[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6255889,"mediaKeyId","3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366","parentId",3161411,"title","Longtime Covington resident asks city to review Sixth Avenue/160th roundabout after crash","audioSeconds",292,"startMs",2018000,"endMs",2310000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366&start=2018&end=2310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366/thumbnail_2018000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6255889/Covington/King-County/Washington/Longtime-Covington-resident-asks-city-to-review-Sixth-Avenue160th-roundabout-after-crash","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255889-b6b47ff7313828872d063dc6aa83d103/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144959&Signature=LlqvPx~kbF5VdD4uXZVCvgSlGvP7nVD9-3zpiXE9A1MkBE7~40rzFm9fbYL6dLrvBoy5ocsr4s2gBmGclwpI5gTFIQvzWcbNJxhJmmAtmqQaioV~ASVodq4SXhmj7B2Mmaq2KB514CfylaaK7KdZtiAzaR4cW8zSLKGUPzBYtS9-3bufBbZ8LY1oy3TACUvy6J-~aG94p3keP7BJkNWw1McWYB0DKsi~ty5AVOkS9zjQFwwgQHY52bMhGWt9arzMi8jXZwCZ8lz--Na2Ug7ixfs3bMgqPoYq4iF86Fvm35I~4X29cLGEoWKdQ9gQqWY1Uy~JH-KZVKX8qxV8GVbNHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Covington City, Washington","date","2025-05-01T00:13:54.25Z","article","Covington — Margaret Lund, a Covington resident since 1969, told the City Council April 22 that she was involved in a morning crash at the roundabout near 250 Sixth and 160 Fourth and asked the city to evaluate markings and signage there.

Lund said her car remained drivable after the crash and no one was injured. She said multiple adults she consulted believed the other driver was at fault, but both insurance companies assigned fault to her. She told council her conversations and video of roundabout rules suggested she had the right of way.

\"That roundabout is very dangerous and it needs to be an example of how not to design a roundabout,\" Lund said, describing confusing lane markings and exit patterns and urging the city to consider painting a right‑turn arrow on the right lane near the East Lehi exit.

Council asked her to leave her written notes with the city clerk. Krista (city clerk) agreed to distribute copies to appropriate staff for review.

Why it matters: roundabout design and lane markings are local transportation and safety issues that can affect driver understanding and crash risk. Lund raised the risk of future, more serious crashes and the potential for costly claims if the design remains ambiguous.

Next steps: city staff received Lund’s written material and the city clerk will forward it to the correct department for investigation. Lund requested a formal review of signage and lane markings at that intersection.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Covington City Council Meeting - April , 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Covington resident described a morning crash at the roundabout near Sixth Avenue and 160th, said insurance companies assigned her vehicle the fault and urged the city to investigate confusing markings and consider additional pavement arrows or signage.","taxTitle","Covington, King County, Washington","taxId",71066,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255893,"Covington adopts new special‑events permit code to meet insurer audit recommendations",175,4772000,4947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366&start=4772&end=4947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366/thumbnail_4772000.jpg","/articles/6255893/Covington/King-County/Washington/Covington-adopts-new-specialevents-permit-code-to-meet-insurer-audit-recommendations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255893-b55396c1581f7d7436279e63f7f734dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144959&Signature=dEqAKMdJj0qd7BVZDLKDG0lAhsttEeaFvhF6BaPqVjHbAwzVosurN9~hcQsMvdiZq23s82wBL4JelpsIdW8Dc4~PFxeXn9uV3w0xPWImyOp~oSsDuF2kLvXfiV49Ia7WqhiNBqredJzljF5~fqZnzXD9SLIItnTDlJkjzrmQ5kYX2ZdHrjoL-5UHk4GK7tm7ziPeKoUhpMeAEwbzL63NLCmQuwiDtPhrY1MTFOK2eD4AnIDG5Fv8dh68i9ibGNgrExHXf~5uXnNlFSkJJ1npONmbDPL7fsKKkCIQuOFzgZ2QPyCANb67RJBJnB5l9V3GPp4VMhMMDlaLk09uj63~GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Covington — The Covington City Council on April 22 adopted a new special‑events ordinance that replaces chapter 12.4 of the municipal code to better align rules with administrative practice and to respond to a WCIA audit.

