerns of our neighbors who wish to restrain spending and minimize tax impact. We
recognize that there will be challenges to any new ideas. Land is expensive. Many people
don't want a new facility as a neighbor. The neighboring communities have historically not
wanted to work together with us on a solution. But, let's assume that all options are on
the table and we want to get broad representative feedback from our community and be
driven primarily by what is in the best long term interest of Medina"
Second, we should make some very clear statements about what has changed since the last
time the council embarked on this issue. For example:
1. We have a new council (this could affect issues such as Clyde Hill coming back to the
table if so desired, or willingness to reevaluate previously discarded options) 2. The
broad community is now energized to become actively involved (vs. primarily activists on
one side or the other).
3. Other communities have reached out to us to work together on a solution (e.g. Hunts
Point).
4. Property may be on the market now which was not previously available.
5. Others?
Finally, I think that we should break the problem down to assist us in solving it. For
example, rather than thinking of solutions as large, comprehensive, intractable objects,
let's make sure that we're looking at various components of the problem and potential
solutions separately. For example:
1. Short term solutions AND Long term solutions. We may have to come up with a mix of
these?
2. Let's break down the functions and be able to evaluate the solutions by function. For
example, council meetings, police facility, building department, community recreation,
etc.). Some of these functions may be best completely separated out (e.g. council
meetings), while others may be best centralized (e.g. core services) or distributed (e.g.
police) 3. Cost/tax implications.
In my mind, the goal for this process should be to have the council (or some appointed
working group) recommend two or three options to the community that would represent
different cost/location/service quality options (e.g. Lowest cost vs. state of the art vs.
compromise). Then, the council could obtain clear direction from a well informed, engaged
broad cross section of the community to assist it in making a critical long term decision.
In terms of the process, I do agree with my wife that actively engaging the community is
critical. We need to broadly communicate every part of this process. It does appear that,
regardless of good intentions, the formal notification/communication tools haven't been
adequately used notify folks about this meeting. If we do go ahead with the meeting
tomorrow, it is critical to add additional steps in the process to make sure that the
feedback is broad and representative of the whole community.
1
Finally, I'll add a few of the options/items that should be included on the potential
solution list:
1. Consolidated police force with Clyde Hill/Hunts Point.
2. The Green Store. I KNOW that we are in the middle of litigation - but that very short
term (I hope) issue shouldn't preclude us from looking at a potentially viable longer term
option.
3. Reduce need for Medina Police facilities by placing a substation co -located with Hunts
Point/while retaining the same service contract.
I appreciate everyone's energy here, and I have great optimism that together we'll come up
with a great solution for our town.
Paul
Paul Edelhertz
8215 NE 8th st
Medina, WA 98039
From: Kristen Edelhertz [edelhertz@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:35 PM
To: Paul Edelhertz
Subject: FW: City Hall Expansion - Working through the options
Kristen Edelhertz
h: 425.455.0240
c: 425.241.9093
From: edelhertz@msn.com
To: cityhallfacility@medina-wa.gov
CC: rrudolph@medina-wa.gov; swhitney@medina-wa.gov; lbiglow@medina-wa.gov; mnelson@medina-
wa.gov; dblazey@medina-wa.gov; bjordan@medina-wa.gov; mcaldwell@medina-wa.gov
Subject: City Hall Expansion - Working through the options
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 02:42:09 -0700
Dear City Manager and Council Members,
I recently became involved in the issue of city hall facilities because of my concern that
Medina Beach would suffer from a city hall building expansion that I believe would have a
significant long-term negative impact on our beach park. I quickly became aware of the
urgent and very real issues facing our city employees and the terrible working conditions
in the current building. I am now very committed to finding a solution that both meets the
needs of our city employees AND protects our park space.
I think the council and our community need to agree on what our long-term goals are for
city hall facilities and parks. At the highest level, I hope that we can agree to protect
our parks and have adequate facilities for our city and police departments. I believe that
we should be looking for a long-term facilities solution that keeps our city hall functions
and police functions housed together in a space that is functional and flexible with the
minimum possible impact on residential neighborhoods and that does not take any space away
from our parks. I think we have a unique opportunity to accomplish this in conjunction
with the 520 expansion and the associated lids and parks.
More specifically I would support the following efforts in order of preference:
2
Option #1 -- City Facilities Near 520 Expansion
Find property along the 520 expansion project that would enable the thoughtful
design of a new city hall/police department building that would blend seamlessly into the
520 expansion plans.
Issue a bond measure if necessary. A clear vision, clear communication and
community education would be critical to gain support from the majority of Medina voters -
I believe it can be accomplished.
