Mountlake Terrace Development News

City Council Reviews Utility Capital Improvement Program, Discusses Rate Study, and Approves Ordinance Updates

Gary presented an update on the city's utility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the six-year period of 2027-2032. The presentation covered comprehensive plans, a forthcoming rate study, and priority projects across water, wastewater, and stormwater funds. Key projects discussed include water main replacements, a water reservoir seismic upgrade, sewer pipe investigations, and stormwater quality improvements. The presentation also touched on the upcoming rate study, which will be incorporated into the comprehensive plans and presented to the council in September. Several projects were highlighted as opportunities for "piggybacking" – undertaking multiple utility upgrades simultaneously to reduce costs, such as integrating water and sewer work with the Main Street phase two project and the 220th and 70th water quality project. The council engaged in a detailed discussion about project prioritization, funding strategies, intergenerational equity in infrastructure costs, and the impact of growth on utility rates and infrastructure needs. Council members also raised concerns about the frequency of surveys and the transparency of public engagement processes. A friendly amendment was made to retain the DEI commission's mission statement in the code, with a plan to address mission statements for other boards and commissions by the end of the year. Additionally, the council reached consensus on appointing a council liaison to the planning commission.