North Bend enters Stage 2 of water conservation

North Bend entered the second stage of its water conservation ordinance on Oct. 6. It applies to all homes and businesses within city limits. All prior rules remain in place, including allowed watering times between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to limit evaporation. Landscape and pasture irrigation, except drip irrigation, will only be allowed three days per week, based on an odd-even schedule. More information is available on the city’s website.

North Bend Mayor McFarland gives quarterly project update

North Bend Mayor Rob McFarland issued a third quarter update for the city. Despite wildfires, floods and a pandemic, he said the city is committed to pursuing its goals.

In September, the North Bend Rapid Relief Program gave financial assistance grants to 45 small businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Some $180,000 in federal CARES Act funding was distributed.

But the city budget is heavily dependent on sales tax revenue. This has been impacted by the pandemic, and with a future economic rebound unclear, frugality is important for the city to maintain, McFarland said in the statement.

The city adopted a water conservation ordinance over the summer and since then, Public Works crews have replaced 260 of the roughly 2,600 water meters in the city to provide efficiency.

Several overlay and traffic projects were also being pursued, including an overlay at Ballarat Avenue, another roundabout at the Mt. Si Boulevard and Bendigo Boulevard intersection, and a pavement condition index study.

Work on the North Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project continues as well. Phase 1 of the project is at 75% complete. The city also received an approval recommendation for its water system plan update from King County. The county also recommended moving the National Guard’s proposed Readiness Center project from the Sallal Water Association service area into North Bend’s.

Clearing and grading has also begun on the Snoqualmie Valley Athletic Complex, which has been in the works for nearly five years.

A collaboration with the Si View Parks District is building a missing Tanner Trail Connection between Cedar Falls Way and Maloney Grove Ave. It should be completed by the end of October.

A Veterans Memorial Garden was installed outside City Hall as part of a partnership between the city and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.