Kellogg sets sights on new city hall

KELLOGG — The city is seeking input on a potential new civic building, with an eye to the future.

Monica Miller, community planner, highlighted the challenges posed by the current building's layout. "The building is just not configured very well. It's shaped kind of like a train car, and people have to walk through council chambers to use the bathroom," Miller said, noting this can disrupt meetings.

Currently, a converted warehouse on McKinley Ave houses city hall, the Kellogg Police Department, and city council chambers.

Before allocating funds, the city wants community engagement on possible uses and locations for the new building. The main goal is to create a space housing city staff, police department, and city council, with the potential addition of the Kellogg Public Library.

"It's still just a dream, but we had to get the conversation going," Miller said.

The design would need to separate police and city council spaces from public areas. The library's lease expiration in a few years makes this an opportune time to assess possibilities.

Miller recently conducted an informal poll at Kellogg Music in the Park to gather initial feedback. The city is using Rathdrum's city campus as a model for both community involvement and multi-functional design.

A webpage for resident input and polling on potential features is planned. "We want them to feel like they have stakes in the game," Miller said.

Given the city's space constraints, Miller hopes the public might suggest unused land for the future structure.

While an outdoor venue is a lower priority, there's interest in creating a public gathering space for community groups.

"The community always pulls together when we need them to," Miller added.

Potential funding sources include grants, city funds, private land sales, and possibly bonds.

Though there's no set timeframe, residents will soon be able to submit their thoughts on the project through the city's website.

    The City of Kellogg is considering getting a new building for community as well as civic functions.
  

    Kellogg City Hall