SHORELINE — The long and the short of the 90-day due diligence period for a new city hall is that it is extended for 45 additional days.
The delay, which was announced at the Feb. 28 Council meeting, gives city staff and Council an opportunity to review documents prepared by consultants with Olympic Associates.
“The information found so far does not show significant impediments,” deputy city manager Bob Olander said.
In December, the city council approved a purchase and sale agreement with Echo Lake Associates for the site, with the intent to potentially build a new city hall on the south end of Echo Lake, at 19250 Aurora Ave. N.
The feasibility report assessed a multitude of issues, including utilities, geo-technical analysis, environmental impacts, traffic and frontage improvements, a Joint Development Agreements (JDA), Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), space plan analysis and construction costs.
City manager Steve Burkett said the key issue that needs assessment is the pending JDA between the city and the YMCA. The city would likely partner with the Shoreline/South County Family YMCA, which would build a new $10 million-$13 million facility at the same site.
According to staff documents regarding the JDA, its intent is to clarify for all parties the legal, financial and management oversight responsibilities, as well as stipulate adherence to design standards. If the JDA is not completed, a recommendation to not acquire the site would be issued. The issue of multiple ownership impacts the JDA, building design, parking and final cost estimates.
Olander briefly elaborated on issues that were assessed in the study, which include the availability of utilities, water flow and the adequacy of the sewer line to the north, which will likely be replaced by Ronald Wastewater Sewer District.
Olander said there is minor environmental contamination on Aurora Avenue N., where fuel has damaged several hundred tons of soil, which will be trucked away by the site owner.
According to staff documents, cost estimates included in the feasibility study are estimated to be $22.3 million, and staff will be evaluating options to stay within the initial budgeted amount, $21.4 million.
The city has $11.4 million in savings for the down payment on the project. The remaining $10 million would be borrowed.
Also on the site would be structured parking, retail space, accommodations for a future police station, private housing, a common area and about 1.5 acres of park and open space along the Echo Lake waterfront.
Due to the 45-day extension, a final decision will not be reached by March 7, as initially expected.
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