State money to help fund Warner Avenue improvements

The road work is expected to be performed in 2020.

By Kevin Hanson • December 20, 2019 1:00 pm
Enumclaw will receive $134,000 to overlay the crumbling Warner Avenue, but city officials have said the road needs more drastic work. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
Enumclaw will receive $134,000 to overlay the crumbling Warner Avenue, but city officials have said the road needs more drastic work. Photo by Ray Miller-Still

The Enumclaw City Council recently approved an agreement with the state’s Transportation Improvement Board that will bring a new surface to a segment of busy Warner Avenue.

In August 2019, city staff had applied for TIB grants to improve two segments of Warner Avenue. The shorter portion stretches between Semanski Street and state Route 410 and the longer headed east from 410 to Berninger Street. On Nov. 22, the city was notified that only the shorter section would receive TIB funding.

On Dec. 9, council members took steps to finalize the process and ensure the state money. The city will receive a few dollars shy of $134,000 for the 2020 overlay project. As part of the agreement, the city must contribute $23,644 toward the work.

In other action during their Dec. 9 session, members of the Enumclaw City Council:

• watched a swearing-in ceremony for two fellow councilmen, Anthony Wright and Beau Chevassus. Each was retained by voters during November’s general election.

Wright, who fills the Position No. 6 seat on the council, has twice been tabbed to fill council vacancies. Chevassus also was appointed to the council, picked earlier this year to fill a empty seat on the seven-member council. Both now have full, four-year terms.

• extended the appointments of 10 citizens to five different boards and commissions. Reappointed to the city Arts Commission were Elaine Lynest, Paul Rogers, Jody Olson and Benjamin Pierson; all will serve through the close of 2022. Continuing with the Cemetery Board are Vivian Froemke, Mel Beard and Bete Zech; each will serve until the end of 2023. Maria Reichert will remain with the Human Services Advisory Board, Steve Cadematori stays on the Park Board and Paul Carter remains on the Planning Commission, all through the end of 2023.

• were reminded that their next council meeting, which would take place Dec. 23 according to the regular schedule, has been canceled. Traditionally, the final meeting of the year is scrapped.

• heard an announcement about upcoming closures. Due to the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, all city offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.