After reviewing a non-conforming use standards ordinance at the City Council’s March 3 work session, the City of Mountlake Terrace will hold a public hearing on the issue on Monday, March 7.

The non-conforming use standards were created after the Mountlake Terrace City Council approved on a Town Center plan in 2007.

The proposed non-conforming use standards ordinance would limit the improvements that can be done on existing buildings. For example, a manufacturing operation would not be allowed to increase its output by adding new machinery. A church would also not allowed to install additional seating in its sanctuary.

The City Council first discussed the issue in December, followed by a public hearing on Dec. 21. After public testimony was given on Dec. 21, council voted to continue the public hearing on March 7.

Between Dec. 21 and council’s work session on March 3, changes were made to the ordinance, including an increase to the amount of time a nonconforming structure can remain vacant from six to 12 months. There were also changes to the provisions for building improvements and no limits on standard repairs and maintenance.

You can read the full ordinance to be discussed Monday here.

The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the interim city council chambers, located at 6100 219th St. SW., Ste. 200.

Also at Thursday night’s meeting, the Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission (RPAC) gave a report on recent achievements and goals for 2016.

Last year, RPAC created a Park Master Plan. It was adopted by City Council on Sept. 3, 2015.

Also in 2015, RPAC held Earth Day and National Day of Service events to fix up local parks. An Eagle Scout extended the pathway at Bicentennial Park and Girl Scouts added a bench and a little free library there.

In 2016, RPAC plans to identify parks and areas that need improvements to things like signage and maps. The commission also wants to expand volunteer opportunities, expand community outreach and explore alternative funding sources, among other goals.

The Arts Advisory Commission also gave a presentation on its 2016 work plan.

This year, the Arts Advisory Commission plans to schedule monthly exhibits at the Mountlake Terrace Library, encourage more live entertainment in the city and expand opportunities for artists in Mountlake Terrace, including visual, performing and literary artists.

The commission also presented a city purchase piece — purchased by the commission since the Juried Art Show was so successful in 2015. The commission said they picked this one because the mayor is “so fond” of the new bike paths around town.

The piece, “Freedom Machine,” is a photograph of a bicycle by Corey Koch. His website can be found here.