Topics include alleys, upgrades and garbage

Vision 2020 discusses downtown Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Bill Ecret hosted his first meeting as the new chair of Vision 2020 Tuesday afternoon and discussed future upgrades for Moses Lake.

The group of approximately 25 members and visitors discussed several issues facing the city.

Citizen and former councilmember Lee Blackwell called the alley behind Third Avenue abominable.

At the city council retreat it was suggested to clean up the alleys and underground utilities to make them pedestrian friendly.

Ecret said council suggested Vision 2020 and the Moses Lake Business Association spearhead the effort to begin cleaning alleys.

Vision member Ralph Kincaid said in 2005 it was expected to cost approximately $5,000 for each business owner to place their utilities underground. He said many people thought the expense was too high.

“If alleyways become a pedestrian area, it’s a minimal cost to improve the building (value),” Kincaid said.

Vision Communication Chair Jacie Daschel said the cost may be more than $5,000 because the estimate is about two years old. A slightly higher cost is still worth paying because of the benefit to property owners, she said.

The group discussed upcoming street improvements in the downtown area.

Ecret said portions of Beech Street and Balsam Street are next for street and sidewalk upgrades in 2009.

He said citizens often question why Broadway Avenue is not improved.

The avenue belongs to the state and eventually the city will control it, Ecret said. There is an overlay project expected to be completed by the Washington State Department of Transportation in 2010 or 2011.

The city plans to take control of the avenue once the project is complete because the overlay project is too large of an expense to the city.

Two cleanups are scheduled in spring for the lake and various routes throughout the city.

Vision member Alan Heroux said the cleanups are coming at a good time because he noticed trash all over the place, possibly from people throwing things outside their vehicles.

He said it’s important to implement stronger enforcement and larger fines against people who litter. Heroux said last Memorial Day weekend, he witnessed someone drive up to his work office and dump two garbage bags full of trash in front of his business.

Kincaid said he often sees garbage cans with their lids open allowing the wind to blow trash around.

Ecret said he would approach Consolidated Disposal Service to find a solution to encourage citizens to keep their garbage can lids closed.