During the Mountlake Terrace City Council meeting on December 5, 2024, residents raised concerns about local issues, particularly regarding code enforcement and animal control.

One resident, Blake Smith, praised the new code enforcement officer, Christy Swanson, for her quick response to a rat problem in his neighborhood. However, he expressed frustration that she lacked the authority to enforce solutions. Smith noted that despite regular visits from pest control, the rat issue persisted, leading to concerns about health and safety in the area.

Smith also addressed ongoing noise disturbances from barking dogs in his neighborhood. He shared his experience of contacting animal control, only to be told that the barking did not meet the threshold for action. He emphasized that the noise had been a long-standing issue, affecting the quality of life for residents.

Additionally, Smith suggested that increased police patrols in his area could help address these concerns. He mentioned that he rarely sees police presence on his street, which he believes contributes to the ongoing issues.

The council members acknowledged Smith's concerns and discussed the need for better communication and resources for residents facing similar problems. The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, but the discussions highlighted the community's desire for more effective local governance and support.