[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6306264,"mediaKeyId","2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5","parentId",2439935,"title","Sedro‑Woolley council awards $2.44 million contract for Olmsted Park improvements and approves funding for alternates","audioSeconds",1409,"startMs",2995000,"endMs",4404000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5&start=2995&end=4404","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5/thumbnail_2995000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306264/Sedro-Woolley/Skagit-County/Washington/SedroWoolley-council-awards-244-million-contract-for-Olmsted-Park-improvements-and-approves-funding-for-alternates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306264-6be124bb273fb96e2c5a82be8abc8002/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138352&Signature=D3p0VGLEKQcAGf~ZGGfDvlMh0u-l1rNY8LGlb68p-87L72r-kBjwkFQa--m6iFbYrPISjZm4j8Yve7ShKpuR7mTLE142z3FfSyz7X27PbyR4VUEMASwlkwzwFGIjLTTRocgBbGSeXZWgEKoX~0~wZHsGvW4gGqffnWd9~gbpymc6eK6hmLNlnQ3Wry1P6fLE9nbd7vcx-EfqfcL6ZrDaf~U2TkxNUBosy4OZ2~~tqamwgOHn0zKDM9hKb6wtNKGOB15J9KvG8Otr66-CEEAaLdHrBFyfKIkkPAJB8Ce6Q4p~atHhkhAM6xiixSOyTzJ~XVM41LxoPLhZ2oRlxl8z1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sedro-Woolley, WA","date","2025-02-27T16:48:43Z","article","The Sedro‑Woolley City Council voted to award the 2025 Olmsted Park site improvements contract to the low bidder, Excavation West, and approved paying for two additive alternates that will add pavilions and additional site features.

Bill (city staff) reported the engineer’s estimate for the base bid was $2,761,698 and that Excavation West submitted the low base bid at $2,437,616. The council packet showed two additive alternates: Alternate 1 for larger pavilions (engineer estimate $369,945; low bid $336,308) and Alternate 2 (engineer estimate $314,940; low bid $237,974). The full base bid and the two alternates together would allow construction of picnic pavilions, a caretaker’s house, public restrooms, parking and site utilities; staff noted the project also leaves space for a future playground or additional recreation amenities.

City administrator Charlie and finance staff summarized funding options. The council had $338,000 already set aside in the special projects fund earmarked for Olmsted Park; staff said using that amount plus a draw from the general fund reserve would cover the two alternates. The council ultimately approved allocating $338,000 from the special projects fund and $236,283 from the general fund reserve to fund the alternates (total alternates funding $574,283.07), and awarded the base contract amount of $2,437,616.79 (including sales tax) to Excavation West. The award includes the base contract; the council motion and funding allocation were passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent.

Council members argued for completing the park rather than phasing it in later, citing rising construction costs and the benefits of doing most work at once. Councilman Burns said he favored completing the project now to avoid further price escalation; Councilman Cott and Councilwoman Diamond supported using reserves rather than the city’s strategic reserve fund. Councilman Henderson asked about timing and whether a playground would be included; staff said a playground had been planned but a related state grant (RCO) was not awarded and the playground remains a potential future phase depending on funding.

Funding partners cited in the packet included the Port of Skagit, HUD, the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant efforts and other local sources used to assemble the project budget. Staff said a budget amendment would be brought forward to record the use of reserves and funding sources.

