Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on the Chain Lake Road Shared Path Extension project, the Community Development Department's attendance at the Monroe Farmers Market, a summary of the Juneteenth Celebration last weekend, upcoming roadwork and traffic updates, how to stay safe as the weather warms up, and a summary of the June 21 City Council meeting.

Please contact me with any and all feedback regarding the articles below. I can be reached at [email protected].

Yours in Service,

CHAIN LAKE ROAD SHARED PATH EXTENSION TO RESUME NEXT WEEK

The Chain Lake Road Shared Path Extension project will resume next week.

Removal of temporary erosion control measures will take place, followed by final applications of topsoil and hydroseed. Some minor paving work and general site clean up will also be completed.

In 2017, the City received federal grant money through WSDOT to purchase additional right-of-way and design a shared path extension along Chain Lake Road ending at Brown Road. The extension provides approximately 3,000 feet of additional pathway that will match the existing sidewalk in the vicinity of Rainer View Road. The extension will provide walking and bike access to nearby retail. To follow project status updates, please visit the City's website.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES LOCAL FEEDBACK AT FARMERS MARKET

The Community Development Department represented the City at the Monroe Farmers Market this week. As the City prepares for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update, Department staff sought feedback from Market patrons regarding what they like about Monroe and what changes they would to see in the our community. Some highlights from the responses received:

• Multiple visitors showed appreciation for the natural environment and sense of community in Monroe
• An appreciation for Monroe's local business community; "you don't need to leave Monroe to shop"
• Many responders would like to see a great variety of restaurants
• The congestion of SR-522 is a concern for many
• A desire for more housing options and activities for children was expressed

In addition to the above, staff received a few other specific requests that the City is looking into, including to return the interactive Development Activity Map to the City’s website and coordination with WSDOT related to US-2. 

MONROE COMMEMORATES JUNETEENTH WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

I had the pleasure of attending the Monroe Equity Council's Juneteenth Celebration last Saturday along with Councilmembers Kinney and Scarboro. I also had the opportunity to join the lineup of speakers and talk about how Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and celebration, but also a time for education. The Equity Council would like to thank their wonderful Event Coordinator, Junelle Lewis, for giving and spreading love to the community. They would also like to thank all of the local businesses who helped make this day so special. 

UPCOMING ROADWORK AND TRAFFIC UPDATE

The City of Carnation is conducting roadwork on SR-203 and Tolt Avenue starting July 16 and running through August 7. During this 3-week period, Carnation has established a detour route, but some traffic delays may still affect Monroe. Signage will be posted, and more information can be found on the City of Carnation's Public Works page.

STAYING SAFE AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP

As temperatures warm, one of the biggest concerns we have is water safety. With all the rain we've had this season, all the rivers are running high, fast, and cold. With warming temps, we know people will want to seek the water but please use extreme caution, wear a life jacket, and keep a close eye on children.

JUNE 23 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

City Administrator Deborah Knight:

• Asked Council to notify staff members if there are any potential conflicts of interest for the second round of ARP funding
• Gave an update on responses to the City's Requests for Proposals (RFP) for consultants to assist the City with Branding, Government Relations, and Communications

In my report:

• I thanked Councilmembers and staff for ensuring smooth and continued operations while I was on vacation
• Reviewed meetings and events I've recently attended
• Stated that budget instructions have been issued to staff, and that I've recentlymet with staff to discuss the campus renovation project

Discussion Items:

• City Council and members of the Community Human Services Advisory Board (CHSAB) met to discuss recommendations that CHSAB has for Council’s strategic plan and priorities. Recommendations include:
• DEI efforts, adding a full-time Human Services Coordinator, support for Family Resource Centers, downtown public restrooms, implementing the Housing Action Plan (HAP), affordable housing, increased partnerships, and collaboration on the strategic plan
• Representatives from HVS gave a presentation showing results of Phase 1 of the Lodging Needs Assessment, which concluded that demand in Monroe would support another lodging facility. Council expressed support to begin Phase 2, which will analyze the financial framework for any potential new facility
• Public Works Operations Manager Jordan Ottow gave a brief presentation regarding adopting the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual and related code amendments, which will be on the Council's  June 28 meeting agenda for adoption

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person at City Hall and remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the June 28 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.