MUKILTEO – In the 14-year-long marathon of choosing a permanent city hall site in Mukilteo, a dark horse came out of nowhere and beat the others by a nose.
In a surprise choice, the Mukilteo City Council voted 5-2 late Monday to build city hall on a parcel in the southern part of Harbour Pointe.
The council members agreed to put it there – a site none wanted – because they couldn’t agree on any of the other four sites.
The 1.13-acre site at the northwest corner of Harbour Pointe Boulevard and Cyrus Way also costs $200,000 less than the cheapest of the other sites.
Councilman Kevin Stoltz, who preferred 47th Place W., ended up voting for the compromise site. “I never would have expected this decision,” he said.
Councilwoman Lori Kaiser’s first choice was next to the Rosehill Community Center. When that didn’t fly, she decided to vote for the compromise site.
“My second alternative is to make sure I don’t overcharge my constituents,” she said.
The city estimates it will cost a total of $8.7 million to buy and build on the Harbour Pointe site.
The other sites would have cost more: $8.9 million for a site on Third Street; $10.1 million for one on the Mukilteo Speedway; $11.3 million for a spot on 107th Place W.; and $12.7 million for a site on 47th Place W.
City officials estimate they could move into the new building in December 2008.
The Harbour Pointe site was on the city’s original list of possible locations, but was kicked off earlier this year. It was put back on the list last week.
The city reached a tentative agreement with property owner Pearl Tiffany of Arlington on Sept. 25 to purchase the property for $775,000, according to Jonette Wiltse, Tiffany’s daughter.
Family members lived on the property until about 15 years ago, and it’s been vacant for about 12 years, said Wiltse, who grew up there.
The parcel was not among the city hall alternatives presented to the public at a Sept. 20 open house.
“In the end, you’re choosing a site the public didn’t even see,” said Mayor Joe Marine, who did not vote but expressed his displeasure with the choice before and after the decision.
Councilmen Bruce Richter and Randy Lord voted against the Harbour Pointe site.
Council president Jennifer Gregerson objected to the choice because of its southerly location, but in the end agreed to the compromise.
Council members said the southern Harbour Pointe location could become more central if the city annexes land to the south.
Councilman Marko Liias said the site is appealing not only because of its lower cost, but because it doesn’t carry the emotion associated with some of the other sites.
“I’m confident we have a good solution,” he said.
Residents who spoke were split, with some advocating Third Street, and others anywhere but Third Street.
Some said they just wanted the city to get it over with. The city has rented space at 4480 Chennault Beach Road since 1992.
“I think finally it’s time to make a decision,” resident Dave Zunkel said.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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