By Janice Podsada
Herald Writer
MUKILTEO — There were no signup cards and no three-minute buzzers to interrupt citizen comments on Wednesday at the city’s Open House.
City leaders staged a two-hour forum at the Mukilteo Library, inviting residents to chat with them at length if they desired.
For many people, the format was a welcome change from regular city council meetings, where public comment is limited to three minutes and city regulations govern the dialogue between the public and officials.
"I’m pleased with it," resident Kathy Wisbeck said.
At regular council meetings, her comments have been cut short by the three-minute bell, she said.
Wisbeck wanted answers from city leaders about when the public could weigh in on the design of the city’s new community center, which is expected to be completed in 2004.
Phil Hanna came to talk to city leaders about the need for a sidewalk on 92nd Street SW.
"We’re concerned somebody’s going to get hit down there," he said, speaking for himself and his neighbors.
More than 200 people accepted the city’s invitation, which was mailed to residents weeks ago. Attendees used the open house to track down city council members, department heads and Mayor Don Doran.
In turn, city leaders asked participants to fill out a survey ranking city services. Results will help the council prepare the city’s budget, officials said.
Resident Blane Brinkley, a civil engineer, stopped by to remind the mayor and council members that it’s his money, "my property taxes," that they plan to spend on the new city hall and community center on the Rosehill Community Center site in Old Town.
Brinkley, who pays $3,600 a year in property taxes, said he’s unhappy with the city’s plan for construction of the two buildings. He promised to use that old standby, the ballot box, to get his message across.
"I’ll be watching the next election," he said. "If you’re an incumbent, you’re out."
Council president Cathy Reese and the mayor drew the biggest crowds. The majority wanted to discuss the new center. The topic has generated controversy since fall, when the council announced that Rosehill was destined for the wrecking ball.
Resident Terry Preshaw told Doran she didn’t want the public to be excluded from the design process.
"I don’t want us to be left out, like the public was left out in Everett," where a petition to halt construction of a sports and entertainment arena was invalidated because it arrived too late on the city’s doorstep.
"When does the community get involved?" she asked.
Doran said that could happen this fall, once an architect is on board.
"I want it to be successful. I want you guys to be involved," Doran said.
You can call Herald Writer Janice Podsada at 425-339-3029 or send e-mail to podsada@heraldnet.com.
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