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MUKILTEO, Wash., August 15, 2021 – City Council discussed New Budget Items for capital projects, updates to the Source Control Program, and land use and growth management at their work session held August 9.

Capitol Project New Budget Items

Under the financial portion of the meeting, council first discussed Draft Capitol Project New Budget Items (NBI) for development of the 2022 budget. These projects and programs are recommended for funding in the 2022 budget and will likely be included in the 2022 Preliminary Budget in October, though changes could occur as the budget is finalized and staff continue to update carry forward amounts, revenue projections and project cost information.

Seven NBI’s totaling $1,154,214; funded with $800,000 from Real Estate Excise Tax II (REET II) and $354,214 from Transportation Benefit District Sales Tax (TBD). There is one new project, and six ongoing annual programs which implement adopted Council policies, priorities and plans.

The nine capital projects and programs discussed were:

• Big Gulch Erosion Repair: Erosion created by high flows from a City stormwater pipe and a tributary of Big Gulch Creek is in need of repair. Repair options will be evaluated to help minimize expenses. The amount requested is $100,000.
• Chennault Beach Road Drainage Improvements – Design: To improve the drainage along Chennault Beach Drive between 60th Avenue W and Marine View Drive. The design will start in 2022 with construction projected for 2023. The amount requested is $889,000.
• Annual ADA Upgrades Program: Upgrade public right-of-way infrastructure as prioritized in the City’s ADA Transition Plan to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The amount requested is $25,000.
• Annual Bike Transit Walk (By the Way) Program: To continue implementation of the adopted Bike Transit Walk Plan, an annually accruing program which includes the design and construction of new bike path and sidewalk amenities for the improvement of the City’s non-motorized system. The amount requested is $140,000.
• Annual Pavement Preservation Program: Preservation of the street network utilizing various pavement preservation technologies. As planned, this annual program also funds project management and overhead costs. The amount requested is $694,214.
• Annual Pedestrian Crosswalk Enhancement Program: A continued program to evaluate, design and install pedestrian crosswalk improvements. The amount requested is $35,000.
• Annual Sidewalk Repair Program: Repairs to the existing sidewalk network to fix broken, offset and/or damaged areas. The 2022 Program will focus on repairing damaged shared use path along Paine Field Boulevard. The amount requested is $185,000.
• Annual Traffic Calming Program: A continued program to respond to resident requests regarding neighborhood traffic issues related to speeding and cut-through traffic via the adopted Traffic Calming Program. The amount requested is $25,000.
• Mukilteo Lane Repair Evaluation: As a joint project with the City of Everett, the east end of Mukilteo Lane will be evaluated to determine the nature and costs of repairs necessary to stabilize the roadway. The City of Everett is also requesting $50,000 for this project for their 2022 budget.

Source Control Program

For Public Works, council discussed an update to the Source Control Program, a requirement under the city’s 2019-2024 NPDES Permit Condition. The Permit requires the City to develop an ongoing program to inspect existing businesses with pollutant generating sources, define progressive enforcement actions, and adopt an enforcement ordinance.

An updates NPDES Permit for Phase II Municipalities, including Mukilteo, was issued by Department of Ecology in August 2019. The NPDES Permit allows the City’s stormwater to discharge into “waters of the state” (i.e. Puget Sound) and has many requirements in which the City has to comply. One of these requirements is for the City to implement a new source control program.

The minimum requirements and their deadlines are:

• Adopt and make effective an ordinance requiring the application of source control BMP’s for existing businesses defined in the Permit. August 1, 2022 deadline.
• Establish an inventory of businesses with the potential to generate pollutants to the City’s stormwater system. August 1, 2022 deadline.
• Implement an inspection program for the identified businesses. January 1, 2021 deadline.
• Implement progressive enforcement, requiring businesses to comply with stormwater requirements. January 1, 2023 deadline.
• Train staff, which is ongoing.

Growth Management

For Community Development, council heard the presentation of David Osaki, Community Development Director, who presented on growth management.

As part of the Washington State Growth Management Act, which passed in 1990 and requires certain cities and counties in the State to develop and adopt a comprehensive plan and development regulations to manage population with over a 20-year period, Osaki updated the council on land use, transportation, housing, utilities, and capital facilities needed to remain in compliance to this plan as a city.

The GMA requires local governments to review and, if necessary, amend comprehensive plans and development regulations every eight years to ensure they are up to date and current. To adhere the meeting’s adjournment schedule, Osaki was only allotted 30 minutes for his presentation which did not leave much room for discussion from the council, or elaboration from Osaki other than reminding the council of the legislative processes involved and the timelines needed to be met.

Author: Kienan Briscoe