2015, 11-18 special 5 pm MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING STUDY SESSION
Spokane Valley Council Chambers
Spokane Valley,Washington 99206
Wednesday,November 18,2015 5:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Dean Grafos,Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager
Arne Woodard, Deputy Mayor Mark Calhoun, Deputy City Manager
Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Ed Pace, Councilmember John Hohman, Community& Econ. Dev. Dir.
Ben Wick, Councilmember Lori Barlow, Senior Planner
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Pro Tem Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Carolbelle Branch,Public Information Officer
Others in Attendance: Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Steve Roth, Project Manager Architects West
Angie Everstine, Design Source
Mayor Grafos called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present.
Mayor Grafos welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. At the Mayor's request, Mr. Roth and Ms.
Everstine introduced themselves.
DISCUSSIONS: Interior Design Options for New City Hall—John Hohman
Mr. Roth said that they spent considerable time to arrive at the range of finished products shown on the
table.Ms.Everstine then explained that the design team felt they needed to create a neutral pallet that would
last for more than thirty years,one inspired by nature and one where lots of things can go with it;said they
have a gray base with blue or brown, and it appears most were leaning toward the blue/gray; said the team
evaluated the color concerning how much should be used, that they didn't want colors that were too bold
or colors that looked like they spent too much money; said she they were very budget conscious. She also
talked about some of the flooring materials for the various areas,including Council Chambers. Mr.Jackson
added that they want to make sure Council is comfortable with the choices and said there are a variety of
colors and styles from which to choose; said bolder colors seem to go out of style, and that we wanted to
have something a little more classy than using bright colors; and also said more examples/samples could
be produced if Council desired. Mr.Jackson said they relied heavily on the architect.
Ms. Everstine mentioned that the blue colors would add a bit more variety than having everything brown;
she mentioned tiles in the lobby in the form of a river, and said they are still working on those; also
mentioned the idea of tile on the stairs up to the second floor, and said that tile is more durable than carpet
and has less wear issues, and carpet tiles can be replaced if damaged. She said that the majority of the
building would use those carpet squares. One of the samples she displayed looked like pebbles and rocks,
and she suggested that could be used in the second floor conference room, and if desired,they could come
up with a pattern that looks like a river. She also suggested an area rug on the second floor. She suggested
sheet vinyl for areas like the janitor closets and bathrooms; but to have the lobby tile for the floor continue
in the restrooms, and behind the toilets, with lighting for the wall, with perhaps a 12 x 24 tile light purple
panel; and which would cover from floor to ceiling. She also mentioned bigger format tiles on the walls;
Special 5 p.m.Council Meeting:November 18,2015 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council: December 8,2015
that the coffee bars also might have a band of tile, but nothing too trendy,just something to add a little
interest to the coffee bar and/or bathrooms. She mentioned quartz for the bathroom counters and said they
will last forever. Other areas of focus she mentioned included the area going up the open stairs; said the
wall needs something and they are looking at adding texture,maybe river,panels,waves,graphics,etc.,but
that has not been determined yet.
Mr. Hohman said that the interior design they last saw had brick on the inside of the lobby, but that after
further thought,they felt that would change as it would be a cost issue;said the interior will now be drywall
but maybe have a wrapping brick element into it to tie the building together. Mr. Roth said they were
thinking about some very small brick accents inside the lobby, but that 99% of the lobby interior would be
drywall, and he said there is still a lot of work to do in the lobby. Ms. Everstine mentioned the idea of
artwork on the walls so we would want neutral walls.Councilmember Hafner said whatever is determined,
the lobby will be one of the most important areas since that will be people's first impression of City Hall.
Ms. Everstine said once a baseline is established,they will finish the design and sketches.
Ms. Everstine said they are trying to get finishes that would appeal to most, and said the reception desk
itself will look classy. Mr. Roth said they would like to get some general decision on the finishes,
specifically for the main reception and permit counter, which he said are not designed yet. Mr. Hohman
mentioned the idea of the river, which he said would be the main visual/eye-catcher, and said the team is
looking at having the river meander through to take you where you want to go, such as to the receptionist
desk. Mr. Roth also mentioned that the idea is upon entering City Hall, the first thing to see would be the
river,which starts outside;he mentioned the openness once inside and that people could see up to the second
floor and that it gives a sense of openness and friendliness and a sense of where you are; and echoed that
the most important places would be the receptionist desk and permit counter.Deputy Mayor Woodard asked
about the location of the river rock, and Ms. Everstine said they are working with that now, to perhaps
incorporate it into the receptionist desk and possibly the wall up the stairs,but that they are still evaluating
that idea. Mayor Grafos said that there should be enough of the river rock to be an accent piece. Mayor
Grafos also asked about lighting, and Mr. Roth said that also has not yet been determined, and they are
going to have a meeting in about a week and a half concerning lightening fixtures. Mr. Hohman said they
are looking at LED lighting for the entire building.
Mr.Jackson said the plan is to schedule time at every study session to discuss City Hall;and at one of those
future meetings, we can bring in some lighting fixtures. Councilmember Higgins asked about the rock
pyramid and Mr. Hohman said that also has not yet been determined. Mr. Hohman mentioned that there
will be some seating in the plaza area of City Hall and the idea was to have the seating walled with river
rock, but to stay away from river rock on the exterior because of the exterior masonry walls.
Councilmember Pace said he likes the idea Ms. Everstine mentioned earlier about buying some materials
locally, as well as working within budget; said the blue colors appeal to him and first impressions are
important, as we want to make everyone feel welcome. Councilmember Gothmann agreed. Deputy Mayor
Woodard said durability is important, and that he too leans toward the blue colors as they are calming.
Concerning the river rock,Ms. Everstine mentioned that the concept is more toward natural materials,and
Mayor Grafos agreed that we do not want to see materials that are dated. Mr. Roth said of the suggested
materials, they are neither the least nor the most expensive, but are good quality mid-range, commercial
grade materials.
Mr.Hohman said he will be working with Mr.Jackson on upcoming Council study session agendas to bring
relevant information to Council, and that the team is still looking at such things as structural elements,
HVAC, electrical, server, and computers; mentioned the 3-D renderings from the September 29 meeting,
said there is a small design change for the permit side of the building,that the main entry had vertical glass
and the west side's glass was tipped out,but for various reasons,a lot which has to do with costs,those will
not be tilted out but will match the glass at the front of the building. Mr. Roth said most of the exterior is
Special 5 p.m. Council Meeting:November 18,2015 Page 2 of 3
Approved by Council: December 8,2015
"set" at this point as shown in the renderings, and Mayor Grafos and Deputy Mayor Woodard both said
they would like to see river rock on the exterior. Mr. Roth said he will look at that but is a bit nervous about
it as it is something like wearing plaid and stripes together,that they are nice on their own but don't' always
mesh; but said he realizes this is important so will look at this, and Councilmember Hafner suggested a
visualization would help.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
ATTES Dean Grafos,Mayor
•
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
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Approved by Council: December 8,2015