[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6151286,"mediaKeyId","5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa","parentId",5504437,"title","Public works updates: MBR startup timeline, booster pump tie‑in, Broadway rehab and multiple federal grants","audioSeconds",1259,"startMs",1459000,"endMs",2718000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa&start=1459&end=2718","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa/thumbnail_1459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6151286/Arlington-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Public-works-updates-MBR-startup-timeline-booster-pump-tiein-Broadway-rehab-and-multiple-federal-grants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151286-ac67563adadabd21e0d0d33a42c74edc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771059842&Signature=cAi6WyWipmtArGqMNEDg3q1jc1hcB~X~eQkgGCv2etz~9kzJOZHvfnsOLlVdjTYeDgefEKpTkrr48I7tWJ2rsLDYCYdJ-koulerZ2luzqkA2IPhAysqv27eP9zoVWjuyrQu6FIfNOHSxpmFrZ2OeKBVXwbXFuYabpct-vTGHQGK9A1GXD3qZKxxr3ooIxHSA7gWSqMtr8w2o-xuSxlbYrfBt-FwmIyaXAhwKtVIU0~Y4ndrNzVl6AmWgGd0LnNsfOYk-EhTd5iYYz~SvrN6PIhn3C6rdVV8AYdB0AqeefFGGxAgULNFQOXRJDRRPZ9CBUNHw-L~hGLjAmb~hHvHDpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Arlington, WA","date","2025-07-29T14:59:05Z","article","Public works staff presented the utility and transportation quarterly report, giving project timelines, staffing updates and contract activity.

Jim Kelly (staff member) said the wastewater membrane bioreactor (MBR) program remains in integration and computer‑programming work; staff expect to resolve the computer issues and have the new MBR operational by September. The new PLC/SCADA installation at the water treatment plant is complete but programming work continues. The 640 booster pump station building and generator are installed and operational, but staff will not tie the booster into the system until a pressure‑reducing valve (PRV) is installed to prevent backflow into the Snohomish PUD system; staff said the valve is ordered and awaiting delivery.

Staff reported construction and design items: the Prairie Creek BNSF bridge project (FEMA funding) was reinstated and staff are coordinating with BNSF on schedule; the Broadway/Division rehabilitation project will begin August 4 with Phase 3 (Broadway from SR 530 to Division) and staff will distribute detour maps and place reader boards to notify traffic. For federal projects (e.g., Smoky Point Boulevard roundabout and SR 531 widening), staff described the bid‑qualification, DBE and WSDOT concurrence steps required before award.

Water treatment expansion design is progressing; the city is procuring filter trains compatible with its Keystone‑type filtration (manufacturer Keystone now owned by AWC), and staff noted purchases are excluded from tariffs under the US‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement. Haller South well field work reached a contract termination with the prior designer and staff are reformulating the project approach.

Operations items included a new columbarium for the cemetery arriving in six weeks, and a change to biosolids hauling: the city received two bids and selected a low bidder (Septic Solutions) to haul biosolids under a three‑year contract with a one‑year extension to provide an alternate disposal site (Boulder Park) that is less weather‑dependent than eastern Washington land application.

Staff updated a GIS streetlight analysis for Smoky Point Boulevard and plans to coordinate with the PUD to remediate dark areas along the corridor. Several permits and closeouts are ongoing; staff said landscaping and plant establishment for recently completed trail work will be corrected and replanting done in November where necessary. No ordinance or contract award votes were taken during the workshop; staff said several contract items will come back to council next week for formal action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Arlington City Council Workshop - July 28th, 2025 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Public works staff reported that the wastewater MBR system should be operational by September pending software integration, a new booster pump station will require a PRV before tie‑in, and multiple transportation projects — including Broadway/Division rehabilitation and several federally funded roundabouts — are moving through design and bid qualification.","taxTitle","Arlington City, Snohomish County, Washington","taxId",71111,"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},6151281,"Council debates 2026 lodging‑tax allocations; consensus to reduce Arlington Fly‑In/Sk yfest funding and reallocate to events and downtown projects",3360,2719000,6079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa&start=2719&end=6079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa/thumbnail_2719000.jpg","/articles/6151281/Arlington-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Council-debates-2026-lodgingtax-allocations-consensus-to-reduce-Arlington-FlyInSk-yfest-funding-and-reallocate-to-events-and-downtown-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151281-c966a8ab2931ae6d8864d679bbdb2af1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771059842&Signature=AgQTmpnj5V7RU7CwgVgDf4hf1~Pf1y9f~PEWMcGPqTwk2jDDkLRD2U7HXW8YOmk5-M8DOWumJCsqfKA1Udx122OCQPBDlPICbS0GEyM8if37bdUh0z0AF4oPzu1EX-UZ~PtjX4WuHtiu7x1QrD2D-E4gbM4jkjzYbyy4OS1TTrH7DAAlQPKRSIaDhoPgKpUzAgDZLEX6dKI5FETCj0kf7tWV7b8m~zs8x1WkpjTIVuo77ma2o7258sB3Pl2ZOz8fEwl4wkFCFP~jngwv9h94KjUjybrrdmMag0D-o5M3Aieyg5k9tL21rc~j4e8NG8TQdZzVk1BRNJc4~~uITHapDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council discussed the 2026 lodging‑tax distribution and whether to modify the advisory committee’s recommended allocations. Paul presented the process: the LTAC advisory committee returns a distribution and council can propose adjustments before the committee has 45 days to comment and council’s final action.

