Highland considering new City Hall

HIGHLAND — Highland city officials are debating whether to make a few changes to City Hall or just build a new one. It's a question of how best to spend the taxpayers' dollars: a face lift now or a complete new look in five years?

In the meantime, the current facility has a few problems that need immediate attention. The access ramp for the building is too steep for safe wheelchair access, and a central open area without a traditional front counter is confusing for many residents who often end up wandering about looking for the right person to help them. That, in turn, creates some security concerns.

"The facility is adequate for the current staffing. We're not out of room," said Mayor Jess Adamson. "If we remodel, it will just be to improve functionality, for convenience."

City Administrator Barry Edwards said a couple of options have been discussed, from redesigning the interior to adding on, with cost estimates ranging from $70,000 to $90,000.

Edwards said there is some concern that too much shifting around could impact the resell value of the building. Edwards said an architectural firm is preparing conceptual sketches right now, but nothing certain has been decided.

Adamson said the expectation is that the city will build a new facility in the town center area near Kohler's grocery at the intersection of the Alpine and Highland highways.

"I would think we'd be looking at about five to seven years from now," Adamson said. "So does it make sense to spend money to remodel now and then build?"

Adamson said the city has received a complaint about the access ramp. The ramp conformed to requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act when it was constructed 10 years ago, but ADA standards have since changed.

Highland's population has grown considerably during that time, the mayor said. "We have 11,000 people here now."

Consequently, there's need for more file space and enhanced security.

Highland was operating its government out of a double-wide trailer prior to building the current City Hall.

City recorder Winnie Jensen said she remembers working out of her home for a while and then part-time in the temporary offices.

"I was just really glad when we built this building," she said.

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