By Randy Kugler
What happened to our old City Hall? The City described it as an old, leaking, mold filled building that was so unsafe for use that employees could no longer work there.
The City’s selected contractor to build the new City Hall described all of the above negative building conditions associated with the reuse of the Underhill structures. Then just months later, he purchased and remodeled the old City Hall on Laneda as his business office. His new office has the same concrete slab on grade foundation as the School and Q Hut and is less than 300 feet away from the ground shaking dangers that he claimed would potentially destroy the Underhill structures.To this point his remodel does not include the installation of the bored pilings he claimed were the economical solution necessary to prevent foundation failure.
Finally, when Mayor Simmons requested access to the Old City Hall and Fire Station to examine the potential of those respective facilities for reuse, the City Manager denied her request to enter the buildings because “volunteers are not allowed” and then stated that the Mayor “was trying to undermine the new City Hall project.” I would note that EVC volunteers have complete access to the old Fire Station with no apparent concerns by the City Manager.
Those citizens who have taken exception to me sharing my opinions about the City Hall project or other City business matters with Mayor Simmons and demanded that she sever all ties with me should be aware that Mayor Scott and other past and current Councilors have sought me out to meet with and seek my suggestions, opinions and support on other City issues.
After one private meeting Mayor Scott asked me to attend on the Underhill project he emailed me with the following: “Thanks for your thoughts. They are well thought out and I will share them with the council. I really appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this project over this past year.” In a separate email, Mayor Scott responded “I need your help in coming up with a strategy to get public support so we can make this project work.”
My experience with the City shows me that as long as you stay on script and do not ask too many questions, the Club has a place for you. If one dares to request an explanation or correction of public misstatements, the City Manager has recommended to the Council that “we must discourage or even ignore if necessary” such individuals.
This series on Club Manzanita is my attempt to present factual information concerning the policy and financial decisions of our public officials. I will continue to raise issues and have questions. I regularly receive emails from residents who I have never met who are interested in what is happening in our community but recognize the risks of publicly voicing those concerns. Thank you for watching what’s happening and your support.