Edmonds Cemetery Board Seeks New Member to Fill Vacancy - Applications Accepted until February 24, 2017
The Edmonds Cemetery Board is seeking a new member to fill a vacancy. Do you have an interest in local history or genealogy? Do you appreciate the appearance of the Cemetery? Are you interested in helping, planning and participating in the annual Memorial Day Program, “Walk Back in Time” Cemetery Tour in July and the “Walk About” Veteran’s site tour in November? Would you like to help set policy and develop goals? If so, please consider becoming a member of the Cemetery Board. For more information, please see the Media Release or call Cynthia Cruz at 425.771.0231.
It’s well known that recycling and composting are environmentally beneficial, but do you know where your trash, recycling, and yard waste once it leaves your curb? Do you wonder if or how your water bottle gets recycled? In this short seven week training, you’ll learn from expert presenters on recycling, composting, waste reduction; as well as have an opportunity to tour a local composting facility and recycling center. This training will also cover home energy efficiency, energy alternatives, and how we can keep our waters clean.
After the training is complete, you will join one of several volunteer projects as a knowledgeable, trained WSU Extension Sustainable Community Steward. You’ll be able to share proven alternatives and new information that contributes to a better future. In exchange for 34 hours of professional-level presentations and field trips, you’ll choose from a variety of interesting projects (or create your own) to volunteer 34 hours over the next year - that’s less than four hours a month!
This training puts you at the forefront of a wave of major changes that are just beginning to affect how we live, work and travel, as well as how and what we eat and buy. Our weather is more erratic, shellfish beds in Puget Sound are shut down regularly due to contamination, and “improved” disposable items are going into our landfills at an exponential rate.
Because this training will only be offered once in 2017 and seating is limited, there is an application process. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 13th. A $35 fee (to cover materials) will be due after you have been accepted.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Leeper, Sustainable Community Stewards Coordinator, WSU Snohomish County Extension at s.leeper@wsu.edu or 425-357-6027. You can also go to: http://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/sustainable-community-stewards/ Make your New Year’s resolution to get your “Sustainable” on!
State Responds on Shoreline Master Program
The state Department of Ecology has responded by letter to the City Council about
proposed changes for updating its Shoreline Master Program. The response agrees with most of the
Council’s proposed changes but calls for a site-specific assessment to establish marsh buffers
prior to any future development in the Harbor Square area.
The City’s existing Shoreline Master Program (SMP), adopted in 2000, does not include any part of
the Harbor Square area, but the proposed SMP update does. Ecology had required the City to include
this change as part of the SMP update. However, as the update was being drafted, controversy arose
about the specific width of buffers to be required for the area when development occurs.
Until an updated SMP is approved and adopted, the 2000 shoreline plan applies. Ecology has asked
the City to respond by March 30 to its new letter.
The City Council is scheduled to discuss this issue at its January 24 meeting. In Ecology’s
letter, two options are offered for providing a more site-specific approach and a scientific study
for the Urban IV Mixed Use Area, which includes Harbor Square. Agency staff have noted that the
City could choose either of these options or some combination that achieves similar results.
The proposed SMP addresses shoreline areas in Edmonds that extend 5.2 miles along the Puget Sound
and also adjacent to Lake Ballinger. It uses updated scientific information to set requirements for
future shoreline activities. Development in all shoreline areas would be subject to newer
regulations, including for shorelines, environment, and stormwater. A copy of Ecology's letter is at this link.
WWU Students pitch year-round seasonal events campaign to promote fourth avenue arts corridor: Student Public Relations Project Part of Sustainable Cities Partnership Between Edmonds, Western Washington University, and Association of Washington Cities
(Edmonds, WA) – The 4th Avenue Arts Corridor in downtown Edmonds has the potential to become a year-round hub of cultural events and festivities that highlight the Edmonds arts community, according to a plan created by Public Relations students at Western Washington University. Those students presented a winning proposal to City staff to help promote the downtown Arts Corridor through a series of seasonal events and festivities on 4th Avenue North under the theme of “Art for Everyone.”
For the full Media Release, click here
Public Invited to Annual Event at 8:30am Thursday, February 9th, at Edmonds Theater
(Edmonds, WA) - Mayor Dave Earling invites the public to join him in reflecting on both the accomplishments and challenges of 2016 and looking ahead to the City’s hopes and plans for 2017 during his annual State of the City Address at 8:30 am on Thursday, February 9th at the Edmonds Theater at 415 Main Street. Mayor Earling will discuss the successes and challenges of the past year, projects and goals for the new year, and long-term strategies for 2017 and beyond. Opening remarks will be provided by Janelle Milodragovich, of Ten Gun Design and Greg Hoff, Windermere Real Estate/Edmonds. read more | view flier
(Edmonds, WA) – Edmonds resident and UW graduate, Michelle Rockstead, has been appointed Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) by the Hekinan Board of Education in association with the Edmonds Sister City Commission. As an ALT, Michelle will be responsible for teaching English to students at five middle schools in Hekinan, Japan. She wants to use this opportunity to “cultivate the kids’ interest in building strong relationships with people from different parts of the world”. read more 
(Edmonds, WA) - Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, together with Public Works Director Phil Williams and Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty, traveled to Washington, DC, last week to meet in person with members of the region’s Congressional delegation, as well as key staff from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). read more 