Senior Planner Selena told council the city’s prior special‑events code was sparse and an audit by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) found three compliance gaps the city needed to fix: a clear liability insurance requirement, explicit treatment of political and religious activities, and stronger First and Fourteenth Amendment protection language. \"We had to address these by the end of this month or they're going to charge us a penalty,\" Selena said.

The new code creates a more structured permitting process, clarifies roles between community development and parks (which administers many events), and provides explicit enforcement tools. The city will update application forms, fees and administrative procedures to match the revised code.

Councilmember Beth supported the ordinance, saying the city must \"be legal. We need to be legit.\" A deputy (identified in the meeting as \"Deputy\") noted the change will avoid a nearly $5,200 penalty cited from the audit. The ordinance passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: adopting the revised code completes audit recommendations from the insurer and gives staff clearer enforcement authority and a public process for special events, including parity for political and religious demonstrations protected by the Constitution.

What happens next: staff will update permit application forms, adjust fees where needed and coordinate internal processes so special events are processed under the new code.","The council passed an ordinance replacing chapter 12.4 of the municipal code, upgrading the special‑events permitting framework, requiring liability insurance and clarifying First and Fourteenth Amendment protections in response to a WCIA audit.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255898,"Covington council keeps 7.5‑foot interior setbacks for middle‑housing code update",5892,4101000,9993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366&start=4101&end=9993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366/thumbnail_4101000.jpg","/articles/6255898/Covington/King-County/Washington/Covington-council-keeps-75foot-interior-setbacks-for-middlehousing-code-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255898-2505d263ca0e2481d5a5df76cada56e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144959&Signature=V0wVfvIBpRa6y4h0ThIBcyxEJUAagAPiN25ZMe1MEWzho8fBAinhLMv~hacu9Wv9C5VvcDn5skSFd6a6N~TiXO70siPOcEdOY2PeGuvMRruOh3MfVKIYAs3jb-LxmIRfZ7GsDyJt6mouoPtSaQId1fy9cBeCOyZOxpiY7gMfS9F6i~AKiAewEhFGOkH9ZkEuV~mvC~Vp0Z21a~LMHV~hjgx0AomL7bMuq6i05UylKSNect-NfsIYjyv6zPIzAfUMjfpqu7y5iwhU8LtMcl9NwqM8rJe6zuhokU09pfQVUXX7YbJ7Kk07hkFN-rpVr6X7d2jcc8-B3Py2L8qouhlpIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Covington — The Covington City Council on April 22 signaled consensus to retain the city’s existing 7.5‑foot interior setbacks for middle housing during code changes tied to House Bill 1110 and related ADU provisions.

Community Development staff member Selena reviewed the statewide direction and local options. She said state guidance recommends five‑foot interior setbacks for middle housing but noted that middle housing cannot be treated more restrictively than equivalent single‑family development. \"They can't be more restrictive,\" Selena told council when discussing how middle‑housing rules must align with single‑family standards.

The planning commission had discussed three options and in February voted 5–1 to recommend a five‑foot interior setback, citing builder flexibility. The dissenting planning commissioner preferred retaining the 7.5‑foot setback. At council’s joint session and again on April 22, staff presented three paths: keep the current 7.5‑foot interior setback (option A), reduce to five feet (option B), or use a mixed approach that lowers side setbacks to five feet but keeps a larger rear setback.

Council members discussed density, form and safety constraints and the relationship between setbacks and how units are built. Selena explained that density limits remain the controlling calculation for unit counts and that reducing setbacks primarily changes the building envelope and design flexibility rather than automatically increasing allowable units.

After discussion, the council expressed a majority preference to retain the 7.5‑foot interior setback for now. Mayor Wagner noted that state rulemaking may ultimately require changes and said, \"Either we do that now or the state says do it,\" but council chose to keep the existing local standard and let state direction or future code amendments drive any required changes.

