Council hears Oak Avenue project and backflow-device outreach; Harvest Festival survey shows mixed location preference
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Summary
Council staff said Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation starts Dec. 8; staff notified 23 customers about required backflow devices and will seek a Dec. 9 budget appropriation to assist those who cannot meet the January installation deadline. The city reported Harvest Festival survey results from 156 respondents with 43% preferring the new Adams/Library Lane location.
City staff used the Nov. 25 council meeting to brief the council on infrastructure and community events and to highlight outreach work.
Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation: Assistant City Manager Joe Leach told the council that construction on the Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin Monday, Dec. 8. Work will start with storm-drain infrastructure; staff said equipment and demolition of asphalt will be visible in staged closures between Mitchell and Madrona and that door-to-door notifications to affected property owners and businesses are planned.
Backflow-device outreach and assistance: Leach said review of customer meter data flagged 23 properties with meters that were "actually going backwards," which staff characterized as a public‑health issue. Letters were sent requiring installation of city‑approved backflow devices by January. "We understand that that's probably a worse time of year to provide this letter," Leach said, and staff apologized for the timing. He said staff will return Dec. 9 to request a budget appropriation to help customers who cannot afford or complete installations by January and that the city will explore payment plans via utility billing.
Harvest Festival survey results: Ashley Sylvester, acting director of community services, presented a flash survey conducted Oct. 30–Nov. (closing date in transcript) with 156 participants. Sylvester said 59% of respondents attended this year and had in prior years; 40% rated the event 'excellent' and 38% 'good.' When asked about location, 43% preferred the new Adams and Library Lane site, 25% preferred Oak Avenue, and 11% were unsure. Staff summarized open-ended feedback (shade/seating, vendor mix, local bands) and said feasibility work would continue if the council wants the festival to remain at the current site next year.
Other actions: The council adopted the consent calendar (all recommended items) by roll-call vote during the meeting. The mayor offered Thanksgiving wishes during council reports, and Council member Summers described a recent car accident and noted he is recovering. The mayor adjourned the meeting until the next regular session on Dec. 9, 2025.
Provenance: Oak Avenue and backflow remarks (SEG 141–156, SEG 161–195); barrel tree lighting and Harvest Festival survey presentation (SEG 236–256; SEG 283–438); consent calendar and adjournment (SEG 499–526; SEG 1068–1069).