Medical Lake may cede land to youth ranch

The Medical Lake City Council may agree to vacate a small portion of land at Stanley and Percival streets to the Jensen Memorial Youth Ranch, if the city doesn’t have any franchise agreements with Avista for the power line on that land.

Jim Johnson, a board member of the ranch, said the nonprofit organization would like to remodel and expand the existing building, which used to be a Masonic Lodge, to make a community center. Because the organization will have to maintain the landscaping and parking lot, it would be more convenient for the organization to have the land.

The city would maintain an easement on the property for utilities.

Doug Ross, city administrator, worried the city may violate any agreement it may have with Avista and asked Johnson and Carl Grub of the ranch, if they would bring any survey information to the mayor’s office.

Overall, the council was favorable to the project.

“This is sorely needed in this community,” said Councilwoman Brenda Redell.

Councilman Art Kulibert wondered what the zoning was in the area and was told by Ross that it is designated for mixed use.

The council will take another look at this agreement at the next council meeting.

The council also agreed to approve permits for three fireworks stands that will open July 1.

Fireworks can be legally purchased within the city limits from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-3. On July 4, fireworks may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fireworks can’t be discharged on any city-owned property, including parking lots, buildings or other public parks. They can only be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.

The next Medical Lake City Council meeting will be July 21.