Broader view of Argonne study urged
Mark Brower from W & H Pacific proposed taking a broader vision of the Argonne corridor study to the Millwood Town Council earlier this week.
A draft of the proposed contract included a detailed scope of the work, fee estimate and project plan listing tasks with timeline.
Brower explained that W & H proposal includes adding an urban planning and survey component to the original study.
“It has shown to be beneficial to have a coordinated plan looking at both land use and transportation,” said Brower. “We thought this was the best plan for the town.”
The previous survey of the corridor was performed 17 years ago and is obsolete. Brower believes the proposed new survey offers the city an accurate base map for the project. Mixed reaction from the council prompted Mayor Dan Mork to set a special meeting with W & H on Monday at 6 p.m. to discuss the matter. Councilman Kevin Freeman asked W & H to present a proposal outlining a per option basis at the special session.
The council’s mixed reaction is due in part to the new proposal’s larger price tag. According to Brower, the original estimated cost for the base-line study was $60,000. The updated proposal Brower presented totaled more than $120,000.
“My biggest concern about this project is we don’t want to be short sighted,” Mork said. “This is something that is going to pay off in 20 to 30 years.”
Also, Monday, Michael Wirt, director of the Spokane County Library District, presented plans for the Spokane Valley Library project.
The District proposes building a new Spokane Valley facility. The Board of Trustees is also considering building a new Greenacres branch along with expanding the Argonne branch 25 percent.
The estimated cost for the new 58,600-square-foot Valley facility is $24.2 million. A voter-approved Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) provides the funding for the project. The earliest the bond can go to vote is February 5, 2008.
A public hearing on the proposed voting area is scheduled June 19 at 4 p.m. at the Spokane Valley Library meeting room, 12004 E. Main Ave.
The Millwood Town Council plans to vote on whether Millwood should be included in the LCFA boundaries. The council has until October 2007 to reach a decision.
The council also discussed the possibility of adopting four city of Spokane Valley ordinances under a blanket resolution. The recommendation came from new code enforcement officer Bill Schultz. Schultz voiced concern about enforcing Millwood’s ordinances as written. The ordinances in question include junk vehicles, litter, public health and safety and dangerous machinery.
The council plans to hold two public hearings before adopting the ordinance revision. During public comments, a number of residents living on Laura Road near West Valley High School voiced concern over traffic safety. “We’re asking for assistance and an immediate solution to speeding and reckless driving that occurs on Laura Road,” said resident Dave Lejameyer. “We want the street kept safe.”
Councilman Freeman suggested meeting with West Valley to discuss the matter.