2005/11/02 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

November 2,2005 provide residents and visitors with exwllent recreational venues.To this end,our parks department is completing several renovation projects, including new playground equipment end low-maintenance landscaping, to Improve park quality and reduce costs. I thank the City Council for authorizing the funding for these projects. We continue to fund Everett's infrastructure throu'rh street overlay, sidewalk replacement,and traffic and pedestrian signal maintenance programs.In 2005,we restored the street overlay budget to$1.6 million and propose to Increase that to $1.65 million In 2006.By keeping the Gitys assets functioning at optimal levels.we avoid more costly repairs in the future. In addition to ongoing maintenance programs we are working on major transportation Improvements,including the 41°I Street Ovenxossing,East Marine View Drive vehicle and pedestrian safety enhancements,Holly Drava,and the 112 Street widening. We are also making investments in our water and sewer infrastructure, including water line replacements,sewer system replacements,end the expansion of the water pollution control facility. These capital improvements am funded through our retail rate structure and contractual arrangements with our wholesale customers. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE In 2004.I created a Vision Teem to evaluate our community and its potential.The visioning exercises included an appraisal of where Everett is today,trends that are shaping its future,and opportunities to set • direction and plan for growth. The Vision Teem completed its initial work early in 2005,which laid out a broad concept of how Everett could look in the year 2025. The team identified priorities for education,economic development,urban design, parks,culture,and transportation.This body of work will serve as a guide for my administration as we make decisions that will position Everett is reach Its full potential as a diverse,active,and well-educated community where residents enjoy living,businesses thrive,and cultural arts flourish. 381