Traffic study results shared at council meeting
Traffic concerns regarding Empire Avenue and Fowler Road generated heated discussion Monday night at Millwood’s City Council meeting.
“I’ve been harping on Empire, Empire, Empire, Empire,” Millwood resident Richard Gardner said. “Nobody wants to do anything about the traffic problem on Empire. Now we have Fowler. It’s time to put an end to it.”
Mike Ellis, who lives on Fowler, requested a traffic survey from Spokane County early November, and presented the findings to the council.
In one day, the survey recorded more than 1,036 cars on Empire and 773 on Fowler. Over half of the cars counted exceeded the 25 mph speed limit.
Ellis requested the council reduce the speed limit to 15 mph on Fowler and 20 mph on Empire. He also requested four way stops at each intersection on Empire to slow traffic.
In other city news, Millwood has received a $108,000 grant to help pay for sidewalk improvements to augment the Argonne Corridor Road project scheduled for next summer.
Mayor Dan Mork announced the grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board’s Small City Program Project at Monday’s City Council meeting.
The council also unanimously approved an ordinance amending provisions for temporary and portable signs.
“We’ve had provision for temporary signs but haven’t had anything in place for ones that want to be out there all the time.” City Planner Tom Richardson said.
Richardson outlined the key points of the ordinance for council, and defined the difference between a temporary and portable sign. Historical markers and memorial plaques are exempt from restrictions.
A temporary sign, used to promote a special event, or grand opening, is limited to 30 consecutive days, and no more than 60 days in any calendar year.
A portable sign displays ongoing information, such as a menu board, or daily specials. The ordinance allows businesses who are set back less than 5 feet from the right-of-way to display a portable sign. The sign must be anchored and kept in good repair.
Both temporary and portable signs require a special permit from the city.
The council also approved the city’s 2009 budget. The budget provides for approximately $3.7 million in expenditures, including over $1.9 million toward the street fund.
Mork updated the council on the City Hall remodel project. He reported the addition of $4,450 in repairs to the $48,246 project. The additional repairs include priming and painting the walls, ceiling and doors in the kitchen as well as in back hallway and Planning Office.
Other Millwood news
•Millwood Better for Business Group plans to meet on Wednesday. For location and time, call Shirene Young, 924-1911, ext. 309.
The newly formed group is open to all Millwood businesses and property owners. Currently, the group is planning gateway signs at both the north and south entrance into the city.
• The second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is tonight at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Inland Empire Paper Co., 3320 N. Argonne Road.