Mill Creek council approves design contract for Library Park renovation; debate centers on Veterans Monument scope and grant use

The Mill Creek City Council on Oct. 21 approved a professional services agreement for preliminary and design work on the Library Park renovation and Veterans Monument expansion and accepted a state grant for the monument, but the meeting highlighted a sharp divide over what the city should include in the project—s base scope.

The council voted 6-1 to authorize the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with Bruce Dees and Associates (BDA) for design services not to exceed $129,586.15, and separately approved a contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce for $250,260 for the Veterans Monument expansion.

The measures authorize the city to hire BDA to prepare two conceptual alternatives (including optional enhancements) and to complete construction-level drawings for the selected base scope. Staff told the council the design phase will take roughly three months and is intended to give elected officials schematic-level options before spending on more detailed design work.

Why it matters: the parcel that contains Library Park and the Veterans Monument sits largely within a wetland buffer and has chronic drainage and soil issues. City staff and the consultant said underdrain and geotechnical work are likely to be major cost drivers; council members cautioned that drainage work could consume a large share of the combined funding, leaving fewer dollars for aesthetic or amenity upgrades at the monument.

Director Todd, the staff presenter, said…