Showing posts with label kenmore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kenmore. Show all posts

Kenmore City Council requests emergency proclamation to halt asphalt production when air quality is judged unhealthy

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Kenmore City Council 2021

Kenmore City Council sent Governor Jay Inslee an urgent letter requesting an emergency proclamation that would halt the production of asphalt at any location where the air quality meets or exceeds the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) levels of “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous,” as established by the Washington Department of Ecology.

In an effort to mitigate the health impacts associated with "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous" WAQA events, the letter asks that asphalt production be temporarily stopped to avoid exacerbating health risks to at-risk persons and the general population that live near asphalt plants.

"Our concern is that the production of asphalt emits particulate pollution into the air, which combined with smoke from wildfires, increases the total load of particle pollution," states Kenmore City Council in the letter. 
"When some Washingtonians struggle to breathe during Very Unhealthy or Hazardous WAQA events, we believe that any additional particulate emissions into the air must be prevented."

The Legislature adopted RCW 43.06.220(1)(h) and RCW 70A.15.6020, which gives the governor the emergency powers to issue the requested proclamation. This proclamation would also complement the existing wildfire state of emergency declared under Emergency Proclamation 21-10, which imposed a temporary outdoor burn ban from July 6, 2021 through September 20, 2021.

A link to the full letter can be found here.



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Northshore Fire: Vape pens and electronic cigarettes cause fires

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Photo courtesy Northshore Fire
Vape Pens and Electronic Cigarettes cause fires and injuries each year in the US. 

62% of the incidents of explosion and fire involving an electronic cigarette or its battery occurred when the device was either in a pocket/purse or actively in use. 

The photo shows a fire Northshore Fire crews responded to in Kenmore that started from a vape pen that was in a purse and either overheated or was turned on accidentally.

For more information and tips to avoid a battery explosion please visit:

Tips to Help Avoid "Vape" Battery Explosions

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Kenmore City Council adopts resolution supporting King County Proposition 1 Best Starts for Kids

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Back row: Councilmember Srebnik, Deputy Mayor Herbig, Councilmember Marshall and Councilmember O'Cain  Front row: Councilmember Curtis, Mayor Baker, and Councilmember Pfeil.  New Councilmember Angela Kugler not shown in this photo

On Monday night, Kenmore City Council adopted a resolution in support of King County Proposition No. 1, Regular Property Tax Levy for Children, Youth, Families and Communities, also known as Best Starts for Kids. Proposition No. 1 is scheduled to go to the voters at the King County Special Election on August 3, 2021.

If approved, this proposition would fund prevention and early intervention services and capital investments to promote health and well-being, including child care; prenatal and newborn family services; youth development programs; social, emotional and mental health supports; and homelessness prevention. 

It would authorize an additional six-year property tax beginning in 2022 at $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The City Council considered the resolution in support of Proposition No. 1 at the July 19, 2021 Regular Meeting, where members of the public and council were given an approximately equal opportunity for expression of an opposing view (RCW 42.17A.555).



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Log Boom Park Waterfront Access and Viewing Project construction begins July 26; Park will be closed to the public through July 2022

Monday, July 19, 2021

Beginning the week of July 26th, Log Boom Park in Kenmore at the head of Lake Washington will be closed to the public, including the parking lot, restroom, playground, and water access. 

Road Construction Northwest, Inc. will begin construction on the 2016 voter-approved Walkways and Waterways Bond Project with work continuing through July 2022. The 1.5-acre Log Boom Park Waterfront Access and Viewing Project will expand beach and hand-powered watercraft access, restore natural areas, renovate trails, provide a new rental building, picnic shelter, seating, and public art.


The Park will be closed during construction including the parking lot, public restroom, playground and beach access. Typical construction hours will be from Monday through Friday from 7:00am - 6:00pm with construction vehicles and heavy machinery in the area. Hours may be subject to change.

King County’s Burke Gilman Trail (BGT) and the City of Kenmore’s public pier will remain open during construction. The east path that leads to the pier will remain open with minor closures. The seasonal (June-August) float that attaches to the northeast end of the pier will remain open this summer. Portable restrooms will be located east of the park’s closed parking lot.

With limited street parking, the city encourages alternative forms of transportation to access the BGT or the public pier while the park is closed. Please respect park neighbors and do not park within private property.