Why it matters: the countywide and state middle‑housing mandates require cities to revise code language to allow missing middle housing types (duplexes, townhomes, multiplexes, ADUs). The setback choice affects building form, design options for builders and neighbors’ perceptions of privacy and spacing.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the council’s guidance into the draft middle‑housing ordinance and return the updated code for adoption by the June 30 statutory deadline noted for some state provisions. Planning commission material and other needed cross‑references will be finalized in subsequent code updates.","After a lengthy discussion, the council agreed by consensus to retain the city’s existing 7.5‑foot interior side/rear setback for middle housing rather than lowering it to five feet, leaving further changes to state direction or later code work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255903,"Covington council opts not to include electric refuse trucks in new Republic Services contract after cost and road‑impact concerns",4067,3954000,8021000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366&start=3954&end=8021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366/thumbnail_3954000.jpg","/articles/6255903/Covington/King-County/Washington/Covington-council-opts-not-to-include-electric-refuse-trucks-in-new-Republic-Services-contract-after-cost-and-roadimpact-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255903-1157bd4a4a12b6fa142370905e93c1bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144959&Signature=TZ86brgrJiV4jt-lBqgwYwkII8PZQwPyfKXo2KHZJCiQJYhH2rWdVWnQ9GLq25PKtTukAo9hu3MPezqN~UivScL0gVFqm72Je5PBeVtoQG1Qwsp7QVLvxWZRIkNhO9khUxiY35n6hdvrbWrNYNjU59-rkI0Tmzeb7EgLTKy0PZajnE8LbwPGCwR700D8MjViZVwKdBF4IeIANOcSQQgvSbpBUPRozb~KFdaxY8pRlZafBPGa~HULp6kkLVWIyVRcFqqet1iXa4DUG-nq4x9CmFJuyQxrGBOzBfgHcOz57H67keoxe1EGqF2A9xiX6~BIm50zrRE8mGOKmhxeFUZQNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Covington — The Covington City Council on April 22 told staff not to include a four‑truck electric refuse fleet in the city’s new contract with Republic Services after an extensive presentation and questions about cost, infrastructure and street impacts.

Don (Public Services) introduced Jim Hutchinson of Republic Services, who described the company’s national rollout of battery‑electric collection vehicles and the manufacturer partnership with Oshkosh. \"Long term this is the right way to go,\" Hutchinson said, framing EV trucks as part of a broader sustainability goal. He told council Oshkosh will take trucks back after 10 years and that batteries are refurbished or recycled under manufacturer programs: \"Our partnership with Oshkosh actually has them take those trucks back after 10 years.\"

Republic outlined an implementation option that would deploy four electric residential side‑load trucks and supporting chargers at the company’s facility. Hutchinson said the estimated incremental cost included a proposed $2.50 monthly surcharge per household to cover vehicles and offsets and roughly $1–1.5 million (ballpark) for charging infrastructure and transformer upgrades at the depot. Republic presented a twelve‑year cost framework (roughly $4.2 million sightline in the staff discussion) and offered contract language guaranteeing use of the trucks in the city and a metering/discount if trucks are unavailable more than 30% of the time.

Council members asked detailed questions about battery life, maintenance, vehicle weight and road wear. Hutchinson said the manufacturer warrants and refurbishes batteries and that the trucks have been piloted since 2018; he said the new Oshkosh models were built from the ground up as EVs and include modern safety cameras and visibility improvements. Several councilmembers said they were concerned about the financial effect on residents and businesses and possible increased wear on local streets. Councilmember Jennifer said the proposed rate increases for residents and the large jump for some commercial customers were difficult to justify now. Councilmember Beth and others raised road‑wear and pavement‑condition concerns tied to roughly a one‑ton heavier battery pack on each truck.

After questions and debate, the council’s direction to staff was not to include the electric‑truck option in the contract as proposed. Staff will bring the contract back for finalization without the EV fleet, and Republic will continue to work with the city if council wants to revisit EV trucks later.

Why it matters: Republic and the city framed the offer as an early municipal adoption with environmental and noise‑reduction benefits. Hutchinson noted EV trucks reduce on‑route noise and greenhouse emissions when paired with renewable energy offsets. Council members weighed those benefits against resident rate impacts, commercial rate increases and uncertainty about longer‑term pavement impacts.

