Public Works Department receives $750,000 to make streets safer

FLO Analytics to plan new ward districts based on 2020 census; council to discuss new maps April 12

JUSTIN WASHINGTON

City Councilor Nathan Weller said mental health care is his number one priority going into the 2024 legislative session.

MOLLY WILK, Evergreen reporter

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson presented a $750,000 award from Complete Streets to Public Works Director Shawn Kohtz during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

The money will go toward making streets safer for all modes of transportation, Kohtz said. The Public Works Department is planning two projects, which will improve sidewalk conditions near Lincoln Middle School and a stretch along Terre View Drive.

Using the results of the 2020 census, the council is redrawing voting districts to make Pullman’s three wards more equal. The council hired consultant firm FLO Analytics to plan a redistricting scenario workshop, which will give the council direction on producing draft ward maps.

FLO Analytics project manager Kent Martin, senior analyst Alex Brasch and project data analyst Emma Swanson presented an overview of the schedule, redistricting criteria and redistricting analysis.

After the presentation, Swanson presented four scenarios to the council for review. The council decided three of the four scenarios should be considered drafts. The council will discuss the maps further at the April 12 meeting.

Pullman Fire Chief Mike Heston proposed an ordinance that would change the city’s designated disaster emergency coordinator from the police chief to the fire chief. The council moved to adopt the ordinance.

Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins proposed an ordinance for a five-year renewal of in-car cameras for police vehicles beginning in February 2023. The council moved to adopt the ordinance.

City engineer Cara Haley presented a resolution for an expansion of the maintenance and operation grading 2022 project.

The project is estimated to cost $1.8 million and includes clearing the area, constructing an asphalt path and installing stormwater and sanitary sewer utilities, Haley said.

The most affordable bid came in just over $2 million. The council moved to adopt the resolution.