Millwood to launch Argonne study
MILLWOOD – The Millwood Town Council voted unanimously Monday to award the engineering firm of W&H Pacific the contract for the Argonne Road corridor study.
W&H Pacific was one of five local firms interviewed by the council March 8.
The study is being made in response to a citizen survey last year, identifying Argonne Road as a primary concern. Over the next 10 years, Argonne traffic is estimated to increase to 50,000 cars per day.
W&H Pacific’s five-month study will include a comprehensive analysis of Argonne to determine how to increase traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety.
“Right now, Argonne divides Millwood in half,” said Mayor Dan Mork. “Pedestrians have a hard time crossing the street.”
Solutions being considered are speed reduction, bicycle and center turn lanes, pedestrian bridges and an alternate route through town.
The study, estimated to cost $30,000 to $50,000, will begin after contract negotiations are finalized.
“It’s a really important study for the community, “said Mork. “We’ll get some answers that we don’t have right now.”
In other Millwood council news, negotiations are under way with the city of Spokane Valley to contract with one of its code enforcement officers. The council is waiting for approval from the city manager to finalize the agreement.
“They will work Saturdays on a per incident basis,” said Mork, “so there won’t be a conflict of interest.”
A code enforcement officer is needed to respond to complaints about such things as litter, junk vehicles and parking violations.
The council also agreed to review its interagency agreement with Spokane County for permit review and building inspections.
Planning director Heather Cannon and Councilman Kevin Freeman recommended terminating the city’s agreement with Spokane County and negotiating an interagency agreement with the city of Spokane Valley. Millwood’s agreement with Spokane County dates back to 1994.
Freeman announced plans to research the acquisition of the McVay Brothers Siding and Windows property, 3106 N. Argonne Road, for use as a potential community center.
Freeman also requested that the council revisit an idea to change Millwood’s status from a town to a city.
“It has no immediate impact on how we do things,” said Councilman Richard Schoen. “It just gives us more flexibility.”
The council set a special meeting with the Planning Commission for May 21 at 6 p.m. to discuss the historic preservation enhancement project.
The mayor announced Millwood’s new Web site, townofmillwood.com, to be launched this month. Students at Spokane Valley High School designed the site.
During public comments, Richard Gardner expressed concern about racing on Empire Avenue. He asked the council to look into painting double yellow striping on the street.
Mork asked the council to add Empire to the Argonne corridor study because it is a major traffic feeder onto Argonne.
Steve Peters raised a similar concern about traffic safety on Laura Road. The council plans to seek increased sheriff’s patrols on both streets.