Find project updates: kenmorewa.gov/WWLB

Walkways and Waterways is a voter-approved bond measure that passed in 2016 and encompasses five projects aimed to provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists and connect residents with the City’s public open space and waterfront. Find out more at kenmorewa.gov/ww



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Cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell say "Help Save Bus Rapid Transit Along SR 522!"

Friday, July 16, 2021


In an unprecedented joint campaign, the cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell are together urging their citizens to lobby Sound Transit to save the much touted Bus Rapid Transit service along Bothell Way (SR 522) to the 148th Transit station.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Systemwide, Sound Transit is seeing lower revenues than projected and higher costs than anticipated (mostly due to the pandemic). The Sound Transit Board and staff are going through a “realignment” process, meaning that they are looking to significantly delay some of the ST3 projects. 

Our 522 BRT (bus rapid transit) project could be one of the projects to be delayed to 2030 or beyond! That’s where you can help. 

The Sound Transit Board has not yet made a decision, but their discussions are ramping up. The preliminary recommendation is to have 522 BRT included in Tier 1, the category with the shortest delay. 

We need citizens to remind the Sound Transit Board all of the reasons why this BRT project must stay funded and stay in Tier 1 planning!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Before the July 22 meeting, write a letter to the Sound Transit Board urging them to keep 522 BRT on schedule and in Tier 1. You can send it to the board at emailtheboard@soundtransit.org.

Attend the July 22, 2021 Sound Transit Board meeting at 1:30pm via Zoom. Sign up for public comment and state your support for 522 BRT. Find meeting information here.

The attached flyer has additional information and can give you some talking points in making the case for 522 BRT. 

IT'S EASY TO ADVOCATE!

The cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline are seeking interested community members to form a coalition of citizens and business leaders advocating for the timely delivery of the Sound Transit SR 522/NE145th Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

Joining the coalition and advocating for this project will require a small time commitment with simple ways to show your support, such as signing letters or attending meetings.

Join the coalition email list:


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Health Insurance Enrollment Event and Health Fair in Kenmore July 24, 2021

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Health Insurance Enrollment Event and Health Fair
Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Centro Rendu, St. Vincent de Paul Kenmore, 7304 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore

Mammograms 8:00am-4:00pm by appointment only, call 1-800-756-5437.

Sign up for health insurance, energy assistance, Basic Food, ORCA LIFT cards, and other supports.

For more information. call King County CHAP 1-800-756-5437 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/outreach 



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Cooling center open in Kenmore Tuesday

Monday, June 28, 2021


Kenmore, on Bothell Way, has been operating cooling centers at City Hall, Northlake Lutheran Church, and Northshore Utility District on a rotating basis.

Tuesday, June 29

Northlake Lutheran Church will be open from 11:00am-6:00pm. 
The church is located at 6620 NE 185th St



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Kenmore Boathouse welcomes community rowers and Northshore high school athletes alike

Monday, June 7, 2021

Kenmore Rowing House photo courtesy City of Kenmore


Kenmore is celebrating the completion of the public Kenmore Boathouse, a 2,800-sq-ft rowing shell house located at the northern end of Rhododendron Park.

The Boathouse will serve as a year-round base of operations for the Kenmore Rowing Club and home to all four of Northshore School District’s high school crew teams. The project completion was celebrated with a small, in-person ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26, 2021.

“We are thrilled to provide all Northshore students with an opportunity to participate in a sport that brings abundant mental, physical and lifelong benefits. It is important to provide equitable access to traditionally private programs such as crew,” said Northshore Superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed. D. 
“This partnership with the City of Kenmore and Pocock Foundation will open doors to post-secondary opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to the crew experience.”

The Boathouse, which houses coaching, training, storage and repair facilities, will provide a staging platform for learn-to-row programs, as well as summer youth rowing camps, beginning in summer 2021. 

Most importantly, the Boathouse is a space for the public, with the goal of removing barriers and increasing access to rowing through a variety of community programs, discounts and youth scholarships offered through the Kenmore Rowing Club.

"It is my mission to make the sport of rowing accessible to everyone in all life situations," said Suzanna Blahna, Executive Director of the Kenmore Rowing Club. "I want to invite everyone to come out and join in creating this beautiful community of rowers."

