Moses Lake talks of vacating part of Marina Drive

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council discussed the vacation of a portion of Marina Drive amongst regular business Tuesday night.

The council held a public hearing to discuss the vacation of a portion of Marina Drive where it intersects with Broadway Avenue. John Phimster of WSCO Petroleum submitted the petition for the vacation of northwest side of lot one, the Parkhill-Scea Addition.

There was no testament given by citizens.

"I do have some significant questions with regard to this vacation," Mayor Ron Covey said.

Moses Lake, Grant County PUD and Qwest requested an easement be retained for existing utilities on the lot, according to a city document. If the lot is vacated, the city receives half the appraised value of the lot. The lot is located next to a Chevron station on Marina Drive and Broadway Avenue.

Council normally confers with Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado on land vacations but he was absent from the meeting. Council decided to table the issue until the next meeting when Alvarado should be available. Action is expected at the next council meeting.

The council also acted on:

? Paul Chasco, assistant director of insurance services of the Association of Washington Cities, presented the council with two checks totaling $26,435. The checks were insurance refunds from previous years concerning the low number of workers compensation claims, Chasco said.

? The council accepted two donations from Wal-Mart. The retail store donated $500 to the police department for video security enhancements. The fire department also received $500 to be used for fire prevention and education activities.

? The council gave approval to the police department to apply for a federal grant from the Department of Justice. The grant is for $4,793 to purchase nine new bulletproof vests. An additional $4,793 would be provided to cover the remaining half of the cost by the police budget.

? A public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2007 budget is scheduled for Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

Council Member Brent Reese was absent from the meeting.