The Medical Lake City Council session on Tuesday Dec. 3 provided updates on fire recovery efforts, upcoming holiday programs, and progress on critical city projects.
Mayor Terri Cooper expressed optimism regarding the city’s recovery in fire affected areas, noting that Medical Lake is doing well, and is ahead of the average in Spokane County. Cooper said that many occupancy permits are advancing and that she hopes to see more residents return to their homes by next spring.
City Administrator Sonny Weathers shared plans for the holiday season, highlighting the “Find the Christmas Cardinal” program organized by Re*Imagine Medical Lake. Local shops will participate in the initiative, where shoppers will potentially collect stamps from different shops to try and win prizes.
Weathers also reported progress on several city projects, including wastewater treatment upgrades and plans for a commercial kitchen. Additionally, the city secured $800,000 in grant funding to install backup power generators in municipal facilities.
Public Works Director Scott Duncan announced a major funding milestone, with Medical Lake receiving over $1.2 million to complete its scrub seal street project. Duncan said the grant will allow the city to finish the project and ensure the roads are in great condition.
Finance Director Koss Ronholt provided a detailed update on the city’s allocation of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Of the $300,000 still available, $105,738 is earmarked for downtown beautification, $46,907 for city technology upgrades, and $106,408 for remodeling the auditorium’s kitchen. Mayor Cooper praised the city’s effective use of ARPA funds, emphasizing the importance of finalizing these projects by year’s end.
The kitchen remodel, envisioned as state-of-the-art, will be presented with design specifics in a future meeting. The council also addressed wastewater treatment plant updates and other general business items during the session.