The Boathouse is the next stage of the Rhododendron Park improvement plan, following on the heels of 2018’s boardwalk and float addition that increased ease of waterfront access for park users and a staging area for hand-powered watercraft users. 

The Boathouse will complement the state-operated boat launch on the western side of the West Sammamish River Bridge to help make Rhododendron Park an all-inclusive spot for water activities for Kenmore by the lake.

Several community groups and funding sources came together to make this project possible, including; The City of Kenmore, taxpayers of Washington State, the Northshore School District and Booster Clubs, Kenmore Rowing Club and Fundraising Committee, the George R. Pocock Foundation, the King County Council and various state legislators.

Community members interested in using the boathouse are encouraged to contact the Kenmore Rowing Club at kenmorerowinginfo@gmail.com.



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Fatal traffic accident on Bothell Way Sunday

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Emergency vehicles at accident scene in Kenmore
Photo courtesy Kenmore Police
On Sunday, May 2, 2021 at approximately 5:34pm, the Northshore Fire Department responded to a serious motor vehicle accident at the 6100 block of NE Bothell Way in Kenmore.
 
Upon arrival, firefighters found that a single vehicle had veered off the south side of NE Bothell Way and had become entangled in a guard rail, trees and bushes. 

The driver and passenger were both trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. 
 
Northshore Fire worked with units from Shoreline, Bothell and Redmond fire departments to free both patients. 

The passenger suffered critical bodily injuries and the driver was later pronounced deceased at Harborview Medical Center. 

The passenger is expected to recover.
 
The accident is currently under investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The names have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.



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Kenmore City Council approves resolution in opposition of merger of Northshore Fire Department with Woodinville Fire and Rescue

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

On March 22, 2021, Kenmore City Council unanimously passed a motion approving a resolution in opposition of the merger of Northshore Fire Department into Woodinville Fire and Rescue (King County Fire Protection District No. 16 , Proposition No.1). 

The ballot measure is up for vote as part of the King County April Special Election on April 27, 2021.

This proposition would merge King County Fire Protection District No.16 (Northshore Fire Department) into Woodinville Fire and Rescue, creating one fire protection district to provide fire and emergency medical services for the areas currently served by the two districts, which includes Kenmore. 

The City Council’s action occurred approximately one week after the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners passed a motion on March 16, 2021, to “cease any and all efforts in moving forward with the merger consolidation with Woodinville Fire and Rescue until such time that we are working with the support and cooperation of Northshore Firefighters Local 2459.”

On March 23, 2021, the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners later reversed their decision at a Special Meeting, clarifying that the motion the Board passed on March 16th was meant to be temporary.

RCW 42.17A.555 authorizes the City Council to take action to collectively express a decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and members of the public and councilmembers are afforded an approximately equal opportunity to express an opposing view.

Kenmore City Council March 22 meeting (Discussion on this merger begins at 49:00)

King County Fire Protection District No. 16 , Proposition No. 1 ballot measure



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Spring and the herons are back at the Kenmore rookery

Sunday, March 28, 2021

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

It's spring and the herons have returned to the Kenmore rookery to nest. They use the same nests every year, just refreshing them for the new year.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The rookery is next to the Kenmore Park n Ride

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Every nest is occupied.



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Arts of Kenmore displays Original Garden Wall through April

Sunday, March 7, 2021


ORIGINAL GARDEN WALL is the new "storefront" exhibition on display at the Kenmore City Gallery through April. A magnificent array of impossibly delicate clay botanicals handcrafted by local artist Gina Holt.

The Arts of Kenmore is excited to get back into supporting local artists in the 'new normal' of 2021. While Kenmore City Hall is closed per Covid protocol, we encourage you to stroll around to the back [parking lot] entrance and experience Gina's magnificent clay botanicals through the 'storefront' windows. 

Kenmore City Hall is located at 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028


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Kenmore student wins scholarship from TranscriptionServices.com after national competition

Sunday, January 10, 2021

For those who have never struggled with hearing loss, it is all too easy to take the ability to hear for granted. 

At TranscriptionServices.com, we are aware of the crucial role hearing plays in our transcriptionists’ ability to be great at what they do.

Millions of people around the world do not have the same privilege. That’s why with every order, we commit to providing a month’s worth of hearing aid batteries to a recipient in a developing country.

This year, TranscriptionServices.com offered a $500 scholarship to students who wrote an essay related to this topic.