Councilmember Deborah Nelson urged deference to LTAC’s process and highlighted that lodging tax funds are generated by overnight stays: “It only makes sense that they get the higher scores,” she said, noting the committee’s scoring emphasizes hotel nights. Several councilmembers nonetheless pushed for redistributing some funds to smaller local events to help them grow.

Council questioned the scoring transparency and asked for clearer breakdowns of applicants’ other funding sources (county LTAC, sponsorships, ticket revenue) and application budgets. Heather Logan and others asked staff to ensure future applications include dollar amounts for sponsorships and other revenue so allocations can be compared consistently.

After extended discussion, councilmembers signaled consensus to reduce the Arlington Fly‑In/Skyfest allocation from its requested amount (previous application amounts ranged higher) to $20,000 and to redirect funds to increase several other awards: Arlington Farmers Market (+$4,000 to reach 75% of its ask), Stilly Chamber Fourth of July (+$2,500 to 75% of its ask), and Arlington Street Fair (+$5,455). Council also discussed funding a downtown sound system project (phase‑1 design request of $24,000) but several members suggested asking the applicant to return with a full package so the commission could evaluate a complete proposal. Staff said legal restrictions on lodging‑tax eligible expenses would be checked before any final allocations are approved. Paul said staff will do follow‑up research (including whether for‑profit applicants’ requests meet statutory criteria) and return to council with a revised worksheet next week; no final vote was taken at the workshop.

Councilmembers emphasized respect for the volunteer LTAC committee’s work while also asserting council prerogative to reallocate funds to encourage newer events. Staff will return with clarification on applicants’ other revenue streams and on legal eligibility for specific line items before council adopts a final plan.","Council debated the advisory committee’s 2026 lodging‑tax recommendations, questioned the scoring emphasis on overnight stays, and reached consensus at the workshop to cut the Arlington Fly‑In/Skyfest allocation to $20,000 and reallocate funds to several local events while staff checks legal eligibility and applicants’ revenue details.",{"_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},6151291,"Council warned of falling sales tax and possible 2026 hiring deferrals after June report",525,794000,1319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa&start=794&end=1319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa/thumbnail_794000.jpg","/articles/6151291/Arlington-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Council-warned-of-falling-sales-tax-and-possible-2026-hiring-deferrals-after-June-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151291-498f563e2bd036b589112799e60c0dfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771059842&Signature=YvJ6lHEoUeLLV4RLeyvUOgHHr3PnKTgkO3cbD4gzJBzHXD6-Jd7S2cU4RV5aDMQmY1nIhoyUzdWgrVVS0y1NhlJaY4UTN~kO8DK1StCWO0OICng2DQsZkQ03S7ug6RS81UX3fk6AVP6QiKMq0i2jAWBMtX4gZOmyayhIpRZu7upAbpoeaXepLnYHSgPsip9X~hwFc6sNVKDri0jx7TZKzgfPUlnakXcgjjio5lkuVaKLfvuwRnn554c7e~2bjlaiQtF~ZOvmEcUeASPuJu4XjCoDaPLj4QLg67Iivy15wbYl2GjTZ7XwwLyRNreKmHftyg6vqKz0JIlrObVw7nujbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Arlington City Council that retail sales tax revenue was running about 4% below the prior year through June, leaving a roughly $324,000 shortfall compared with the previous year’s collections for the July 2024–June 2025 period. Paul, a city staff member presenting the June financial report, said the city had budgeted on continued sales‑tax growth but that the current trend required action to preserve the general fund.

