The Jan. 25 Mill Creek Enterprise article “Residents: Road Noise Still an Issue” reported that citizens came to the Jan. 22 Council Study Session hoping to see council take action on recommendations made by a citizen’s advisory group (CAG), and were frustrated when no action was taken. Action is not typically taken at study sessions: by definition, these study sessions are where council and staff review, analyze, and discuss various proposals, and then agree whether more information (and subsequent discussion) is needed, or whether the proposal is ready to become reality by means of a resolution or ordinance.
Since the first presentation of a preliminary report Nov. 27, council has held two Study Sessions on this topic. At the first session in December, council directed staff to develop proposals for some measures that might be more quickly or easily implemented. In the limited time allotted at the Jan. 22 study session, council received data that had been requested at the previous session, and discussed one element of the proposed solution.
Good progress has been made on this non-trivial issue. Just as the consultant, staff and the CAG met from May to November to brainstorm solutions and prepare a report on their findings, City Council now will similarly need some time to assimilate the technical aspects of the various proposals, and then make the even tougher decision on which solutions are cost effective.
The solutions being considered impact the flow of more than 12,000 trips a day on Seattle Hill Road. The solutions also have a fiscal impact on every citizen — our taxes will end up paying for whatever solutions are selected.
Citizens should expect that this process will take time. Council and staff will do their best to ensure that the solutions we select will be effective and fiscally responsible.
Mike Todd
Mill Creek City Councilmember
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
