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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!Mountlake Terrace City Councilmembers used much of their July 2 Council meeting to celebrate and thank community members and send another young resident off into the skies with best wishes.
Mayor Steve Woodard and the entire City Council recognized Tyler Ekse, a Mountlake Terrace resident and recent University of Washington graduate who soon starts training as an elite NATO pilot.
The story of how he got here is as impressive as his future plans. “I encourage you to read his story,” Woodard told residents in the chamber. “The theme is not where you started, but where you’re headed.”
The Council recognized residents who served on a variety of boards and commissions including Teresa Courtney of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission.
“I’m so excited to get to do this,” Councilmember Sam Doyle said as she recognized Courtney’s three years of work. “Courtney shared information on a wide variety of topics the city was working on. It’s your smiling face that is so welcoming.” Doyle also recognized Scott Matsuda for his positive energy and professional photography skills and Kermet Arpio’s connections, performance and knowledge.
Recreation and Parks Commission member Lori Berger, who stepped in to fill out a term, was also honored. Councilmember Laura Sonmore recognized her informed contribution to the discussion of park rentals as locations for kid birthdays.
Councilmember Kyoko Matsumoto Wright recognized Planning Commission members Denene Thompson and Clark Morgan. She listed the tasks Thompson and Morgan worked on, from the City’s housing and comprehensive plans to the engineering manual.
“It requires a tremendous amount of work and engagement,” Matsumoto-Wright said.
In considering the dedication of so many residents, Woodard said there should be a way to better recognize the lifetime commitment for some community servants like Bonnie Mercer, a member of the Arts Advisory Commission since 2006. “We could have an emeritus award,” he said, noting Mercer’s service went above and beyond serving on a single commission or in a special role, and that it spanned decades.
The Council also offered proclamations for Disability Pride Month. Guests thanked the City of Mountlake Terrace for promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in schools, workplaces and public spaces.
Councilmembers also declared July as Recreation and Parks Month. Councilmember Bryan Wahl said that parks “promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health” of residents who live nearby.
Other Council action
The Council created a new position — Council Planning Commission liaison. Councilmember William Paige Jr. will serve in the position, which will track the links connecting planning commission decisions, legal obligations and the Council, which takes action.
Councilmembers also approved changes to the City code for public infrastructure improvements by eliminating the requirement to put utilities underground for single-family homes in Mountlake Terrace. Underground utilities will only be required for major remodels and new construction in the Town Center area, the light green area shown in the graphic below.
It also removes requirements to improve sidewalk, curb and gutters for new construction or remodel projects under 50% of assessed value. Proposals were recommended by the City’s Planning Commission. The presentation is here.
The council sent the ordinance to the July 16 consent agenda.
The Community Development Department also presented the Council with a variety of well-documented and discussed proposed code changes designed to comply with updated state law on housing (HB 1110, the “middle housing” bill) and land use. The proposed changes are designed to make specific code easier to understand, interpret and find within Mountlake Terrace’s official City code document, staff said.
The code addresses ADUs, terminology for multi-family apartments and grammar. The detailed City presentation can be found here.
A second proposed code change streamlines information that applies to HB 5290, the so-called permitting bill that standardized and speeds up the local permitting process. Information found in multiple places within the City’s code was confusing and contradictory, staff said. This change creates consistency and promotes “ease-of-access” for information. The detailed City presentations on the code changes can be found here.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve the proposed code updates. Councilmember Erin Murray was absent from Thursday’s meeting.
Finally, Councilmember Matumoto-Wright noted there was money left in the conservation futures budget that could go toward a new park. She called out the Melody Hill neighborhood as needing a park and wondered if there was any available space there. Snohomish County is currently accepting grant applications for the $9 million grant program.
City business
City Manager Jeff Niten shared City news including the July 3 release of a new eight-minute “How-to” video explaining details of a no-review building permit. The video walks residents through the new streamlined process.
Niten also reminded residents of the July 17 Mountlake Terrace Parade.
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