MI City Council to hold mid-year planning session/ City briefs
Published 1:30 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023
The Mercer Island City Council will hold a special hybrid meeting for a mid-year planning session at 1 p.m. on April 25 in the council chambers at 9611 SE 36th St. and via Zoom. Detailed instructions on how to join the meeting will be available online on or before April 19 at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/citycouncil/page/city-council-hybrid-mid-year-planning-session.
Island sewer and water news
To commence its sewer line upgrade project, King County construction crews have closed both directions of 81st Avenue Southeast for the next six weeks to allow for completion of new pipe installations. Islanders are invited to join King County representatives for a neighborhood walk through of the project site at 4 p.m. on April 20 on the corner of 81st and North Mercer Way.
On the water supply upgrades front, from April 17-21 there will be two separate 44-hour shutoffs of the Seattle Public Utilities supply lines — which feed the Island water system — for pipes replacement. There will be a 24-hour period between each shutoff to refill the Island’s tanks.
“Mercer Island has two major water tanks that store enough water for several days of regular use. These tanks will continue to feed the Island’s water system during these supply shutoffs, with no change in quality or pressure,” according to the city.
City crews remove some trees, treat others
City crews are removing several unhealthy or dead trees in Luther Burbank Park and along the North Mercer Way Interstate 90 overpass after inspections discovered infestations of red turpentine and pine beetles in the trees. The removal is occurring to help contain the spread. Replacement trees will be selected and planted in late 2023 and early 2024.
Select trees in Luther Burbank Park are also being treated to improve resistance and prevent the spread of infestations.
Residents can report trees that could use the city’s attention at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request
Projects on tap at Luther Burbank Park
A pair of large-scale projects are on the city’s docket at Luther Burbank Park to implement important restoration work and make improvements to park infrastructure.
Work kicked off this week on the Luther Burbank South Shoreline Restoration Project to repair eroding shoreline and upgrade trail access, among other needed repairs and improvements. The project ($575,000 budget) will feature installation of gravel and logs and relocation of the pedestrian trail between the dock and swim beach, according to a previous Reporter story.
During the April to August construction timeline, closures will include the fishing pier, the trail between the swim beach and the docks, and the access road between the waterfront and the meadow. Park visitors will still be able to access the docks from the north end of the park and ample signage will guide trail users during these closures.
In August, work will commence on the Boiler Building Stabilization Project, which will feature retrofitting the building for modern standards, including a new roof, seismic reinforcements, masonry repairs and more. According to a previous Reporter story, the budget on this complicated project stands at $2,012,300.
Funding for both projects includes support from the Proposition 1 Parks Levy through King County Parks and Recreation, the King Conservation District, King County Wastewater Treatment Division, King County Flood Control District/WRIA 8, and a Department of Commerce grant.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/543kca7p