Staff said building permits remain low and that transactions counted in REIT 1 and REIT 2 have declined as housing sales slow. “We’re seeing a 4% downward trend,” Paul said. He warned that cities more dependent on these funds for debt service are beginning to feel a pinch, although city staff said Arlington has a buffer in those funds and has not recently added major new debt.

To limit near‑term fiscal damage, staff proposed deferring new hires programmed for 2026; Paul said postponing those hires would address roughly 65–70% of the projected shortfall without involuntary layoffs. Councilmembers praised prior conservative budgeting and asked staff to present options for 2026 budget adjustments in October. Paul said he would not propose permanent cuts now but would recommend temporary measures until revenue improves.

Councilmembers asked for clearer presentation of the sales‑tax charts. Paul explained the negative 4% number reflects total collections for the year compared with the prior year, and noted new businesses are still generating receipts (about $312,000 in the most recent period), while existing businesses are producing a net decline estimated at $636,000. No formal budget amendments were adopted at the workshop; staff said they will return with specific 2026 proposals.","City finance staff reported a roughly 4% year‑over‑year decline in retail sales tax through June and flagged drops in building permits and REIT receipts; staff proposed deferring planned 2026 new hires to close much of the projected budget gap.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151295,"Council reviews amendment to Bakermore LLC development agreement for Lot D to allow limited highway-commercial uses",526,267000,793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa&start=267&end=793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504437-d0d8a8613925cc1c353a7ac612f97afa/thumbnail_267000.jpg","/articles/6151295/Arlington-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Council-reviews-amendment-to-Bakermore-LLC-development-agreement-for-Lot-D-to-allow-limited-highway-commercial-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151295-b0ab2b7b87949261d0997bc9d909188a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771059842&Signature=emRWRiREUmlOiq7LVzCBhTQPk7nvIL~MGf4qESQ6GirqERVWJ7jQE1k0cLOErRY8yRphanWz6Ev~cT1cuyPsPKalUmQRdvbnF36hXmEz0Hhenw8Zp5iXWiP6y4fnay8P8B8WGY-EtV-KazgyfL5Xa6EeYpm0Uu6oUaKNOVMrn1dlC6ASmEVBa1ZxmOBN1JRPGUVNWcNaVfDT8rnp84d54A-G7yIHI1aodR0ki0xNLAc8~3xor188Qj5EDmt09MPMIg2oEaoFlmhww2RQR1LJIdhjTZ-6vhL4SWZDoJ8OlCJwWXtwA6hWsyQvNnJ8yTENqqImGyUiKmFulh4qdydbGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the Arlington City Council on a draft amendment to a development agreement with Bakermore LLC to change allowable uses on Lot D of a multi-parcel mixed‑use development. The proposal would retain the mixed‑use overlay but expand permitted highway‑commercial uses on the front parcel to allow smaller retail uses — including drive‑throughs and similar facilities — while limiting uses such as auto sales and major vehicle repair.

The change is intended to make the narrow Lot D marketable for street‑front retail: “We want retail on that front lot,” a city staff member said, noting the parcel’s size has made it difficult to develop under existing mixed‑use restrictions. Staff described the expansion as targeted, not a wholesale adoption of all highway‑commercial uses.

Council members raised traffic and access concerns for the State Route 530/170 Second frontage. Councilmember Deborah Nelson asked whether the transportation department would monitor ingress and egress; staff replied a new driveway cut at the north end of the parcel and related egress work would likely be required. Staff also said the developer would pay traffic mitigation fees into the city’s mitigation fund, and the city might arrange a credit if work on Fortieth Avenue is needed.

Councilmember Heather Logan requested that Exhibit C — the list of permitted additional highway‑commercial uses for Lot D — be completed before the public hearing; staff said Exhibit C will be filled in and a final version presented next week for public hearing and council action. Staff also noted the attorneys for the city and developer were still negotiating language and that tonight’s presentation was informational.

No vote or final action was taken at the workshop; staff said a public hearing and final ordinance or amendment will be brought to council at the next meeting.","City staff outlined a draft amendment to the development agreement for Lot D in the Bakermore LLC subdivision to expand allowed commercial uses (including drive-throughs) and require traffic mitigation and new driveway access; staff said a public hearing and final version will come next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public works updates: MBR startup timeline, booster pump tie‑in, Broadway rehab and multiple federal grants

Council debates 2026 lodging‑tax allocations; consensus to reduce Arlington Fly‑In/Sk yfest funding and reallocate to events and downtown projects

Council warned of falling sales tax and possible 2026 hiring deferrals after June report

Council reviews amendment to Bakermore LLC development agreement for Lot D to allow limited highway-commercial uses