Well, after 10 years, Arlington finally is connecting the dots from 67th to 74th at 197th Street NE. And the entire community will be the winner when it comes to economic development.

The city put the Arlington Valley Road in its comprehensive plan about a decade ago. But it could finally happen now as the City Council accepted a $50,000 Community Economic Revitalization grant Monday, July 20. The city will add $125,000 to the project, Mayor Barbara Tolbert said.

The three-lane road would support existing and planned industrial-commercial growth. The three-quarter mile road would access undeveloped land and would benefit Microgreen, AMT Senior and the redeveloped NW Hardwood site.

“It’s my understanding it’s ready to go as soon as we vote,” Council Member Randy Tendering said. It was confirmed work could start as early as Tuesday, July 21.

Public Works director Jim Kelly said the city owns three parcels, but others own the other two parcels. Three alternate routes are possible. He said it could still be a long process because to get federal funding there are strict regulations.

Also at the meeting, the council made some cost-saving moves. It decided to join two cooperatives – the Buyboard National Purchasing Cooperative and the Cooperative Purchasing Network. The collaborative purchasing power will save time and money because items already have been put out to bid. The networks sell everything from fire trucks and ambulances to cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

“It’s another tool to pursue additional savings and get the best deal possible for our taxpayers,” city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.

Council Member Chris Raezer asked when the city would go to one of those networks, rather than buying local. Banfield said there must be at least a 10 percent savings.

“We buy local whenever we can,” she said.

Raezer responded: “That’s good. It’s important to buy local. But we also have to be frugal with taxpayer money.”

And, the council accepted the low bid of Stripe Rite Inc. of almost $48,555 to provide thermoplastic traffic control devices. The markings, that include arrows, will be placed in areas such as crosswalks and railroad crossings.

Public Safety Director Bruce Stedman introduced new executive assistant Stephanie Shook. He then introduced a number of men and women in uniform.

“This is the safest place to be in town for the next half hour,” he joked.

Penn Cook was sworn in as a new police officer. He comes from the Everett Police Department and put in 720 hours at the police academy.

“Welcome to our family,” Stedman said. “It’s an incredible city to work for.”

Anna Trenough and Matt Urtz were sworn in as firefighters. They spent about 600 hours at the state academy, Stedman said.

“The average age (of our department) is going down, and that’s a good thing,” he added.

Zach Goodsell, Drew Shannon and Kyle Drewry were sworn in as paramedics. Stedman said they spend about 3,000 hours each in school.

“Think about it. It’s like taking the emergency room to the scene,” he said.

During the public comment period, Kari Ilonummi urged residents to re-elect Tolbert.

“It’s not time to look for somebody new,” he said. “We can do more together than when we’re against each other. She can’t be blamed for Congress.”

During the city comment period, Council Member Marilyn Oertle said she was glad the 27-mile Whitehorse Trail from Arlington to Darrington received $1 million so the rugged route could be paved.

“It’s the most beautiful trail you’ve ever seen,” she said.

A few council members talked about working the city booth at the recent Street Fair.

“Driving the shuttle I met a woman who has been coming to the Fly-In since the ’70s,” Tendering said.

Council members also talked about how glad they were to get state funding for Highway 531.

Lawmakers told us there was “no money for anything,” Council Member Jesica Stickles said. “I’m glad we didn’t listen to them and still fought for it.”