Medical Lake City Council talks roads and fireworks
By JAMES EIK
Staff Reporter
The Medical Lake City Council approved the city's six-year transportation plan at its Tuesday, June 19 meeting, setting up a template for improving some roads and walkways.
Much of the work is carried over from previous years, as funding becomes available.
“This year's plan looks a lot like last year's plan,” City Administrator Doug Ross said.
In 2013, the city will work along North Howard Street, improve areas around City Hall and along State Highway 902 east of Stanley Street, focusing on asphalt repair through various streets. This year, the city will finish up a sidewalk project near Denny's Harvest Foods in addition to regular maintenance on roadways.
On average, patching up streets costs in the neighborhood of $65,000 to $75,000. As a result, the city largely relies on outside sources of funding, primarily grants, for its major projects.
Also approved at the meeting was a request to put a replacement for the city's Emergency Medical Services levy on the November ballot. The current levy expires this year.
The levy is set for a maximum of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, a rate which doesn't increase from the current levels.
Three fireworks stands were approved within city limits and are set to run from July 1 – 4. Last year, vendors handed out material to customers about proper use. This year, following some improper use, the City Council hoped to step up its efforts.
Fireworks can only be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Their use is also prohibited in city parks or other city-owned land. Posters will be up at fireworks sites, encouraging residents to clean up after the festivities and to not discharge them in a way that would obstruct streets.
The City Council also approved the first reading of two finance-related ordinances. The first would reflect some changes in the state's RCW code related to gambling activity tax rates. None is currently collected in city limits.
A second ordinance focused on cleaning up language regarding petty cash funds at City Hall. Among the changes included removing language for concessions and parking at Waterfront Park, items on which the city no longer collects money.
Don and Vickie Kennedy provided an overview of the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival, taking place Aug. 10 – 12 at Waterfront Park. Among the headlining bands for this year include the Josh Williams Band, Dirk Powell, The Quebe Sisters Band and Foghorn Stringband.
The festival raises money for local charities, and attracts some large name talents based on sponsorship from area companies.
Ross said the wastewater treatment plant joined 107 other plants in the state that met all of its requirements for discharge in 2011.
Two new volunteers, Jessica Knezovich and Jeremy Wilson, were appointed to the Medical Lake Fire Department. Knezovich comes to the department from Spokane County Fire District 10, where she served as an EMT intermediate. Wilson is trained as an Air Force firefighter and also worked with the Washington State EMT.
The City Council also praised the fire department for its work on the June 2 blaze, which burned a historical home in the city. Crews from across the Spokane region came to help exteinguish the fire, which was contained on the property. Eight firefighters were on the scene in 11 minutes, Estes said.
“Let them know they're doing an excellent job,” Mayor John Higgins said.
Now in summer session, the City Council will have its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 in the council chambers. Through July, August and September, there is only one meeting each month. Regular meetings resume in October.
James Eik can be reached at james@cheneyfreepress.com.
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