Department of Commerce review prompts Beaux Arts Village to prepare Comprehensive Plan response; PSE franchise update noted

Mayor Aletha Howes reported that the Department of Commerce selected Beaux Arts Village for a review of its Comprehensive Plan. Town Engineer Schroeder re-sent the plan to Commerce, which will respond with specific requests; the town said it has two months to craft a response. Council members warned that failure to cooperate could jeopardize future Transportation Improvement Board grant eligibility, and Mayor Howes said Commerce may offer resources to help given the town’s limited staff and budget.

Council also discussed Puget Sound Energy’s request to update a franchise agreement that expired in 2015; town officials said the old franchise has been in effect since and is currently favorable to the town. The council plans to use Town Attorney Linehan and Town Engineer Schroeder for updates and noted there is no urgent need to accept new terms until the town is ready to negotiate on its terms. Council agreed to invite King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci to the March meeting to follow up on Commerce and related issues.