Council hears Oak Avenue project and backflow-device outreach; Harvest Festival survey shows mixed location preference

City staff used the Nov. 25 council meeting to brief the council on infrastructure and community events and to highlight outreach work.

Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation: Assistant City Manager Joe Leach told the council that construction on the Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin Monday, Dec. 8. Work will start with storm-drain infrastructure; staff said equipment and demolition of asphalt will be visible in staged closures between Mitchell and Madrona and that door-to-door notifications to affected property owners and businesses are planned.

Backflow-device outreach and assistance: Leach said review of customer meter data flagged 23 properties with meters that were "actually going backwards," which staff characterized as a public‑health issue. Letters were sent requiring installation of city‑approved backflow devices by January. "We understand that that's probably a worse time of year to provide this letter," Leach said, and staff apologized for the timing. He said staff will return Dec. 9 to request a budget appropriation to help customers who cannot afford or complete installations by January and that the city will explore payment plans via utility billing.

Harvest Festival survey results: Ashley Sylvester, acting director of community services, presented a flash survey conducted Oct. 30–Nov. (closing date in transcript) with 156 participants. Sylvester said 59% of respondents attended this year and had in prior years; 40% rated the event 'excellent' and 38% 'good.' When asked about location, 43% preferred the new Adams and Library Lane site, 25% preferred Oak Avenue, and 11% were unsure. Staff summarized open-ended feedback (shade/seating, vendor mix, local bands) and said feasibility work would continue if the council wants the festival to remain at the current site next year.

Other actions: The council adopted the consent calendar (all recommended items) by roll-call vote during the meeting. The mayor offered Thanksgiving wishes during council reports, and Council member Summers described a recent car accident and noted he is recovering. The mayor adjourned the meeting until the next regular session on Dec. 9, 2025.

Provenance: Oak Avenue and backflow remarks (SEG 141–156, SEG 161–195); barrel tree lighting and Harvest Festival survey presentation (SEG 236–256; SEG 283–438); consent calendar and adjournment (SEG 499–526; SEG 1068–1069).