In line with our emphasis on creating awareness of the importance of hearing in daily life, we asked applicants to write an essay between 500 and 750 words based on the prompt:

If you woke up tomorrow with permanent hearing loss, what would be the biggest challenge you would face? How would you address that challenge?

Our applicants didn’t disappoint. We received 371 submissions(!), each giving a different perspective on how they would navigate a world void of sounds.

Some shared their thoughts as individuals living with disabilities. Some took the philosophical route in examining ways to cope with a new and scary reality. Some reflected on the emotions involved in the loss of ability to do the things they once loved.

With no shortage of talented writers among the submissions, choosing a winner was not an easy task. 

However, after much deliberation, the 2020 TranscriptionServices.com Scholarship has been awarded to:

Claire Longcore, Kenmore, who attends Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, WA. 

Her essay explores the painful consequences of losing not just her technical abilities as a musician but her intimate connection with the musical world and the people in it that have shaped most of her life.

Close contenders who vied for the scholarship are John Legarte based in Champaign, IL, and Alexa Quintero from Merrimack, NH. John takes us on a journey that begins with the moment of realization and progresses through losing his identity and then reclaiming his identity by adapting to the new reality. Alexa gives us a passionate account of a dancer who will not let hearing loss stop her from moving to the rhythms of her heart.



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Burglar shot in Kenmore Monday

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Scene of shooting in Kenmore
Photo courtesy Kenmore Police

Monday morning, December 28, 2020 shortly around 1am, Kenmore officers responded to a business in the 6900 block of NE 181st. 

An employee had found a female suspect attempting to break into the residential portion of the business. 

The employee confronted the suspect and held her at gunpoint. The suspect then pulled out a handgun at which time the resident shot the suspect once. 

The suspect sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. 

Kenmore officers arrived less than a minute after the 911 call was made. The burglary suspect was transported to an area hospital and will eventually be booked in jail. 

Kenmore police's detective along with KCSO Major Crimes detectives are conducting the investigation.



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Medical issue sends vehicle across all lanes of Bothell Way

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Photo courtesy Kenmore Police


From the weekend of November 14-15, 2020

A driver had what appeared to be a medical emergency while in the Jack in the Box drive-thru at 61st and Bothell Way.

Photo courtesy Kenmore Police

The vehicle crossed over all lanes of Bothell Way before crashing into a bus stop on the opposite side of the highway.

The driver had only minor injuries, and police note that we are very fortunate this wasn't worse.



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King County Elections, CenturyLink Field, and Seattle Seahawks open Vote Center this Saturday at CenturyLink Field Event Center

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The CenturyLink Field Event Center is a Vote Center

King County Elections, CenturyLink Field, and the Seattle Seahawks are proud to once again partner to host a Vote Center in the CenturyLink Field Event Center (map). 

The Event Center was also utilized in this year’s August Primary and will provide voters who still need to register, get a replacement ballot, or receive other assistance in-person to do so in the days leading up to Election Day.

The CenturyLink Field Vote Center will be open on 
  • Saturday, October 31, 
  • Monday, November 2, and 
  • Tuesday, November 3 for the upcoming Presidential election. 

King County Elections will offer drive-up service for those arriving in their vehicles, as well provide service and assistance to those arriving via transit or by foot.


Voters are encouraged to wear a mask while inside the Event Center and will be provided with one should they need. King County Elections staff will be masked, wearing gloves, and equipped with face shields to deter the spread of COVID-19.

“All voters deserve to have their voices heard, no matter where they stand on the issues. It is critical to cast your ballot and stand up for what you believe in. We are proud to be a partner to King County Elections to make sure that can happen for voters and fans in our region,” said David Young, Seahawks Senior Vice President of Business Operations and General Manager of CenturyLink Field. 

King county election counting

The partnership between organizations started in 2019, as CenturyLink Field reached the voting age of 18. In 2019, CenturyLink Field and the Seahawks hosted King County Elections staff and drop boxes at select home games to reach fans and engage them in local elections. 

In 2020, the partnership has strengthened further with the Seahawks and CenturyLink Field playing an invaluable role in amplifying accurate, reliable information to voters across the region and the opportunity to host a Vote Center at the Event Center.