Why this matters: Olmsted Park’s site improvements add facilities (pavilions, restroom, caretaker’s house, parking and accessible paths) that staff and council said will meet community needs and that completing alternates now provides cost savings compared with later phasing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sedro-Woolley City Council Meeting for February 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council awarded a $2,437,616.79 contract to Excavation West for Olmsted Park site improvements and approved funding to include two additive alternates. Council allocated $338,000 from the city’s special projects fund and $236,283 from the general fund reserve to cover alternates; the motion passed by voice vote.","taxTitle","Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",71694,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306269,"Volunteers of America presents dispute resolution and youth mediation programs to Sedro‑Woolley council",808,919000,1727000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5&start=919&end=1727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5/thumbnail_919000.jpg","/articles/6306269/Sedro-Woolley/Skagit-County/Washington/Volunteers-of-America-presents-dispute-resolution-and-youth-mediation-programs-to-SedroWoolley-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306269-290703d177b33beaf4d79de00c007e2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138352&Signature=TwcUoPLHjjMuIe1u4q2ov9llrFY~JrxGRiezC9nFg8CQQhZ7VOUiuJHAIRvHmckDAXK8c6rDTeL~D~rBf08IfYKPD9nVjEy~f~H5JnK36FKhg-yx8a0bvGmVL2JLWIAudVSpr7TY~FXcfL2pzcFDB2NzoaBZnjoqANc-Rv1OAeh82WzW4osWF4gh5rkCVBp8jEx-u5-dyQH95FlbZppaF-y-P9puvmbNVL66typv6KgkAHqtzGmzf7b6jvzxQ9vWZitW~Zi0dM099agmU-RXxkUxlILXVsQEcgeXvCIwzgLKSOQMox9sVdoZMLFCVYtxa3ByUQzRERkqfrMNdOSAqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rick Schoentrup, director of operations for the Volunteers of America Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), told the Sedro‑Woolley City Council about the center’s mediation, restorative practices and training programs and discussed plans to bring youth programs to local schools and community centers.

Schoentrup said the DRC has two centers — one based in Mount Vernon (Skagit County) and one in Everett (Snohomish County) — and offers mediation, restorative conferencing, workplace mediation, housing mediation, eviction prevention support and a range of trainings. He described the DRC as “a trusted resource for alternative dispute resolutions” that both mediates cases and provides trainings for volunteers and professionals.

Alicia Bergson, the DRC’s program coordinator, explained that the center’s mediation services are confidential and impartial and cover small‑claims court mediation, family mediation (including parenting plans and property division), housing mediation (landlord–tenant issues and roommate disputes), workplace mediation and parent‑teen mediation.

Amberlee Faizy, restorative practices supervisor, outlined restorative approaches used by the DRC. She described classroom and community programs including the VOICE (Victim Offender Impact Competency Education) class, Conflict Resolution and Communication (CRC) training, parenting communication classes, restorative conferencing and circle processes rooted in indigenous traditions. Faizy also described a peer mediation program in which trained students mediate conflicts among classmates.

Schoentrup said the DRC is working to pilot peer‑mediation and other youth programs with Cedar Valley High School, Mount Vernon High School and La Conner High School and is discussing partnerships with the YMCA and the OASIS Center to offer classes at a local Y recreation center. He said peer‑mediator training typically requires between 24 and 48 hours of instruction, and that the DRC offers practicum pathways for people seeking state mediator certification.

On housing, Schoentrup said the DRC provides eviction prevention mediation and renter certification and fair‑housing counseling to both tenants and landlords. He noted the DRC runs trainings popular with businesses — for example, de‑escalation, trauma‑informed practice and emotional intelligence for managers — and that many mediations are handled by trained volunteers who complete the center’s mediation practicum and certification.

Council members welcomed the programs and asked about cultural adaptations of restorative practices; Faizy said she would consult with other DRCs and tribal contacts as needed. Schoentrup said contact information and slides are in the meeting packet and that the DRC would follow up with council staff on possible local pilots.

Why this matters: the DRC’s services intersect with eviction prevention, school climate, workplace conflict reduction and community‑based alternatives to court processes; pilot programs at local high schools and the YMCA could expand restorative resources for young people in Sedro‑Woolley.","Volunteers of America’s Dispute Resolution Center described mediation, restorative‑practice classes, housing mediation and a peer‑mediator program aimed at high schools; staff said they are pursuing partnerships with local schools and youth centers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306273,"Skagit County outlines Cook Road–I‑5 improvements to ease congestion near Sedro‑Woolley",497,131000,628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5&start=131&end=628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2439935-bb98b9e649688635723f14628beeb0c5/thumbnail_131000.jpg","/articles/6306273/Sedro-Woolley/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-outlines-Cook-RoadI5-improvements-to-ease-congestion-near-SedroWoolley","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306273-cd2bb266a7e9e885ef6d849284ea7da2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138352&Signature=S-aMVa7U~ykeIijmdjViXHYPyYHVNnD5NZkricqmtI6EhStzA7F3kHxPSp7zdmatyvZ1yUqjkR9sf5blYTi4XmOeCdAYXu60ogI-J6tvmlStFtAXoBSshoSIegOLqpptSmK2O~TG5nNVFMI3I-Dq45WHRpLFSWf3ILZ6PymEN5GVwVs6KWbMPiZ6pxDPI9TqwWwuYLauYmaD4~O1g~FaK4TVDWGHkFz-uBbfDeqjrN7xkkVua05kJQWuA2EHSqX8CHdvBwQRQ2ZXR7BiWdbaXlds6qILYHNw0lwM16ikO4ybi4n39RwRMqb15dvbNVFxI-f9eTPLTXevFmAM7whoeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Devin Willard, a project manager with Skagit County Public Works, told the Sedro‑Woolley City Council the county is advancing short‑ and long‑term improvements at the Cook Road/I‑5/Old Highway 99 corridor that currently experiences heavy congestion and vehicle queuing onto the I‑5 mainline.

