City Hall was temporarily closed on January 13, 2026, due to indoor air quality concerns related to sewer gas. We understand there have been questions about why this resulted in the temporary closure, particularly since sewer infrastructure challenges in this area are not new.
City Hall and the Fire Department share a connected building and both have long managed limitations related to the age and design of the facility. City maintenance and Fire Department staff follow a regular maintenance and clean-out schedule on the sewer lines beneath the building to help reduce backups. These steps are part of ongoing efforts to keep the building functional and safe.
What changed was the level of impact inside the City Hall offices. Conditions reached a point where closing the building was necessary to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors. Unlike the Fire Department bays, which can be opened for airflow and ventilation, City Hall offices and public areas are more limited in comparison.
City Hall also includes areas that were formerly part of Parks and Recreation facilities, including restrooms that are no longer in regular use. As staff reviewed the situation, it became clear that these unused sewer lines will need more routine flushing going forward. Over time, the lack of regular water flow contributed to the unsafe conditions experienced. This developed gradually and became more noticeable as conditions evolved.
City staff responded promptly and took the following steps:
- Investigating the source of the issue
- Ventilating affected areas
- Coordinating corrective actions
- Confirming the building was safe before reopening
City Hall reopened once air quality returned to safe levels.
While sewer infrastructure challenges in this shared facility are not new, this closure reinforces the need to continue evaluating long-term solutions. Addressing aging infrastructure takes time, planning, and funding, and situations like this help guide future facility and capital improvement decisions.
We appreciate the professionalism of City maintenance and Fire Department staff who manage these conditions regularly and act quickly when circumstances change.
This situation is also a reminder to homeowners to be mindful of what goes into the sewer system. Feminine hygiene products, “flushable” wipes, and paper towels should never be flushed. Running water periodically through infrequently used drains in your home can also help prevent similar issues. Small preventative steps can help avoid larger, more costly repairs over time.