An Update on the Closure of City Hall |
|
At yesterday's City Council meeting, City Manager Jessi Bon provided a presentation and update on the closure of City Hall, including test results and estimated costs to re-occupy the building. City Hall has been closed since April after disturbed asbestos-containing tiles were discovered in the facility. The disturbed tiles were located adjacent to an air handling unit, which prompted the closure of City Hall and an initial investigation of the HVAC system.
City staff have been working with environmental safety experts, and in the early rounds of testing, asbestos was detected above background levels in the HVAC system requiring the system to be immediately shut down. Unfortunately, subsequent test results confirmed the presence of asbestos above background levels in settled dust across a large portion of the City Hall HVAC system. No airborne asbestos has been detected through multiple rounds of air quality testing.
The source of the asbestos has not been confirmed, but it is unlikely that the broken asbestos-containing tiles are the sole source of the contamination. Given the location of the asbestos in the HVAC system, staff speculate that the contamination may have occurred during a building renovation project in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
City Manager Bon engaged a consulting team to advise on the scope and cost to abate City Hall. The preliminary scope of work is extensive given the location of the asbestos contamination and will require the full removal and replacement of the HVAC system, lighting, cabling, and ceilings throughout City Hall. The preliminary cost estimate to complete this work and re-occupy City Hall is $10 million, with the project duration estimated at 18 to 24 months.
The City Council discussed the findings and, although no formal action was taken, the general consensus was not to make this type of investment in a facility that is at the end of its useful life and due for replacement. The City Manager will return to the City Council this fall with a recommendation to permanently close City Hall.
Work was already underway on a Long-Term Facilities Plan to address the replacement of City Hall and the Public Works Maintenance Building. This planning work will continue on an accelerated schedule given the unanticipated closure of City Hall.
Because City Hall cannot reopen in the near future as originally anticipated, City staff are working through extended alternative operation plans across different City teams, including relocating the Police Department, Court functions, and other services. City services will continue operating virtually or from alternate facilities during this time and there will be no change to how most City services operate and respond to your needs. If you need assistance accessing services or have questions about this closure, please contact the City’s Customer Service Team.
To learn more about the test results, estimated costs, and the City’s plans, watch the Council Meeting recording to see City Manager Bon's presentation and the Council's discussion.
|
|
Summer Celebration Draws a Crowd |
Last weekend's Summer Celebration set a record for attendance (and for fun). An estimated 6,000 people came out for the parade and festivities at Mercerdale Park, and 5,000 headed to Luther Burbank Park for the live music and signature fireworks show!
The City would like to extend a big thank you to the many Islanders and neighbors who attended the event, and to our sponsors Mercer Island Martial Arts, The Mercer Apartment Homes, Mercer Island Community Fund, The Park at Belle Harbour, ParentMap, Jake Jacobson, Windermere MI, Luther Burbank Savings, Heritage Wealth Advisors, John L. Scott, Island Books, Island Treats, and The Mercer Island School District for making Summer Celebration possible.
PS: save the date for next year's event on July 13, 2024. More info on what's to come will be shared at the beginning of the year.
|
|
Recology Service: Pickup Calendar Error |
Last November, Recology provided a mailer to Mercer Island customers that flipped the recycling service weeks starting in July. This mailer was incorrect.
Customers' biweekly recycling collections will continue as normal through the end of the year and no changes are occurring. Islanders should continue to put recycling bins out for service on the weeks you normally would. You can see the correct calendar on Recology's website or contact their customer service department with questions. |
|
Mercer Island Library Shifts Hours |
The King County Library System has changed and extended operational hours for the Mercer Island branch, extending closing by one hour on weekdays. The library will now also be open on Saturdays (closed on Sundays).
The Mercer Island branch is open 10:00am - 6:00pm Monday, Thursday and Friday and noon - 8:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 11:00am - 6:00pm on Saturday. More information on the Mercer Island branch can be found on the King County Library System website. |
|
Reminder: Mostly Music in the Park |
Grab your friends and family, dinner to-go, and those low back chairs... Mostly Music in the Park is back! Enjoy a relaxing evening at Mercerdale Park, with the next show happening tomorrow, July 20, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Take in the sunshine and free live music, plus arts and crafts provided by the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL). You can browse the full lineup and schedule for upcoming shows (each Wednesday through August 17). The City thanks sponsors 4Culture, the Mercer Island Community Fund, MIVAL, and Island Treats for supporting this event. |
|
Follow our official social media channels: |
|
City of Mercer Island
206-275-7600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
