By Paul Loveless, Town Administrator, Town of Steilacoom
Steilacoom Marina Clean-up: The contractor for the Steilacoom Marina reports that they have completed dives to locate sunken vessels and debris, and are providing that information to the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife so that the Departments can issue the right of entry permits that would allow the cleanup to begin.
Upcoming Meetings:
Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is on November 2, 2010 at Town Hall.
Parks Task Force:
The next Parks Task Force Community Project is on October 30, 2010 from 9 AM to Noon. The project will be to remove invasive species from the 5th Street waterway in the area of Gove Street. This project is being done in preparation for a future planting project in this area and also to fulfill one of the mitigation conditions in the Town’s HPA permit issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Martin Street Culvert Project.
The next Parks Task Force meeting is November 18, 2010 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall in the Map Room.
Planning Commission:
The next Planning Commission meeting is November 8, 2010 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. The topic is Shoreline Environment Designation. These designations are similar to zoning districts and will follow the same pattern of development set out in the Comprehensive Plan.
The update to the Master Program is proceeding according to the process set out in the Town’s grant received from the Department of Ecology. The Commission will begin work on the regulations for development within the shoreline, culminating in a draft Master Program by next spring. The draft will undergo environmental review. Once that is completed, Council will hold public hearings, revise if necessary, with approval scheduled by June, 2012.
Council Future Agenda “Look-Ahead” Issues:
Copies of the Agenda and staff reports are available at all Town facilities once published.
Future Topics – Policy Related:
1. Urban Forestry Management ordinance update (Fall-Winter).
2. Nuisance and Abatement procedures (Fall-Winter-Spring).
3. Grown “Fences” (Fall-Winter).
4. Shoreline Management (Fall-Winter-Spring)
5. Storm Water Comprehensive Plan (Fall-Winter-Spring)
Future Topics – Administrative/Contractual:
1. Animal sheltering contract – Humane Society (Fall).
2. Parks Task Force – 2011 Work Plan (January)
Public Works:
Streets:
Martin Street Culvert:
The fencing is in the process of being installed. Once completed, the Town will issue the “physical completion” notice to the contractor.
The crew spent the week street sweeping, blowing leaves, cleaning the storm drainage system, and repairing a collapsed culvert near the school’s bus barn on Chambers Street.
Electric:
The crew continued working on installing conduit for a new line in the 1200 block of Union Avenue. Once completed, wire will be pulled.
The BPA Electrical Distribution Substation Assessment report was distributed and the consultants are scheduled to make their presentation at the November 2, 2010 Council meeting. Staff will also be providing additional information relative to this project.
Water/Sewer:
The crew spent the week repairing the Marietta Street lift station and assisting the other crews.
Buildings and Grounds:
The crew continued winterizing the sprinkler systems and water fountains, mowing the parks, and collecting Fall leaves.
Other:
Ferry Landing Award:
Pierce County Public Works and Utilities received a $480,000 Ferry Boat Discretionary Award to repair and preserve the Steilacoom Ferry Landing.
The grant, which is administered through the Federal Highway Administration, will:
* Repair/replace one “dolphin,” a portion of the dock structure that guides and supports the ferry while it is docked.
* Replace a portion of the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the loading ramp.
* Install a generator at the terminal for back-up power in an emergency.
The department will provide $120,000 in matching funds from the Pierce County Ferry Fund.
“This is a great opportunity for our ferry system to preserve our existing infrastructure,” said Michael Esher, airport and ferry administrator. “With this federal grant, we can stretch local dollars and provide greater benefit to our ferry riders.”