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Public works update: hiring plans, River Trail and Sandy Cove permitting, Meadowbrook revetment coordination with King County
Summary
Public works staff reported hiring plans for an administrative assistant and wastewater operators, said reclaimed reservoir construction starts in June, outlined River Trail and Sandy Cove permitting timelines, and described King County plans for a Meadowbrook revetment project in 2027.
City public works staff updated the council on staffing needs and several capital projects, including the River Trail, Sandy Cove erosion repairs, the reclaimed reservoir, and coordination with King County on the Meadowbrook revetment.
Staff said the city plans to recruit a new administrative assistant immediately and hopes to have the position filled in June or July to relieve engineers who are currently handling administrative tasks. Staff also said it intends to fill two wastewater operator positions within the next year and move toward staggered weekend shifts to ensure two operators are on duty on weekend days. Current totals cited: roughly 38 total city staff and seven wastewater staff (the wastewater group is budgeted for 10).
On capital projects, staff reported that paving work on 380 Fourth and the Kimbell Bridal paving projects are complete or near completion. Reclaimed reservoir construction will start in June, with submittals and ramp‑up underway.
The River Trail project is close to bidding pending outstanding state permits; staff anticipated sending the bid package late May or in June and noted the project’s duration is short. Sandy Cove remains constrained by permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; staff said the likely in‑water work window is mid‑July through mid‑October and that the current temporary repair has weathered two winters and requires stabilization work as soon as feasible. Staff discussed strategies to phase the Sandy Cove work over two seasons to reduce peak costs and improve bidding options.
Staff also reported a County‑led plan for a revetment upstream of Meadowbrook Bridge: King County presented four alternatives and plans a minimal revetment construction approach slated for 2027. Staff said the county’s revetment has started to impact a private property owner downstream and that coordination will be necessary; King County holds easements on the parcels and has restrictions on future park development (for example, limiting hard‑surface paths and buildings).
No formal council action was recorded; staff said they will continue permitting work, bid preparation, and recruitment.
Next steps: advertise River Trail bid, proceed with reservoir submittals and construction ramp‑up in June, continue Sandy Cove permitting and consider phasing, and coordinate with King County on Meadowbrook revetment timing and access.
