[Vision2020] A saga with no answers

[Moscow Cares]

Courtesy of today’s (December 5, 2017) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with special thanks to Joann Muneta.

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Letter: A saga with no answers

The saga of the Third Street Bridge continues with unanswered questions. On Nov. 20, the Moscow City Council approved a Task Order Agreement with engineer Keller & Associates of Meridian, Idaho, for up to $122,880 on a list of tasks related to design and construction management services of the Paradise Creek motor bridge. As usual, this was passed without any discussion except for a question by newly elected council representative, Brandy Sullivan. Questions emailed to the mayor, council and staff were not answered or even discussed. Some of the provisions that raise important issues on a major construction project are:

No. 1: 3.2 "No street improvements are anticipated except for tie-in to the bridge." How does this tie-in with the planning for traffic calming and safety? Why are we not coordinating the Third Street bridge with the rest of Third?

No. 2: 3.15 "Environmental studies and any permitting is by others. Design intent is to minimize impacts to creek and waterways, where possible." (my italics) How extensive can impacts be to the creek? What environmental studies are being planned?

No. 3: 3.16 "No public involvement by Engineer. If necessary, a separate task order will be created." What public involvement, if any, is planned for selecting the bridge design and any auxiliary construction?

No. 4: 3.17 "Minimal aesthetics on bridge by Engineer." Will the city be considering any aesthetics, or is this considered unimportant to the community?

No. 5: 3.20 "Adherence to City of Moscow Standards; no federal aid design and procedural standards are anticipated." What are the city of Moscow standards that will apply and where can they be found?

Traffic calming, creek and environmental protection, aesthetics, public input and city standards are of great importance and interest to the community. When will the city discuss and answer these questions?

Joann Muneta
Moscow

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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