Sequim City councilors discussed water fees, council goals and the Downtown Plan at the March 28 meeting.

 

 

Water turn off/on reduced
The fee to turn on or turn off water within the city limits was reduced from $48.79 to $40. Councilors approved administrative services director Karen Goschen’s recommendation. She found that Sequim’s rate was higher than similar cities such as Port Angeles ($25), Port Townsend ($40), Shelton ($20), Poulsbo ($20) and Enumclaw (none). The reduction has little financial impact for the city, she said.

Councilors showed no interest in abolishing standby fees that total $41.90 for both water and sewer. Goschen found the fees were near average in the same cities at $41.11.

If the city were to eliminate standby fees, $35,000 in expenditures would transfer from about 80 city water/sewer customers — 50 seasonal residents and 30 houses for sale or in foreclosure — to about 1,800 regular residents. Increases would be about $1.62 more per month or $19.44 a year. City staff investigated the fees because of a citizen’s inquiry.

 

Council goals approved
Eight council goals for 2011-2012 formally were approved at the meeting. Councilors met in January to form the goals and build on progress made last year. Only one of the goals is new.

Goals are:

• Acquire a site for the new city hall/police station
• Evaluate options to improve parks and recreation services
• Clarify the role of Sequim Speaks
• Complete an update of the Comprehensive Plan
• Establish Sequim as a leader in renewable energy
• Adopt and implement the Downtown Plan
• Adopt a transportation master plan
• Improve the building and land-use permitting process.

Downtown Plan

The first draft of the LMN Architects proposal on the Downtown Plan is up for review at www.ci.sequim.wa.us/planning/downtownplan and at city facilities. City councilors will discuss various elements of the plan, including building height and parking, in coming weeks during study sessions.

 

Contact the City of Sequim, 152 W. Cedar St., at 683-4139.