Key numbers and clarifications: Republic proposed a roughly $2.50 per household monthly surcharge to cover four EV trucks and stated battery packs are intended to be returned to the manufacturer after about 10 years for refurbishment or recycling. Estimated site infrastructure costs for chargers and a transformer were described as \"north of a million dollars\" and depend on the depot layout; the company gave staff a twelve‑year cost illustration used in the council discussion.","After a presentation from Republic Services on battery‑electric refuse trucks, the council directed staff to proceed with the new collection contract without committing to an EV fleet now, citing resident rate impact, infrastructure cost and concerns about heavier vehicles on local roads.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255909,"Covington council renews six‑month moratorium on battery energy storage facilities",975,2954000,3929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366&start=2954&end=3929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161411-67654f6fd4267a9f762025cd98090366/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6255909/Covington/King-County/Washington/Covington-council-renews-sixmonth-moratorium-on-battery-energy-storage-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255909-6f318a14beebcb546fe0108112ca43b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144959&Signature=oAHwixCzqDPdmYXWGGwNvaoScc83xWcYT263ZXVbD1Q4AJkflRZFj4RC1DQNcdoBcBmP01z0lwiKiedNvRIdUr8p6pX~kWKl1v43Yw71MaOXw9Htfa0TQzhkxexlV56QThymjY0ULRFaqBtTLboqRTG8rRw93bgfuXvh~RVL0h4IAVdvm5BqnVr3PQghiieOROhHBQmjzLCpw4R6sIw-oBOReW92I1dInPIIr17zBkz1-qcSP~VsURDCJzMuTZyI5N1FLcB5rWDlPw9~6NTadX0k1Am~stDbrtrS9ZgBxNxEDJc1QF8Fz6IUJIT0QrBPy5nowcnK7QR53jfbe1or5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Covington — The Covington City Council voted April 22 to extend a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing and approval of applications for battery energy storage system facilities in the city for six months.

The extension was approved after a staff report from Senior Planner Selena that said the planning commission has added BESS regulation work to its 2025 work plan and that staff needs more time to draft code. \"This would extend the 1‑year temporary moratorium in effect right now for six months,\" Selena said in her report to council.

The moratorium was first adopted last May. Staff told the council the city can extend a moratorium only in six‑month increments and that work to produce permanent development rules will likely continue into 2026. Selena said staff and the planning commission plan to review King County’s initial requirements, coordinate with energy experts and incorporate any applicable state guidance when available.

The hearing drew two public speakers. James Slay, a Covington resident, urged the council to keep the moratorium in place and cited research following fires at a battery facility in Moss Landing, Calif., that found toxic ash deposits: \"I hope that you guys will continue this moratorium,\" Slay said.

Darcy Peterson, a Black Diamond council member and water‑district manager, told the council she is researching local uses for storage and said newer chemistries exist. \"There is a lot more out there than just the fear,\" Peterson said, noting lithium‑iron and phosphate chemistries and monitoring technologies used in other local projects.

Councilmember Beth moved to approve the six‑month extension and Councilmember Joe seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: staff said the pause will allow the planning commission to complete code work, consider state guidance and evaluate land‑use and safety controls before the city accepts new BESS facility applications. Selena also told council staff attended a Department of Commerce training that may produce state guidance and a statewide energy‑mapping effort to help local jurisdictions with siting.

What happened next: the council motion to renew the moratorium passed; staff will continue the planning commission process and return proposed permanent regulations to council later in 2026 as available.

Details and next steps: Selena said the planning commission will review the city’s code in light of King County initial requirements and any state direction, and staff expects to bring permanent regulations forward early in 2026. She also flagged a recently considered Senate bill (referred to in staff remarks as Senate Bill 5283) that, had it advanced, would have changed how cities could condition or prohibit some siting near critical areas; staff said that legislation did not advance this session but could resurface.

No enforcement action or permit decisions for BESS facilities will be accepted while the moratorium remains in effect.","The Covington City Council voted to extend a temporary moratorium on applications for battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities for six months to allow staff and the planning commission more time to prepare local rules and await state guidance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Longtime Covington resident asks city to review Sixth Avenue/160th roundabout after crash

Covington adopts new special‑events permit code to meet insurer audit recommendations

Covington council keeps 7.5‑foot interior setbacks for middle‑housing code update

Covington council opts not to include electric refuse trucks in new Republic Services contract after cost and road‑impact concerns

Covington council renews six‑month moratorium on battery energy storage facilities