Enumclaw city leaders took the final, necessary step last week to assure a project that will bring improvements to a busy stretch of Cole Street.

By unanimous vote on Dec. 10, members of the City Council cemented an agreement that will deliver more than $465,000 into city coffers. The sum is a grant the city landed through the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board; the city applied for the funding in August and was notified of the cash award in late November. As part of the deal, the city is required to put up slightly more than $82,000, money that is included in the 2019 budget.

With the combined funds, the city will be responsible for an overlay project on Cole Street between Stevenson and Roosevelt Avenues. The busy intersections at each end are included in the project.

The city’s engineering staff will be responsible for things like project design and contract preparation, with work slated for the summer of 2020.

In other agenda items during the Dec. 10 session, council members:

• appointed James Dunn to a position on the Enumclaw Planning Commission, a four-year term that expires with the close of 2022. At the same time, the council reappointed Fred Sears and Mike Kuffler to the Planning Commission, giving each another four years.

• reappointed six volunteers to a variety of city boards. Wyatt Lawlis will stay with the Design Review Board; Julia Ubbenga and Linda Rabb remain on the Human Services Advisory Board; Kevin Zahourek and Kelly O’Kelly will serve another term on the Park Board; and Richard Elfers will again serve on the Library Board. All terms expire at the end of 2022 except the Library Board post, which continues until the close of 2023.

• heard Mayor Pro-tem Chance La Fleur read a proclamation that identified Dec. 10 as Arbor Day in Enumclaw. He noted that the city has long met requirements to officially be recognized as a “Tree City” and further detailed benefits brought by trees like enhanced property values and community appearance.

• noted that a “Surfin’ Santa” event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center. Cost will be $5.50 for city residents and $6.50 for all others.

• were reminded that city offices will be closed Dec. 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday.