Eatonville council announces opposition to proposed airport sites in Pierce County

At its Nov. 14 meeting, the Eatonville Town Council passed in workmanlike fashion a number of resolutions — mostly without any discussion or comment — on everything from tax levies to authorizing the mayor to purchase a new lightly used street sweeper.
The council unanimously passed the second reading of an ordinance increasing the property tax levy for the 2023 tax year in the amount of 1.67 percent, or $12,509.68.
The council also unanimously passed an increase in the property tax for the town’s emergency medical services of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value as authorized by voter approval on Aug. 2.
Also passed unanimously was a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology requesting an amendment to said agreement to include $35,000 related to the cleanup of a long-abandoned landfill leased from Weyerhaeuser Co. that was used by the town for three decades.
Starting in 1950, Eatonville leased the land from Weyerhaeuser and used it as a landfill. The site was closed in 1980. State regulations for shutting down a landfill were followed, but concerns always remained about the site’s condition and environmental impact.

Also:
• The council passed — again unanimously — a resolution in which the town states its opposition to two possible locations in Pierce County for a proposed new commercial airport in Washington state as part of a plan to deal with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exceeding its capacity by 2050.
“Pierce County East” is the designation for a six-mile radius area south of Graham that includes state Route 161. “Pierce County Central” is a six-mile radius south of South Creek in an area where state Routes 702 and 7 converge. 
• The council unanimously confirmed the mayor’s appointment of Nathon Smith to the Planning Commission.
• Finally, the council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a new or slightly used street sweeper and submit bids and sign documents to that effect.
Up to $100,000 is allocated from Eatonville’s share of federal American Rescue Act Plan Funds.
“What we have for you tonight is the solution where the council ultimately authorizes the mayor to purchase a street sweeper,” Councilmember Bill Dunn said.