(Edmonds, WA) Mayor Mike Nelson has announced the launch of a recruitment process to fill the position of Chief of Police for the City of Edmonds. Mayor Nelson intends to engage the services and expertise of a reputable recruitment firm to lead the search process. Mayor Nelson stated, “We will have an inclusive and transparent search process that considers the very best internal and external candidates. We intend to have participation from a wide variety of community stakeholders, including police employees and members of the public.” read more

Due to weather and road conditions all City of Edmonds buildings closed at 3 pm on Wednesday, January 15th. Weather permitting, we will reopen on Thursday, January 16th. City road crews are out sanding and deicing roads. Please travel safely!

 

JANUARY 14, 2020 ~ tonight's meeting of the Edmonds City Council has been canceled due to projected snowfall. The meeting has tentatively been rescheduled to next Thursday, January 23rd. Please watch for further updates.

Debora Munguia Will Serve Edmonds in Olympia

(Edmonds, WA) - After several years of outstanding service by Olympia lobbyist Jennifer Ziegler, who is cutting back her workload in 2020, Mayor Earling has engaged the services of Olympia-based Debora Munguia to provide government relations and lobbyist services in 2020. read more

Edmonds Marsh Daylighting Project Awarded $450,000 for Design Work

(Edmonds, WA) – The City of Edmonds is excited to have received a notice of an award of $450,000 in grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) National Coastal Resiliency Fund to further design of the Edmonds Marsh Daylighting Project, which seeks to reestablish the hydraulic connection between the Edmonds Marsh and Puget Sound and restore significant fish and wildlife habitat that has been lost over time. read more 

The Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board has several member positions plus an alternate member position that may be available in January 2020. The City is seeking applications for these positions.

The Citizens’ Tree Board actively encourages the planting, protecting, and maintaining of trees for long-term community benefit. Tree Board meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, starting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 5th Ave. N, Edmonds. Members may assist with special events, such as tree planting for Arbor Day.

More information about the Tree Board is on the Tree Board website
Board members must live within the Edmonds city limits. Interests or backgrounds in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat enviroscaping are encouraged but not required

Each councilmember appoints one Tree Board member to a term that matches the term of the appointing councilmember. The alternate member is appointed by the council president to a one-year term. All appointments must be confirmed by a majority of the full city council.

The application form is available as follows:

Online at:          www.edmondswa.gov Go to Boards and Commissions under the government tab and click on current openings

Other:  

E-mail:          jana.spellman@edmondswa.gov to have an application e-mailed to you.

At City Hall:   First and Second Floor Reception desks 121 5^th Ave N Edmonds, WA.

Call:              425.771.0220 to have application mailed to you.

Applications must be submitted to the City by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019.



See application form for submission information.

Passage of I-976 May Mean up to $700,000 Hit to Transportation Budget

(Edmonds, WA) - A STATEMENT BY MAYOR EARLING:

After clear passage by Washington voters of Initiative 976, aimed at rolling back automobile license tab fees to just $30, the impacts to Edmonds, the Puget Sound Region, and the State are just starting to be estimated. One thing is certain: cutbacks across the board and around the state may need to become a reality. read more

City and Ed! announce third annual amateur caroling contest in downtown Edmonds. For more information click here.

Reminder: New food service ordinances take effect January 1, 2020. Ordinance #4145 adopts a city-wide ban on use of noncompostable single use plastic utensils by food service businesses. Ordinance #4139 adopts a ban on the use of non-compostable food service containers by food service businesses wtihin the City of Edmonds. For more information, click here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE CORRECTION ~ deadline date for applications is Friday, January 24, 2020

Chaperones to lead a group of 10 local students ages 14-18 on this two week exchange

(Edmonds – WA) Every summer students from the Edmonds area visit our Sister City of Hekinan, Japan for a two week stay. Edmonds Sister City Commission is accepting applications for educators interested in co-leading this trip during the last two weeks of July 2020. Chaperones stay with a host family in Hekinan and travel costs are paid by the Commission. This program has organized exchanges between the two Sister Cities for over 500 middle and high school aged students. Press Release | Application

Interest cost to City lower than expected

(Edmonds, WA) – On the heels of last week’s Standard & Poor’s award of its highest, “AAA” credit rating to the City of Edmonds, today’s sale of bonds for the development of Civic Park exceeded expectations, with a favorably low interest cost offered by the winning firm, Raymond James & Associates. read more

The Downtown Edmonds Holiday Market returns for a fifth season. Starts Saturday, November 9, 2019. For more information click here. 

