Mount Vernon City Council on Aug. 13 approved several parks and facilities items including a reroof of Little Mountain House, an amendment to add construction administration for the Baker View restroom restoration, and a neighborhood street closure for a Sept. 6 block party.

Jennifer Burner, parks and enrichment director, told council that Mount Baker Roofing provided the lowest responsive quote for reroofing Little Mountain House in Little Mountain Park. The city selected Mount Baker Roofing’s mid‑level package (25‑year labor and 50‑year shingle warranty) at $21,240.25 for reroofing; adding aluminum gutters and downspouts increased the total to $25,230.99. Skagit Roofing submitted a roofing‑only quote of $25,727 (approximately $27,991 with tax), and staff recommended Mount Baker Roofing as the lower‑cost responsive bidder. Council approved authorization for the mayor to execute the contract; staff confirmed the work is in the capital budget.

Burner also presented an amendment to Kaufman Engineers’ contract to add construction administration services for the Baker View restroom restoration. The additional services will cost $7,500; staff reported Washington Cities Insurance Authority approved funding to manage the insurance‑funded restoration after fireworks caused the loss. Council approved that amendment by motion.

On a separate, non‑construction item, the council approved a closure of a section of Leanne Street between Becky Place and Berry Loop for a neighborhood block party from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 6, with one side kept clear for emergency access as required by staff conditions.

Council discussion included whether Little Mountain House should remain in the city’s long‑term inventory and potential future uses such as an interpretive center or maintenance storage; staff said they would bring that discussion back to council in a future meeting.

Why it matters: the contracts fund routine maintenance and an insurance‑funded restoration of park facilities and allow a neighborhood event to proceed under city conditions. Council emphasized budgeting and potential long‑term use of property assets.