A new building designed to meet the needs of city hall and police employees with
flexible use space does not need to be a huge office complex.
Meeting space may or may not need to be added to a new building -- if it is true
that meetings do not need to be at City Hall then we have lots of meeting space within the
city limits -- Medina Elementary, St. Thomas and the current city hall building at Medina
Beach (post repair and upgrades).
The property at 2851 Evergreen Point Road across from the park-n-ride is a very
good option toward this goal and it is currently on the market. The benefits of this
property in particular are:
o Provides a short-term solution (house staff and some police until the repairs/seismic
upgrades are made to the current city hall and then use it to house one or the other until
the expansion happens).
o Provides a long-term solution (design new building to blend with new lid and park-n-
ride at Evergreen Point Road overpass).
o Allows for strong police presence at public park-n-ride & first public transport stop
on the Eastside
Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center
(revenue generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police
presence at the park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #2 -- City Facilities at Another Location (Long-term)
Ask for first right of refusal for the property at 851 Lake Washington Blvd.
This property is next door to the First Church of Christ, Scientist building. The property
is accessed from Lake Wa. Blvd and is shielded from uphill neighbors and the neighbor to
the north with mature vegetation and landscaping. Arrangements with the church could also
allow for access through their parking lot and/or sharing of parking spaces on the church
property. Specific benefits:
o Minimal impact to any Medina neighborhoods with location on one of the busier roads.
o Easily accessible.
o Lot space available to house both city hall and police together (possibly with a
remodel vs. a new build).
o Available parking during the week and at night.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
Inquire about the First Church of Christ, Scientist property itself. If they are
3
willing to entertain a possible sale then the city would also need to work with Bellevue to
change the property jurisdiction over to Medina. Specific benefits:
o Plenty of lot space and parking (even for the mobile police unit).
o Could probably remodel existing building without adding more footprint.
o Located at one entrance to our city.
Inquire about possible land trade (city owns road through their parking lot) or
purchase from Overlake Golf Club.
o Dirt area off 24th Street just west and across from Wells Medina.
o Space next to or behind St. Thomas Elementary where Overlake's maintenance facilities
are located (accessible from NE 12 Street or 84th Street NE).
Inquire about the BSD Three Points Elementary property that is vacant to the east
of the Bellevue Christian parking lot on NE 28th Street.
Inquire about the unused lot between Wells Medina and the power sub -station.
Inquire about purchasing Medina Chevron property or property adjacent to Medina
Chevron.
Upgrade and convert the historic building at Medina Beach to a community center
(revenue generating if desired) and house a small police substation to allow for police
presence at the park (particularly in the busy summer months) and both ends of town.
Option #3 -- Separate Facilities for City Hall and Police Functions (good short-term option
but less desirable long-term option)
Remodel the current Medina Beach city hall building, maintaining its current
footprint and envelope, to house one function and some community space if possible.
Find new location for the other function --
o Hunts Point has offered to lease space for police department or police substation
o Smaller of the locations listed in #2 above
o Ask for first right of refusal for triangle property across 84th Ave NE from Medina
Chevron
Regardless what the long-term solution is, we must move quickly to improve the conditions
for city hall and police staff. They should be placed in leased office space as close to
Medina as possible while we do the life/safety repairs, upgrades, expand the basement into
the 5 foot crawl space and change the current meeting space into office space. Meetings
can be held at Medina Elementary. Once the work is complete on the Medina Beach building,
some or all of the staff can move back into to the upgraded building until the long-term
solution is implemented.
I am concerned that not enough people know about the Special Meeting on Wednesday, May
28th. I have tried to spread the word and the Medina Matters group has publicized it as
well. However, our communication is only reaching a small percentage of our citizens.
4
That said, I do appreciate the time you are taking to consider other options and the effort
to try to get more public comment on this issue. Thank you!
Kristen Edelhertz
h: 425.455.0240
c: 425.241.9093
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5
REET TAX REVENUE Percent of Budget
2008 Budget $8251,000
As of April 30 $1099216 13.3%
As of May 28 $183,932 22.9%
Year End Estimate $6601,000 80%
MINIMUM RESERVES
Reserves @ 35% of Total Budget ($7,984,275)
Equals $2,794,496
Beginning fund balance, as of April 30, 2008
Plus reserve
Minus 35% of total budget ($2,794,496)
Plus 2008 REET year end balance
Plus 2008 City Hall Remodel Budget
Plus 2009 REET Tax Extimate
$2,4709946
2,276,380
$497479326
$1,952,830
1899937
760,000
$299029767
$ 660,000
$395629767