Council agrees to create permanent city building committee to guide police station and other municipal projects

Summary

Council members proposed and agreed to a standing 'City Building Committee' to oversee needs assessments and future capital building projects, including possible new police station planning. The committee will be small (five members), include staff such as the police or fire chief when relevant, and be appointed by the mayor.

Council members discussed forming a standing committee to manage needs assessments and planning for potential municipal building projects, including a possible new police station. Councilman Thomas introduced the item noting budget funds had been set aside for a needs assessment for a new police station. Several members recommended a broader, permanent body—a City Building Committee—that would convene as projects arise, draw on technical experts, and help shepherd projects from needs assessment to planning and budgeting. Members suggested a small core membership (about five members), with fluid technical participants (for example, a technology adviser, interior designer, fire chief or police chief) invited as needed. The committee would be mayor-appointed and include two council members and relevant staff representation. Council directed staff to prepare a resolution creating the committee for the regular meeting. No enrollment or membership list was finalized at the work session; council members emphasized the committee should meet only as required and that its membership remain compact to avoid undue bureaucratic delay.