The newest project in downtown Mountlake Terrace—"Arbor Village"—is now under construction. It is the largest development to be built since the Town Center Plan was adopted. The property owner is AFCO and Sons. The project occupies seven former residential lots on the southeast corner of 56th Avenue West ("Main Street") and 236th Street SW. First steps in construction included tearing down the vacant concrete block houses and preparing the site for development. Arbor Village is expected to be completed next year. Arbor Village will have about 10,000 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and can accommodate a restaurant and other businesses. It will also have 123 residential units on the floors above. Two levels of garage parking will be below the commercial space. For the full story, see the February Issue of City Happenings.

Nutria, an invasive type of non-native aquatic rodent, has reportedly been observed in Lake Ballinger. Nutria are not native to North America and were introduced along the Gulf Coast in the 1940’s. Nutria have been found in Lake Washington and could reach Lake Ballinger. Report a nutria sighting to Mike Shaw, Stormwater Program Manager at (425)744-6295. Should nutria be found at Lake Ballinger, the city will work with the Washington State Department of Agriculture to control and remove them. Here is a link to learning more about nutria:  http://skagitnutria.howitworks.com/

Dangerous conditions created by a fire on Ballinger Island last summer have caused the island to be closed indefinitely. The island has dangerous sinkholes, hazardous trees, and the ground is very unstable.

“No Trespassing on Island” signs were posted on the island and along the shores of Lake Ballinger.  The City of Edmonds also installed signage in their public right-of-way to alert their residents. 

The City of Mountlake Terrace will continue to evaluate the condition of Ballinger Island from a public safety standpoint and will make a determination later in 2010 on what steps to take regarding restoration of the island’s natural habitat.

Until then, Ballinger Island will remain closed to the public.  If you see anyone accessing the island, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

No. It is unlawful for any person to sell, possess, use, transfer, discharge or ignite any fireworks within the City of Mountlake Terrace. Violations will result in confiscation of fireworks and fines. For more information about the fireworks law, please contact the Police Department at (425) 670-8260.

Hall Creek Culvert Removal & Sewer Improvements
This project will reduce localized flooding during large storm events by removing undersized culverts under the 230th Street crossing of Hall Creek. Once the four culverts are removed, this area will be restored to become an open flowing creek and natural aquatic habitat. The benefits include enhanced water quality and elimination of barriers to fish passage. A sewer replacement companion project will reconstruct and rehabilitate the sewer main across the Ballinger Lakes Golf Course parking lot between Lakeview Drive and east side of Hall Creek. Construction is scheduled for this summer.

212th Street Overlay
A joint project with the City of Lynnwood, the 212th overlay will restore the roadway pavement and re-channel 212th Street SW from 44th to 52nd Avenues W. It includes pavement milling, dig out pavement repairs and an asphalt concrete overlay. New pavement markings will modify the roadway from 4 lanes to a 3-lane configuration with bike lanes. Sidewalk ramp additions and upgrades are also included. Construction is planned to take place in the summer of 2011. The project is partially funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration.

Water System Water Improvement Projects
On the east side of the city, new 12” diameter mains will be installed in 228th Street SW between 39th and 44th, in Cedar Way from 228th to entrance to the 23400 block, and in 222nd Street between 39th and 44th. Construction will begin this fall.

Town Center Area Water Main Replacement
In the Town Center, new 8” and 12” diameter mains will be installed in 55th Avenue W between 230th and 237th, in 230th from 53rd to 56th, and in 234th from 55th to 56th. The Town Center improvements are partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Construction began this spring.

WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although the risk of getting WNV is low, all residents in areas where the virus is active are at risk. Only a small number of people who become infected will develop any symptoms, usually 3 to 14 days after exposure. Persons over 50 years of age are more at risk for getting symptoms than children or pets. The median age of death is 78, so it is particularly important for older persons to take personal protective measures.

There are some simple steps you can take to reduce risk. The best way to minimize the threat of WNV is to control mosquito populations and prevent exposure to mosquitoes. To control the mosquito population, empty old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys and other containers around your home where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Change water every week in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and animal troughs. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas. Consider using a mosquito repellant containing DEET. (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Other repellents registered with the EPA include Picaridin (KBR 3023) and Oil of lemon eucalyptus [active ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant-based repellent. In two recent scientific publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the US it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.

Measures can reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus:

• Get rid of old tires and other containers around your home where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Make sure the screens on all doors and windows are working properly.
• Schedule outdoor activities away from dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.

You may report dead birds to the State Department of Health at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html
Snohomish Health District is no longer collecting dead birds for WNV testing or collecting information about the birds. However, if three or more sick or dead birds are found at one time in one area, call the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife at 1.800.606.8768.

For more detailed information on West Nile Virus, including how to prevent it and what to do if you see a dead bird, please click on the link below. http://www.snohd.org/snoWNileVirus/index.htm

Additional Links:

• WADOH
• West Nile Virus Map

The city prepares for winter weather by clearing streets and storm drains, prepositioning sand bags and getting ready for deicing and snow plowing. You can do your part by being prepared.

