Argonne construction may be postponed
Presentation by three engineering firms vying for next year’s design phase of the Argonne Road reconstruction and rehabilitation project prompted discussion on postponing construction until 2009 during Monday’s Millwood town council meeting.
The town is considering a delay while exploring funding options to incorporate desired recommended improvements beyond the original scope of the project.
“I encourage the Town of Millwood to do everything they can while the street is torn up,” said Keith Martin, Eastern Region Washington State Department of Transportation local programs engineer, and certified acceptance engineer, during an interview after the meeting. “It (construction) impacts the businesses and traveling public.”
Martin recommends the town consider cleaning up the sidewalks and moving utilities underground.
While the council decides among design firms, W&H, one of the three companies under consideration, plans to complete its Argonne Corridor Study and present a final vision to the town by the end of the year.
The other firms competing for the project are Coffman Engineering and Welch Comer.
Martin estimates presenting a final recommendation at the next council meeting Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Other topics
“Nancy Hill, director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services, presented revisions to their program for next year.
The most significant change is an increase in pet licensing. A spayed/neutered cat will go from $8 to $15; dogs $13 to $20, nonspayed/neutered cats will go from $18 to $25; dogs $28 to $40. A public hearing will be held Tuesday to discuss the changes.
Millwood currently uses SCRAPS for animal control only. The town administers its own licensing program and sells pet licenses for neutered/spayed dog, $13; cat, $8, nonspayed/neutered dog, $28; cat, $18.
Councilman Doug Morton proposed keeping the pet license fees low by adding a $1 onto each resident’s utility bill to cover the cost of animal control.
“We’re buying animal control,” Morton said. “They (SCRAPS) are trying to put it (the cost) on the backs of people who are licensing their dogs.”
Councilman Kevin Freeman requested town attorney Brian Werst research the legality of assessing such a fee.
“The town unanimously approved a variance request made by Inland Empire Paper Co. IEP requested a height modification to the original ordinance allowing an existing building renovated to 77 feet. According to IEP representative Shirene Young, the variance request is the first step in a modernization process IEP hopes to take.
“Millwood Mayor Dan Mork announced the establishment of a beautification and tree board and appointed Vikkie Naccarato, Debbie Lehinger and Charlie Peterson as the new advisory committee to the council.
Establishing a tree board is one of four requirements set by the National Arbor Day Foundation for a community to become a Tree City USA. A tree ordinance, a community forestry program, and Arbor Day Observance are the other three.
During public comments, Young announced a tree-lighting event on Nov. 30. The details are being planned.