The June 7, 2023 City Council meeting marked a significant milestone for Manzanita as the council moved forward with the new City Hall. This ambitious project, aimed at transforming the city’s administrative hub, has been the subject of extensive deliberation and planning. The Council reflected on the process.
Every aspect of the project was thoroughly scrutinized by the council.The total project cost is estimated at $5.79 million, which includes $755,000 allocated for owner contingencies, and $675,000 for the implementation of phase two including demolition. The council considered various financing options including debt or bond financing. The council’s financial strategy included the potential impact of a decrease in tourism.
The demolition, a significant part of the project, is expected to commence in November or December. This decision was made after careful consideration of various factors, including the project timeline, budget, and the need to minimize disruption to city operations.
The City Hall project was designed with the community in mind, and included a town hall meeting to engage the public and gather their opinions on the project. A visual preference survey was also conducted, and the majority of the participants expressed their support for new construction.
In addition to the Town Hall meeting, the council conducted public outreach initiatives and presented a detailed budget to the community. The council’s commitment to transparency and public participation is evident in these efforts. They have ensured that the community is not just informed about the project but is also actively involved in shaping it.
The City Hall project also includes plans for the utilization of the City Hall police station, which is situated on a 2.6-acre property. While the council has not made any definitive decisions, they have discussed potential uses for the property.
Residents expressed concern about the potential long-term debt if declining tourism trends continue, others suggested there could be better uses for that money. One resident suggested considering putting phase two of City Hall on the June Council agenda and a reduced budget. Other residents expressed their trust in the council’s decision-making process but also emphasized the importance of letting the citizens vote on the project.