This week's news from city hall is pretty flashy. To wit: Traffic lights and improved electrical service. An overview:

Seattle Hill Road Traffic Signal - In the past week, the electrical contractor completed most of the underground conduit work and poured the new concrete signal pole foundations on each corner. The prime contractor also began work to replace the curb, gutter and sidewalk on each side, along with new ADA ramps.

Snohomish County PUD - The PUD is beginning a lengthy project to inspect, protect and replace the underground power lines in the older areas of the City. The underground cables will be tested for integrity and then injected with a silicon coating if in good shape. If the cable is too deteriorated it will have to be replaced, which is currently happening in the Evergreen subdivision.

The first neighborhoods scheduled for testing are Springtree, Woodfern and Heatherstone. Notification letters have been mailed to all affected residents, and door hangers will be distributed 48 hours prior to the work. The testing and injection phase of the project should be completed by November, with possible cable replacement work to follow in the future.

(Ed: This might be a good time to lay in a supply of bottled water and check the batteries in smoke detectors and portable devices.)