Willard said the short‑term package — the primary focus of his presentation — would add traffic signals at the I‑5 ramp intersections, a northbound right‑turn lane at Old Highway 99 onto eastbound Cook Road, an additional eastbound lane on Cook Road, interconnection of the new signals with the nearby BNSF crossing gate, pavement resurfacing and ADA improvements. He said the county is designing the project to accommodate traffic growth through 2045 and that the short‑term improvements are expected to open in 2028.

The plan also includes a long‑term grade separation between Cook Road and the BNSF railroad tracks; Willard said that remains a later phase being evaluated during long‑range planning.

The project’s history includes earlier work by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Willard said WSDOT completed a basis of estimate in 2018 but asked the county to be the project proponent because the county was better positioned to secure federal funds. Skagit County subsequently received National Highway Freight Program funds and Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds to support design and construction; Transpo Group was selected in 2023 as design consultant.

Willard described design‑process delays tied to successive statewide guidance. He said WSDOT’s Olympia traffic office initially preferred roundabouts, which required redesign; after further review WSDOT accepted the county’s signal‑based design, but the back‑and‑forth added schedule and consultant costs and a roughly nine‑month delay.

Railroad agreements are the other critical path. Willard said the county and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) must sign a preliminary engineering agreement to allow BNSF to review and be compensated for design work; later the parties will execute a crossing agreement. Willard said the parties had been negotiating contract terms and that revisions were sent back to BNSF for signature.

Willard identified three approvals or conditions needed to proceed to 60/90/final design: (1) WSDOT approval of the county’s basis of design, (2) a preliminary engineering agreement with BNSF, and (3) securing a 13.5 percent project match. He said that match equates to about $223,000 for the design and right‑of‑way phases, and about $1,320,000 for all phases (design, right of way and construction). He laid out schedule milestones: final design no later than second quarter 2026 (to allow advertising in third quarter 2026, the county’s deadline to obligate National Highway Freight funds), construction starting spring 2027 if funding aligns, and a hoped‑for short‑term opening in 2028. Willard noted the Federal STBG funding that would help construction is currently not programmed until 2029.

Council members praised the work and raised safety concerns at the rail crossing. “I just think eventually there’ll be a tragic collision there and I think the eventual solution is to go above it,” said Councilman Cocke, recounting long experience commuting through the area. Councilman LaVaca and Councilman Burns said they supported completing the project sooner rather than in phased pieces, and Councilman Henderson thanked the presenter for the information.

Willard said the project team is also coordinating with Cascadia high‑speed rail planning referenced by council members and will share contact information and the presentation slides in the meeting packet.

Why this matters: the corridor currently ties regional traffic, freight and passenger rail operations together; the county’s short‑term package aims to reduce queuing onto I‑5 and improve safety while a longer‑term grade separation is studied.","Skagit County project manager Devin Willard briefed the Sedro‑Woolley City Council on short‑ and long‑term fixes at the Cook Road/I‑5/Old Highway 99 corridor, including signalization, a future grade separation, coordination with BNSF and WSDOT, and funding and schedule milestones through 2029.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sedro‑Woolley council awards $2.44 million contract for Olmsted Park improvements and approves funding for alternates

Volunteers of America presents dispute resolution and youth mediation programs to Sedro‑Woolley council

Skagit County outlines Cook Road–I‑5 improvements to ease congestion near Sedro‑Woolley