The City Hall plan, currently scheduled for 2017-2018 includes upgrading City Hall structural elements per structure design created from structural analysis. Repair passive fire protection. Install active fire protection system throughout building per building code requirements. City Hall was originally built in 1915 with additions in 1926.
Projects in the CFP do not automatically roll into the city’s budget. The CFP is a financial planning document; it identifies estimated capital costs for public facility projects and provides an estimate of subsequent operating costs.
This CFP presents only those major public improvements that are viewed as most urgently needed within the next six years. However, these public improvements may still require public hearings, environmental review, a public vote in some cases, and annual budget decisions.
Among other multi-million dollar projects include construction in 2016 of a new fire station on March Point at an estimated cost of $2.3 million. But, Fire Chief Richard Curtis says he is considering proposing moving the current Station 1, now located on 13th St. to somewhere closer to Highway 20 and R Ave. because the fire station is too small.
Also in the CFP list is continuing construction of the Guemes Channel Trail, with an anticipated $2.9 million in 2015-2016. The Plan is to construct a 12-foot wide waterfront trail along the old railroad bed. Project will currently be developed out as property along the trail area is developed and as right of ways become available or can be acquired.
Several transportation projects are planned, with $19.5 million in street maintenance on the wish list. Other street improvements are planned outside of routine street maintenance.
R Ave. Improvements estimated at $3.8-million. Multiple-phased project to improve safety and mobility between R Avenue and the surrounding streets and neighborhoods. Future improvements include a roundabout at 30th, 10-foot wide sidewalks, and a revised intersection at R Ave and the SR 20 Spur.
Fidalgo Bay Road reconstruction - $2.3 million in 2018-2019. The existing concrete road pavement has failed in places and must be reconstructed. Rejuvenation methods can no longer extend the life of the pavement. Curb and gutter will be installed to convey storm drainage.Fidalgo Bay Road is a City collector street and an alternate route into the City, should SR 20 be shut down. In addition, heavy tourist traffic is experienced due to the RV Park and the adjacent Tommy Thompson Trail.
Heart Lake Road - $3.3 million in 2019 - From City Limits to 6th Street via Heart Lake Road/H Avenue/I Avenue/J Avenue/20th Street/ K Avenue. Including sidewalk, curbs, gutters, bike lanes and street overlay.
The city is looking at $14.7 million over 2015-2020 in water projects, including pipeline replacements and replacement of a 3-million gallon storage reservoir on Blue Herron Road. The existing reservoir on Blue Herron Road was recently inspected and an engineering report was completed that recommends extensive repairs to avoid a failure. The repairs would require the reservoir to be taken out of service for approximately 5 months.
The Council started their review of the Capital Facilities Plan on Monday night and will continue on July 14.