Keep the storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris to prevent local flooding. Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Make a fire escape plan and practice it with your family and those who depend on you. Stay informed, sign up for emergency alerts by clicking on the www.mystateusa.com  on the city’s website so that you are prepared for whatever weather conditions come your way.

Keep a battery powered or crank radio in your emergency kit along with spare batteries and use them if the power is out. Vital information regarding evacuations, shelter locations, medical help, and food and water sources may help you survive.

The city sends news releases to local media to notify the public of situations that have occurred in the area. If possible, the city will post information on its website, www.cityofmlt.com, Cable TV Channel 21, Facebook and Twitter (find links on the website).

Emergency information: http://www.cityofmlt.com/forResidents/emergencyPrep/winterPrep.htm?B

Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, in coordination with the county’s 911 Call Centers including SNOCOM Dispatch Center, has opened public enrollment in the county’s MyStateUSA Alert Sense System.

The city and other emergency response providers use the alert system to warn people quickly when hazardous weather or other emergencies may affect the local area. Residents and businesses may elect to receive alerts by e-mail or text message. To sign up, go to www.cityofmlt.com and click on the “Public Alert Sign Up” link on the city’s home page.

The alert system allows individuals without landline phone service to link their address and cell phone to receive notifications affecting their registered location. Emergency information is simultaneously posted on the website when an alert is issued. Those enrolled can receive a text message or email when they are away from home.

A presentation, called City Finance 101, provides citizens with more information on the inner workings of city government. Learn how the city’s finances are spent--including property tax dollars, along with restrictions on how city revenues can be used. This presentation also includes updates and opportunities to provide feedback on two City Council priorities, Main Street and Civic Center Projects.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) awarded the City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department with state accreditation at the November 21, 2011 City Council meeting. Mountlake Terrace is one of only 53 agencies in the state that have successfully attained accreditation.

The City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department received a perfect accreditation score after an onsite review by WASPC. The department was the only police agency in the state to go through the process without any negative reviews in the 140 areas scrutinized. Achieving the accreditation is a significant milestone for the police department and demonstrates the dedication and commitment to quality law enforcement of each city employee assigned to the police department.

Accreditation standards assure our community that the police department meets specific criteria set forth by state and national standards. The accreditation process is designed to increase citizen and employee confidence in the police department by establishing goals, objectives, policies, practices and a mission statement. These directives are continually reviewed to ensure that we are up to date on procedural changes and changes in the law.

Some of you may have noticed the traffic signal at 232nd and 56th (near Rogers Market) was recently upgraded to install four audible pedestrian signals for our sight-impaired citizens. The “chirp” audible signal is activated for crossing 56th Avenue and the “koo-koo” signal is for crossing 232nd Street SW.

Mountlake Terrace offers ongoing and one-time event volunteer opportunities. Greeting visitors and answering the phone at City Hall, helping with mailing, scanning and photocopying projects, participating in a park cleanup, helping with traffic counts, purging records and evidence, assisting children in recreation programs, and database development are just some of the ways you can volunteer in our community.

Volunteering for the city is an opportunity to learn about the Mountlake Terrace community, understand how local government works and connect with other community members. It also offers you the chance to keep your skills up to date.

For additional information, please contact Leslie in Human Resources at (425) 744-6225 or hrcity@ci.mlt.wa.us.

Cold, freezing weather can lead to frozen water pipes. Here are some basic tips on how to prevent freezing pipes and what to do if pipes do freeze or burst.

For outside plumbing, disconnect garden hoses, and use a molded foam cover, available at hardware stores, to protect the faucet. If your home has a separate shut off for outside faucets, shut off the valve and drain the lines by turning on all outside faucets until the water stops. Once drained turn the faucets back off. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems according to the manufacturer or installer’s instructions.
 
For inside plumbing, insulate pipes in unheated areas like your crawl space, attic, garage or basement. Insulation materials may include insulating tape, molded pipe insulation or foam covers for foundation vents. Open foundation vents are a common cause for frozen or burst pipes; just remember to remove the covers in the spring. Open cabinet doors below sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow pipes more heat in the walls behind or within the cabinets. Allow a small amount of water to flow at problem locations. Only a small stream of water at a location in your home farthest from the street is required. This movement of water prevents freezing, using cold water will save on your utility bills.

If your pipes freeze, do not use an open flame; heat the affected pipe with a hair dryer or heat lamp. Do not leave the frozen pipe unattended.

If your pipe bursts, shut off the water inside your home at the shut off valve. Most homes have a valve located near the water heater, or where the water enters the home. It is highly recommended that you know where this valve is or have one installed if you do not currently have one.

If you do not have a shut off valve and water must be shut off at the street, contact the Public Works Department at (425) 670-8264 during business hours or at 911 afterhours.

Repair of a pipe on the customer’s side of the water meter is the homeowner’s responsibility. Contacting a plumber if you are unable to make the repair yourself is recommended.