In a recent city council meeting, officials reported a positive financial outlook, noting a surplus of $8.8 million year-to-date, exceeding budget expectations by $2.5 million. The council adopted the meeting agenda without opposition and proceeded to address several key issues.

One significant topic was the approval of noise ordinance waivers for upcoming events on Adam Street, Elmira Street, and Timberlane Court, which passed unanimously.

The meeting also featured a public hearing regarding the pre-zoning of properties at 4589 Hermitage Avenue and 5340 US Highway 90 West, which was closed without public comment.

Kevin Johnson, an emergency medical responder and resident of Yesler Oaks Apartment Complex, raised concerns about a recently installed closed barrier gate at the complex's back exit. He highlighted issues such as increased traffic congestion, safety risks during emergencies, and delays in emergency medical response due to restricted access for private ambulance services. Johnson presented four questions to the council, including requests for adjustments to traffic light timings and reconsideration of the gate's closure.

In response, council members acknowledged the traffic challenges and noted that a traffic count had revealed 1,700 vehicles passing through the complex daily. They emphasized that the gate was installed to address safety concerns raised by residents, who had gathered over 1,000 signatures in support of the measure. The council committed to assessing the traffic situation further and promised to evaluate the possibility of granting access to private emergency responders.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the traffic dynamics and make necessary adjustments based on future assessments.