Snoqualmie tagline talks tabled by council
March 26, 2008
By Ed Farrell
“It’s very bland,” was one local resident’s verdict Monday on Snoqualmie’s proposed slogan, or tagline, of “Your Place of Discovery.”
“Lukewarm,” was the shared term used by several council members, who ultimately tabled adoption of the term until April 14.
Addressing the Snoqualmie City Council, Gene Pollard urged officials to take the matter to local school children as a competition.
“There’s something missing,” Pollard said. “You’re leaving out the identity.”
Pollard also expressed concern that while the city’s Web site asked for a vote on the matter, there appeared to be no easy way to do so.
A more user-friendly capability would, Pollard said, have generated feedback.
Joan Pliego, communications director for the city, said opinions were being solicited through e-mails or appearances before the council or a committee.
Pliego reported to the council she had received very few responses and characterized them as “five yeses, eight others and no nos.”
The effort did show, however, the public is open to having a tagline, she said.
Mayor Matt Larson cast his support with the proposal, saying, “I still think this is a strong one.”
Councilman Robert Jeans said focusing on discovery is a perfect marriage for the city.
“When downtown is redeveloped, there will be people from all over discovering downtown,” Jeans said.
Councilman Charles Peterson, however, said his own discussions with townsfolk showed little backing for the nominated phrase.
“I don’t find any support for that verbiage,” Peterson said.
Even a minor change, such as “Come Discover Snoqualmie,” would be an improvement, Peterson said. “Your Place of Discovery just doesn’t fit.”
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” said Councilwoman Maria Henriksen, “but it doesn’t grab me.”
“I’m lukewarm,” said Councilman Bryan Holloway, “but I think we’re right where we ought to be.”
Councilman Kingston Wall said he was coming in on the lukewarm side, but noted that because the tagline is anticipated to have a limited lifespan and could eventually be discarded, he was willing to go along.
The temporary nature of the tagline sparked a statement from Larson, who said there was confusion as to how much the city is spending in the branding effort.
At its March 10 meeting, Pliego told the council she had been working with LoudEdge Creative Communications in an effort to find an appealing tagline. In a related move, the council approved spending up to $27,000 with LoudEdge to place the selected slogan on a variety of items that could include postcards, folders, thank-you notes and stickers.
The creation of the tagline was “virtually free,” Pliego said. “We’re not paying for the tagline.”
Pliego also said at the earlier meeting that she envisioned a short life for the tagline; when the merchandise was gone, so, too, would go the logo, unless the council authorized additional funding.
Given the split among the council, and the absence of Councilman Jeff MacNichols, the panel agreed to table the matter an additional three weeks, and to continue seeking citizen feedback.
Councilwoman Kathi Prewitt invited continued discussion, and suggested Pliego update the city’s Web site to allow for such participation.
In other action, the council approved a proposal for engineering services for design and construction administration for Water Reclamation Plant North Sludge Lagoon Biosolids Removal Project.
According to staff reports, the scope of the contract, with a budget of $48,678, will be to “dredge, mechanically dewater, and land apply biosolids.” Later, the biosolids will be removed and remaining water pumped to the treatment plant for treatment and discharge. Upon completion, the lagoon will be decommissioned and backfilled with soil.
Council also authorized the Public Works Department to solicit bids for the Silva Avenue Southeast road construction project.
The scope will include providing street improvements on Silva between Southeast River Street and Southeast Newton Avenue, including repair of existing street; removing and replacing curb and gutter on both sides of street and Americans with Disabilities Act pedestrian ramps at roadway intersections.
A contract with King County to accept $20,000 in funding to improve the city’s emergency radio system was approved. The contract calls for the city to use the funds to “provide improvements to existing city infrastructure to create better communication channels in the case of an emergency.”
Ed Farrell can be reached at efarrell@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248.
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