The Mountlake Terrace City Council unanimously approved the 2015-2020 Transportation Improvement Plan during Monday’s meeting.

The City’s six-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is updated and adopted by the City Council each year. The three main projects are the Lakeview Trail, Main Street and the Gateway Connector. To address the financial constraints, the City is staggering implementation of the core programs.

Some of the projects and programs in the TIP include:

• Overlay Program (resurfacing) — In 2016, the City is planning on resurfacing 66^th Ave. W. from 216^th to 220^th and 216^th St. SW to 200 feet east of 66^th. In 2017, the City is planning on resurfacing 44^th Ave. W. from Hawk Way to 227^th.
• Main Street Revitalization Project: This project involves 56^th Ave. W. from 230^th to 236^th and 236^th St. SW. from 56^th Ave. W. to the Transit Center. The design is scheduled to be completed in early 2015 with 50 percent of the costs funded by a grant. The right-of-way phase is 70 percent funded. The City is seeking additional funding.
• The Gateway Connector: This project features a new public street from Gateway Place bridge to 236^th St. SW and includes various improvements, such as curb, gutters, sidewalks, on-street parking, bicycle lanes and traffic signal at 236^th. The design is scheduled for 2016 with construction in 2017. The City is looking to Federal grants and developer contributions.
• 244^th St. SW. Reconstruction: This project is from 56^th Ave. to Cedar Way and includes various improvements, such as curb, gutters, sidewalks, on-street parking and bicycle lanes. Design is scheduled for 2019 with construction in 2020. Funding is from state, federal and interagencies.
• 227^th St. Sidewalk Improvements: Sidewalks will be added from 58^th to 56^th on the south side of the street. Construction is scheduled for 2015. A Snohomish County grant covers 60 percent of construction costs.
• 214^th St. Sidewalk Improvements: This project completes sidewalks on both sides from 44^th to the north entrance of the high school. Construction is scheduled for 2016 with funding to be determined.
• Lakeview Trail: This project is from Interurban Trail at 228^th to I-5 and the Transit Center along Ballinger Park. Design is completed and construction will start in 2015. A grant will fund 80 percent of the construction costs.
• 48^th Ave. Bicycle/Pedestrian Connection: This work will be from 236^th to 244^th and replaces 1970s era bike/pedestrian facility. Design will begin in 2016.
• Traffic Signals: The City will continue to replace equipment and upgrade pedestrian buttons to ADA guidelines for sight impaired.
• Traffic Control and Signal Projects: Restripe approach to 216^th & 44th; Signal Design in 2019 for 236^th & 58^th, 212^th & 48^th, 220^th & 58^th.
• Intersection project: A west-bound right turn lane is planned for 220^th and Highway 99 in 2019. The City anticipated 80 percent federal funding.

The Main Street Revitalization Project encompasses 43 percent of the TIP expenditures. Other significant projects/programs include 244th Reconstruction (15 percent), Gateway Connector (13 pecent) Pavement Preservation (11 percent), Lakeview Trail & Bike Routes (8 percent) and Sidewalks & ADA Ramps (7 percent). Grants are 61 percent of the revenue.

– The Council also unanimously approved a zoning text amendment ordinance to allow outdoor archery under a conditional use permit in the Light Industrial/Professional Office (LI/PO) District, which is located in the northwest part of the City where Premera and the former Melody Hills property are located.

Several archery participants from the Nock Point Archery Center spoke in favor of allowing an outdoor range during a Public Hearing prior to the Council’s vote.

– During the third quarter financial report by Finance Director Sonja Springer, the Council heard that the City remains on target with its six-year Financial Forecast.

Springer said that the City should be close to the $2.2 million forecast for sales tax collections by the end of the year. But gambling tax revenues are under budget for the quarter due to the closing of the Palace Casino and low revenues from the other two casinos. Gambling tax revenues are $660,853 through the third quarter or 53 percent of the $1,239,000 annual budget. Gambling taxes are expected to fall short of the forecast for 2014.

In addition, Development Service Fees/building permit revenues are below projections. Fees totaled $398,076 of the revised budget of $820,000.

The Recreation Fund ended the second quarter with an 81 percent cost recovery, short of the goal of 85 percent. Youth programs are at 80 percent of the revised budget, but aquatics revenues are at 57 percent of the budget or $912,000. The 2015-16 aquatics budget was adjusted to take into account softening revenue. The decrease in aquatics revenue could be related to Lynnwood’s renovation of its pool.

Hotel/motel tax revenues are at 95 percent of the revised 2014 budget, which Springer said is a positive sign that the local economy is improving.

All three of the City’s utility funds — Storm Water, Sewer and Water — are in good shape with the revenues far exceeding operating expenses. The funds will be used to fund capital projects.

– The Council also unanimously approved the 2014 Budget Amendment Ordinance, which providing funding for a Land Use attorney ($10,000, $5,000 of which will be reimbursed by a developer), Gateway Project Coordinator Consultant Services ($40,000), Civic Center Architects ($30,000), New Wireless Microphones and Mixer for Council Chambers (paid for by PEG/Comcast fees) and portable microphones for outdoor events ($1,500).

– The Council unanimously approved a Public Defender Standards Resolution, which deals with services provided by Public Defenders, such as investigators and meeting space. The Council also unanimously approved the Public Defender contract with Feldman & Lee and a contract with the Johnston Group for Federal Lobbying Services.

– The Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a service agreement settlement of a warranty issue regarding the Recreation Pavilion Pool. The pool liner will be removed and replaced. As a result of the work, the pool will be closed for about 35 days starting in January. Other activities at the Recreation Center will be unaffected by the pool work. The benefit of scheduling the work in January is that the work is still under warranty and the company is picking up a portion of the costs.

– The City’s Transportation Benefit District Board, which consists of the City Councilmembers, unanimously passed the 2014 Budget Amendment resolution and the 2015 TBD Budget Resolution.

– It was a big night for Mayor Jerry Smith and his wife Judi. The couple spent Monday night in the Council Chambers celebrating their 52^nd wedding anniversary.