Community Government
City Council agrees to let Harbor History Museum study future of old Masonic Lodge
The Gig Harbor City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Harbor History Museum regarding the historic Masonic Lodge near Crescent Creek Park.
The agreement approved Monday, Oct. 23, calls for the museum to conduct surveys about possible use of the building as an events center. The museum also will provide basic plans, cost estimates and funding sources for any proposed remodeling projects.
The agreement lasts through July 13, 2024, and won’t be renewed except under specific circumstances. It can be terminated prior to that date by either party, with 30 days notice.
The lodge was built in 1915 as Crescent Valley School, then was bought by the Masons in 1947 and remodeled.
The city purchased it in 2017. It has been largely empty ever since, except for a preschool that leases space in the basement.
Earlier this year, the council considered demolishing the building. Public outcry prevented that from happening and the city put the demolition plan on hold so the museum and local residents could develop a plan to save and use the Masonic Lodge.
“Part of our mission at the museum is historic preservation,” museum Executive Director Stephanie Lile said in a subsequent phone conversation. “So we’re convening a community group to create a vision for the lodge, to present to the city. Could it become a functional building for, say, events for 150 people?”
The museum will conduct an online survey and probably hold a series of public meetings to gauge public interest, Lile said.
General fund revenues down compared to 2022
Finance Director Dave Rodenbach provided a mid-biennial review of the city’s 2023-24 budget. Rodenbach told the council that general fund revenues are down nearly $400,000 compared to 2022. Development permits including building, mechanical and plumbing permits were especially hard-hit.
Sales tax revenues are down about 3 percent ($700,000) so far in 2023. Total general fund revenues are expected to come in about $900,000 less than budgeted, Rodenbach said.
Meanwhile, debt service payments on bonds issued in January 2023 drove general fund expenditures about $166,000 over budget.
Consequently, several vacant staff positions are unfilled, including a risk and safety officer, an associate planner, two building inspectors, a community development assistant, an engineering project manager and an National Pollution Discharge Elimination coordinator. Most of the open positions are in the Community Development department, which is experiencing a drop-off in activity.
One significant expenditure in the current budget — an upgrade to the HVAC system at the Civic Center on Grandview Street – costs an estimated $2.2 million. That’s a necessary project that should go ahead, Rodenbach said. Options for paying for the project include paying out of pocket or selling bonds, which could spread the $2.2 million across 15 to 20 years.
New police office
Interim Mayor pro tem Le Rodenberg swore-in Adam Moutaftsis as the city’s newest police officer, then read a proclamation from Mayor Tracie Markley declaring October 23 through 27 as Police Appreciation Week. Markley was not at the Oct. 23 meeting.
Upcoming meetings
The council will meet for a a virtual study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. The council also will attend a business listening session at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13.