“We cannot express our gratitude enough to CenturyLink Field and the Seattle Seahawks for how they’ve stepped up for our voters. Even before sports leagues and other teams across the country began lending their voices to the importance of voting, they have worked alongside us to ensure that every voice in King County and in Washington State can be heard and every vote counted,” said King County Director of Elections Julie Wise.

King County Elections will also host Vote Center locations
  • Dempsey Indoor Center on the University of Washington – Seattle campus, 
  • Kenmore City Hall
  • Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 
  • Accesso Showare Center in Kent, 
  • Bellevue College Gym,  
  • Elections Headquarters in Renton.



Voters who need to come in-person are encouraged to visit one of these locations on Saturday as long lines are expected on Monday and Election Day.



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Kenmore police capture burglar - thanks to security cameras

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Burglary in Kenmore. Photos courtesy Kenmore Police


On Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 5:20am, a Kenmore business owner was alerted by his security cameras of motion in the fenced area of his business in the 18000 block of 73rd Ave NE, near Bothell Way NE.

The business owner called 911 and Kenmore Police quickly responded. On arrival, they located the suspect, a 39 year old man, still on the property.

The suspect had cut a small hole in the exterior fence to gain entry onto the property. He then used an axe to break a window to the business, but he was caught before he could get inside.

The suspect's backpack was located on the business property as well.

The same male is suspected in a second burglary at a business nearby. He was arrested without incident and booked into the King County jail on investigation of Burglary.



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Food drive in Kenmore

Wednesday, September 9, 2020


Food Drive at Northshore Fire Department 
HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY

Thursday September 17, 2020

Northshore Fire Station 51
Kenmore

Drop off open 11:00am – 3:00pm 
If you have question contact Carl Lunak 425-354-1744




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Kenmore announces upcoming event cancellations and reductions in response to COVID-19

Saturday, May 2, 2020

4th of July at Log Boom Park - cancelled

Due to public health precautions regarding COVID-19 and to assure the safety of the community, the City of Kenmore has canceled or significantly reduced most of the events programming for the remainder of 2020.

The following event updates were announced at this week’s City Council meeting:
  • 4th of July Fireworks Show – Cancelled
  • Movies @ the Square (July 8, July 22, Aug. 5, Aug. 19) – Cancelled
  • 18th Annual Summer Concert Series – Reduced to two concerts at Saint Edward State Park on Aug. 13 and Aug. 20, or may be held virtually.
  • Play Day (Aug. 15) – To be determined. A decision will be made by June 15.
  • National Night Out (Aug. 26) – Rescheduled to Oct. 6
  • Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec. 5) – Cancelled but working on an alternative way to celebrate the holiday season.

“Our top priority is to keep our community members, staff, volunteers and vendors safe,” said Stephanie Brown, Volunteer and Events Supervisor for the City of Kenmore. 
“While it is unfortunate the community will not be able to gather for these beloved local events, the city is working to find new creative ways to engage and celebrate with one another this summer. Stay tuned for updates!”

While the main consideration in making these decisions is to maintain high public health and safety standards during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is also looking at ways to reduce non-essential expenditures during the forecasted economic downturn. Staff are already being creative in finding ways to host virtual events that will engage the community at little or no cost to the city.

Additional event updates and information, along with newly revised sponsorship opportunities, can be found here 



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Community Update from Kenmore Mayor and City Manager

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Photo courtesy City of Kenmore

Kenmore Community, 

We are proud of our community continuing to stand strong together as we are experiencing the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We are deeply concerned for those who have been suffering and have lost loved ones. 

It is vital that we continue to be on our guard and do our part to help slow the spread of the virus and keep it from resurging. 

Your health and safety are our top priorities as we navigate through this crisis.

We are also very concerned about the pandemic’s effect on the economy. We know that many Kenmore residents, business owners, and employees are also going through great stress and anxiety as their businesses and places of employment are shuttered. As a city organization, we are moving forward and focusing on ways to support our community as we face these challenging times together.

