Proactively Addressing our Infrastructure Needs

Mountlake Terrace was incorporated in 1954 and its infrastructure (streets, parks, utilities and our buildings) requires more attention than it did when the city was new. Necessary investments need to be made to the city’s infrastructure to preserve its long-term well-being.

A 6-year capital improvement program was developed and implemented in 2006, which totals $49 million and includes: $18.5 million into water, sewer and storm water utilities; $12.6 million into streets, roads, sidewalks, and traffic calming; and $5.6 million into recreation and park improvements, public safety, and information technology investments. These capital investments demonstrate a renewed commitment of the City Council to support a progressive program of infrastructure system improvements.

In early 2008, the City Council created a goal to review the needs and services at all city facilities such as the civic center, city hall, police station, recreation pavilion, golf course clubhouse, and fire station #18. The Council also plans to evaluate the needs for future facilities like a senior/community center with multi-purpose uses, youth club, arts and crafts, theater, and a performing arts center.

Accordingly, the next course of action is to conduct a services and needs assessment and identify site alternatives and conceptual design options for city facilities. It will include the identification of financing options and alternatives including potential partnerships, the appointment a Civic Facilities Advisory Taskforce, and a community outreach program. The recent Community Satisfaction Survey results show that citizens support the need for new civic facilities.

The Civic Facilities Advisory Taskforce will include members from the city’s Arts Commission, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Community Policing Board, Mountlake Terrace Business Association, Mountlake Terrace Seniors Group, and several “at large” individuals. They will be asked to facilitate the review and development of options to replace the city’s aging civic facilities and make a recommendation to the City Council later this Fall.

Age of facilities: Civic Center/City Hall is 47 years old (1961), Fire Station #18 is 44 (1964), two of our lift stations are 42 (1966), the Recreation Pavilion is 40 (1968), and other facilities range in age from the two year old Fire Station 19 up to the 35 year old water tower.