Council approves North Kentucky design amendment, buys excavator and signs off on Safe Routes change orders; schedules PFD interviews

The East Wenatchee City Council on an evening meeting approved a contract amendment to advance design work on North Kentucky Avenue, authorized the purchase of an excavator for the stormwater utility, and accepted two change orders for the Safe Routes to School project. The council also voted to interview three candidates for a Public Facilities District appointment at a special meeting on April 15.

Council members said the North Kentucky amendment will let the city reach roughly 60% design and begin targeted right-of-way discussions to address stormwater needs. City staff said the amendment adds $50,000 to the existing RH2 design contract, bringing the total authorization to about $729,107.57 and leaving roughly $170,000 remaining from the Public Works Board award used to start the project.

Council discussion on the excavator centered on operational efficiency and public perception. Staff said having an excavator in-house will make routine stormwater, ditch and pond maintenance and small localized repairs more efficient and reduce frequent short-term rental costs. Council member Stockton said the stormwater utility is an enterprise fund and ratepayers expect the utility to be maintained. Council member Hefner voiced concern about the timing and public…