Mayor Klosowski’s UPdate – February 19

Council Selection Process—This week was quite exciting as the City Council finished an extensive interview and selection process for filling the open City Council seat which was left vacant due to the death of Councilmember Jean Brooks last December.

The City Council began the process in January by narrowing a field of 14 candidates down to six after an initial public interview process. Although one candidate pulled out due to increased business commitments, the remaining five participated in a League of Women Voters’ forum featuring questions submitted by the public. The City Council also received considerable public input prior to the final interviews this week.

After the final interview process, the City Council selected Caroline Belleci to fill the remaining term for Council Position 7. Ms. Belleci , who was sworn in Monday night, has served on the City’s Planning Commission since its inception along with being actively involved in numerous city issues. Her extensive involvement and knowledge will bring a valuable perspective regarding future issues before the City Council.

Finally, many thanks to the other candidates who participated in this process.

We were extremely fortunate to have the caliber of candidates that came forward to offer their services to the City. It is our hope that these candidates (Frank Boykin, Ken Campbell, Ross Hjelseth and Mark Kahley ) will participate in our community in the coming year because they certainly have much to offer. Also, thanks to the many citizens who took the time and effort to send their thoughts to us regarding the council candidates.

Road Maintenance—Adequate funding for future road maintenance is among the agenda items slated for the Feb. 22 study session.

Right now, the City receives approximately $700,000 in state gas tax funding which is less than half the cost of maintaining streets in their current condition. (Even if gas prices go up, the city does not receive additional funds since our revenues are based on the number of gallons sold versus the price).

Our current gas tax revenues pay for street sweeping (which also keeps our storm drains clear), critical pothole and crack repairs, traffic signals and road striping. There are NO funds, however, to pay for regular asphalt overlays, chip seals and other measures which extend the life of the city’s roads and avoid the cost of major street repairs and replacements in the future.

While our major road projects were made possible due to state and federal grants, outside funding for basic maintenance projects on local streets is often nonexistent. The lack of outside funds, increased costs for material and labor, declining revenues and budget cuts have made it necessary for us to examine other options.

Although our roads may appear to be in good condition, the reality is that we have been unable to provide the level of recommended maintenance for a number of years. Instead, we have been relying on “band aid” approaches…but you can only do that for so long.

Last December, the former City Council formed a Transportation Benefit District as allowed by state law which is the first step in providing local governments options for funding road improvements. Although the council created the district, discussions on funding options were postponed for later consideration by the 2010 City Council.

The City Council will discuss this item in study session on Monday, Feb. 22.

If the council wishes to explore the idea further, it will set the item for a public hearing in the near future so that the public can comment on this proposal.

(Just a note of clarification–Study sessions are an opportunity for council and staff to have initial discussions on the merits of a proposal along with answering any initial questions or concerns that council might have. Although the public is welcome to attend the study session, public comment is not allowed at that time. Instead, public comment is encouraged at future regular council meetings where items are set for consideration and action).

Pancake Breakfast – Enjoy a great breakfast and support the UP Youth & Senior Recreation programs at the UP Parks & Recreation Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 3, at 8 am at Curtis High School. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight.

For more information, contact 460-2530.

Conservation Futures Appointment – Citizens interested in representing the City on the Conservation Futures Advisory Committee are encouraged to fill out applications. Conservation Futures is a land preservation program to protect threatened areas of open space, habitat and other areas and is funded by a portion of the county property tax.

Applications are due March 8. For more information, contact the City Clerk at 566-5656.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@cityofup.com or 460-2501.

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski

Mayor of University Place