City Goals and Priorities

The City of Kenmore has shifted its priority and focus to responding to the pandemic, and have developed the following thematic goal:

Lead and support employees and the community through the social, mental, health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

We are working towards this goal with the following objectives:
  • Help slow the spread of the virus in our community
  • Maintain essential city services
  • Keep city employees safe
  • Communicate like crazy
  • Respond to budget impacts
  • Look after each other
  • Develop a recovery plan

Budget Impacts and the Financial Forecast

We have been keeping a close eye on the city’s revenues as well as regional and national economic indicators. We are currently projecting a decline in operating revenue in the General Fund and Street Fund of 11.5% to 13% in 2020. This decline amounts to a $1.7 million to $1.9 million loss in revenue out of $14.9 million in budgeted revenues for 2020. It is a difficult task to make up for a loss in revenue of this magnitude in the remaining eight months of the budget year; however, we are moving forward with a two-phased approach:
  1. Cut discretionary expenditures (contracts, supplies, equipment, travel, etc.) down to essential services and preserve essential city services (public safety, maintaining basic transportation and city building infrastructure, etc.).
  2. Reassess our budget situation after we have two or three more months of revenue data and economic indicators; then respond accordingly.

We have combed through and scrutinized the budget reports and have already cut approximately $1.024 million in discretionary expenditures for the remainder of 2020. Many of these cuts are unprecedented and far from easy to make, and these discretionary expenditure reductions down to essential services will result in noticeable service level reductions.

Thankfully, the City has relatively healthy cash reserves and a rainy day fund. While the reductions in the discretionary expenditures get us more than halfway toward the 2020 projected deficit, we may need to access our reserves for the difference.

Summer Event Cancellations

One example of a difficult discretionary spending reduction was the decision to cancel most special events for the remainder of the year. While 4th of July Fireworks, Movies @ the Square, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and most summer concerts are canceled, we are holding out a ray of hope that we will be allowed and able to have two concerts in the second half August at Saint Edward State Park. 

We know these events provide meaningful community connections and are beloved traditions. Staff are already being creative in finding ways to host virtual events that still bring us “together” at little or no cost to the city. Stay tuned for these updates.

Other Reductions
  • Street banners on SR 522 and in our downtown will be discontinued for the remainder of the year. 
  • Responsibility for landscape maintenance on several arterial roads will be transferred back to the adjoining property owners, as this property owner responsibility is already required in the City’s code, and property owners on collector roads and residential streets already comply with this requirement.
  • The City’s Kenmore Business Incubator will be discontinued by the end of this year, and are working to transition this program to a solid and qualified operator so that services can continue. Other economic development services will also be reduced. 

We have also cut the budget in other areas, including training, supplies, and equipment, as well as a hiring freeze (we currently have one vacant position that we are not filling at this time).

Work Continues

Despite these developments, Kenmore city employees continue to serve our public by keeping essential city operations running during the stay at home order. Park and road capital project design and development, surface water facility inspections, park safety and road safety maintenance, responses to public records requests, policing, permitting, building inspections, and much more continue today.

Work on essential public infrastructure, such as the West Sammamish River bridge replacement project, is moving forward with safety measures in place. This week, we opened bids on one of the Walkways and Waterways Bond Measure projects: Juanita Drive sidewalks and bike lanes project. These capital projects are funded separately by grants, bonds, and other revenues that can only be spent on capital projects (not on city operations).

City parks remain open, although park amenities, including play structures, sport courts, and restrooms are closed. City Hall remains closed for the time being, although the public can still contact us and request city services through the City’s website.

We are also continuing to keep a watchful eye on potential grants and other funding sources that may be coming to cities like Kenmore through federal and state channels.

Silver Linings

On a positive note, we are inspired by what we affectionally call “love notes” throughout Kenmore—many wonderful people have been stepping up to help neighbors and those who are less fortunate. For example, many of you have made masks from your home and have donated them to human services agencies and the city. Thank you! We will be calling on you for more assistance like this.

Looking Ahead

With anticipation, we await the Governor’s direction on what will begin to reopen and what will remain closed after May 4th. As a partnering member of the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition, we will consult with our neighboring agencies, including King County Public Health and King County Department of Emergency Management to respond as conditions change. We will have you, our Kenmore residents, at top of mind when we do so.

These are undoubtedly very difficult and heart-breaking times. It’s a sad day when we make the decision to cancel many of our city events for the year or discontinue street banners on our main thoroughfare. Nevertheless, I have been more encouraged than ever by the acts of dedication and kindness that I have observed from City staff and the community. I know that our organization and our city will be better and stronger on the other side of this pandemic. With such an amazing community, I know we’ve got this.

Sincerely,

David Baker, Mayor
Rob Karlinsey, City Manager



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