Arlington
Budget increase due to building
Two questions were raised at the City Council’s second public hearing on the 2004 budget Monday night. One person asked if the sales tax rate would increase. The rate will not increase, but revenues from the city’s sales tax have gone up, city administrator Kristin Banfield said.
Another person asked if the city would need more park maintenance workers. The answer is no, Banfield said.
The proposed 2004 budget is $48.2 million, up from $42.7 million last year. Most of that increase is because of tax revenues generated by increased development, Banfield said. The City Council will approve a final budget at its next meeting Dec. 15.
In other items, the council unanimously approved a remodel of the first floor of the police station side of City Hall at a cost not to exceed $170,000.
Edmonds
Volunteers sought for appeals board
The city is seeking candidates to make up a board to hear appeals of building officials on decisions or interpretations made on the state-adopted building code.
The basic function of the board is to consider the use of alternate materials or methods of construction different than those specified in the building code. The board would have no authority to interpret the administrative provisions of the code and may not waive specific code requirements.
Mayor Gary Haakenson will interview qualified candidates. For more information, call 425-771-0247.
Everett
Council to vote on issuing bonds
The City Council on Wednesday is expected to approve the issuance and sale of $5 million in bonds. The money will help tide the city over during months when it spends more money than it takes in, such as before property tax revenue starts arriving in April.
City officials prefer to issue bonds rather than take money from the $23 million budget surplus, finance director Debra Bryant said. That’s because the amount of interest the city pays on the bonds is less than the interest it earns on money from the surplus.
The City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
Larsen to speak on Medicare bill
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen will speak at the Everett Central Lions Club meeting at 12:50 p.m. today on how the Medicare bill approved by Congress last week will affect Snohomish County senior citizens.
Larsen will speak in the Northwest Room of the Everett Elks Club, 2731 Rucker Ave.
Larsen will also give the keynote address tonight at the Snohomish County Football Officials Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete banquet in south Everett.
Island County
Camano artists’ work on display
The Camano Arts Association has announced a partnership with Utsalady Elementary School to place local art in the school. Twelve artists have contributed works, and others will be rotated.
“This will be an ongoing effort,” said Rosanne Cohn, the association’s spokeswoman. “Our goal is to bring art to many of our public spaces.”
Earlier this year, 24 artworks were placed in the Camano Senior and Community Center as part of the group’s public arts program.
Lake Stevens
Drainage district board meeting
The Drainage District No. 8 board of commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the district office, 1911 Vernon Road.
The meetings are open to the public.
Lynnwood
Police again offer Citizens Academy
The Lynnwood Police Department is offering a free 16-week Citizens Academy for residents. The course is intended to give participants a broader understanding of police operations.
Classes will be 7-10 p.m. Thursday evenings Feb. 19-June 3. For more information, or to request an application, call Trudy Dana at 425-744-6939.
Marysville
Larsen to present flags to schools
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen will address a gathering Thursday at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in which 36 flags will be presented to the school district. Larsen had the flags flown over the U.S. Capitol on May 1, which was Loyalty Day for the school district. Each school will receive two of the flags.
Other speakers include state Rep. Kirk Pearson, Snohomish County Council member John Koster and teacher Jim Pankiewicz. High school students, principals and student representatives from throughout the district will attend the event at 9:15 a.m. Thursday at the high school auditorium, 5611 108th St. NE.
Mill Creek
Budget changes available online
Information on adjustments to Mill Creek’s budget is now available at the city’s Web site, www.cityofmillcreek.com.
The information comes from a Nov. 11 presentation made to the City Council recommending the budget adjustments.
Monroe
Sex, budget, ethics on council agenda
Two Monroe ordinances are on the way to passage, the 2004 city budget and the amended regulations for where sexually oriented businesses can set up shop in the city.
The Monroe City Council will have the first reading of both proposed ordinances at 7 tonight at City Hall, 806 W. Main St.
Also, after nearly a year’s worth of discussion, the City Council will consider changes to its ethics code. In particular, the city will look to amend its policy on conflict of interest, which could make it easier for those who serve on Monroe’s volunteer committees and boards to also do business with the city.
Mountlake Terrace
Money sought for streets, sidewalks
The Mountlake Terrace City Council voted last week to apply for grants for two projects to improve streets and sidewalks. The projects would cost $127,700 and $377,000.
The first project includes new sidewalks along both sides of 60th Avenue W. from 232nd Street SW to 233rd Place SW, as well as across Veterans Memorial Park from 60th Avenue W. to the access road at the police station.
Near the 60th Avenue W. entrance to the park, the existing half-width street will be widened to complete the street improvements. The project also includes storm drainage improvements and putting a curb on the east side of 60th Avenue W.
The second project will widen 223rd Street SW, extending from 44th Avenue W. to 48th Avenue W., and will include curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides of the street. Storm drainage improvements also are planned.
Mukilteo
Lighthouse shop open Saturdays
The Mukilteo Lighthouse gift shop will be open for shopping Saturdays only until Christmas.
Hours will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On Saturday, Girl Scouts will sing carols in the gift shop and Santa will visit 1-4 p.m. There will be tours this Saturday only.
Call 425-513-9602 for more information.
Snohomish
Delta Rehab plans a party
A Christmas party is planned 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Delta Rehabilitation Center at the Snohomish Chalet, 1705 Terrace Ave., Snohomish.
There will be music, visiting, refreshments and Santa will arrive with gifts. A shuttle will be available at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 1512 Pine St.
Snohomish County
Meeting to focus on critical areas
The county’s critical areas ordinance will be the topic of the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County’s meeting 7 p.m. today at the Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St., Everett. The public is welcome. The county is updating how it will regulate and protect critical areas such as wetlands, streams and lakes, frequently flooded areas and geologically hazardous areas.
John Mauro, smart growth director for the Pilchuck Audubon Society, will speak about the update of critical areas ordinances in Snohomish County and how the public can get involved.
Low-cost bike, ski helmets available
Low-cost bicycle and sports helmets are available at all fire stations in Snohomish County Fire District 1 and Mountlake Terrace.
Bicycle helmets are $5, and helmets suitable for skateboarding, bicycling and in-line skating are $6.50. Ski helmets are available at the Mariner fire station in Everett only for $13.
The helmet program is part of Fire District 1’s injury prevention program. Firefighters are trained to custom-fit all helmets.
For more information, call Fire District 1 headquarters at 425-551-1200 or go to www.firedistrict1.org.
Stanwood
Council looks at budget, scooters
On the City Council’s agenda for its next meeting is a second reading and adoption of the 2004 budget.
The budget is $22.2 million, including a general fund of $3.6 million and more than $14 million on sewer and drainage expenditures, including a $7 million wastewater treatment plant.
Also on the agenda are proposed new regulations for motorized scooters.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday in City Hall, 10220 270th St. NW.
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