The Downtown Edmonds Holiday Market returns for a fifth season. Starts Saturday, November 9, 2019. For more information click here. 

Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings assigned its coveted “AAA” long-term rating to the City of Edmonds, a first in the City’s history. The international credit-ratings firm declared their outlook as “stable” for the Edmonds financial picture in assigning its triple-A rating for series 2019 limited tax general obligation bonds. Read the Full Report Here

"I Am Edmonds" storytelling project capstone event, Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Edmonds Library Plaza Room. For more information click here. 

Edmonds waste water treatment plant saving ratepayers $200,000 annually 

(Edmonds, WA) – A multi-year energy savings effort at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant in partnership with Snohomish County PUD and the State Department of Enterprise Systems (DES) is paying off for Edmonds ratepayers – to the tune of $62,542 for recent upgrades to the facility’s solids handling equipment, and totaling $250,000 for all energy savings projects since 2012. At this week’s council meeting, SnoPUD presented Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling and City Council Members with a check for their most recent efforts. read more

Diversity Commission seeks new members to fill two open positions for three-year terms. For more information click here. 

Final Windward Marsh Study Report

Third Season of Diversity Film Series Starts on October 19, 2019. For more information click here. 

Edmonds Diversity Commission offers small grants up to $500 for community projects that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information click here. For grant application click here. 

Sound Transit Project to Nearly Double City’s Bike Lanes, Better Connect Bicyclists and Pedestrians to Both Light Rail and Sounder Stations

(Edmonds, WA) - In a move aimed at dramatically improving bicycle access throughout the City, Sound Transit has awarded Edmonds $1.85 million to make it easier and safer for both cyclists and pedestrians to get to and from Sound Transit Stations. The project will almost double the length of bike lanes throughout the City. read more

The Edmonds Housing Commission’s first meeting, September 26 at 7:00 pm, can be seen on video or by attending the Council Chambers, 250 Fifth Avenue N. 

To view the meeting live online, people can click a link that will be posted on the Housing Commission’s webpage: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/. 

The meeting video will also be placed on the City’s website within a few days of the meeting. At its first meeting, the Commission will discuss a schedule for future meetings and housing topics to explore. Meeting materials are on the City’s agenda webpage at: http://edmondswa.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx . 

The Housing Commission was appointed late this summer to begin working on housing policy recommendations for City Council consideration. Recommendations are due by the end of 2020.

Cedar Grove has a fall Compost Fest underway, running through October 14. Fred Meyer locations, Cedar Grove locations and other independent retailers across the Puget Sound region will offer the promotional items. Visit the Compost Fest website to download coupons and view participating retailers. 

Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15, 2019 ~ Flags are at Half-Staff in memory of Sergeant First Class Dustin B. Ard who died from wounds sustained during combat operations in Afghanistan on August 29, 2019.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 ~ Flags are at Half-Staff in honor of National Patriot Day, the annual memorial to the victims of the 2001 tragedy.

Dogs Invited to Swim at Yost Pool September 21st

Don’t miss the inaugural Paws in the Pool event hosted by the City of Edmonds and O.L.A.E.

(Edmonds - WA) - Edmonds is going to the dogs! The City of Edmonds Parks & Recreation and Off-Leash Area Edmonds (O.L.A.E) will be hosting the first ever Paws in the Pool event, Saturday September 21^st at Yost Pool, 9535 Bowdoin Way. Proof of current rabies vaccination will be required prior to entry.  Swim sessions will be separated by dog’s weight and all dogs must be spayed or neutered. 

Dogs 50 lbs and under – 10 am - Noon
Dogs 51 lbs and over – 1 pm – 3 pm

Fee is $5 per dog with proceeds supporting ongoing maintenance at Yost Pool. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ups will be accepted as space permits.

Sponsored in part by: Fifth Avenue Animal Hospital, Bridge Animal Referral Center (BARC), Peaceful Companion, Muttley Square, SplashDog, Muddy Pawz Dog Spa, Blue Collar Doghouse, Pawz 4 Pawz, Compassion 4 Paws, and Urban Wild Animal Training.

Rules, regulations and to register, go to reczone.org and search ‘paws’. For more information regarding the Paws in the Pool event contact Kim Anderson, Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Coordinator 425-771-0268 or kim.anderson@edmondswa.gov.

Construction on the 84^th Avenue Overlay Project will commence in early September of 2019, and be completed by November (weather permitting).

The project involves a full-width roadway grind and 2-inch overlay with new pavement between 212^th St. SW and 220^th St. SW. The project also proposes to add bike lanes on both sides of the street from 215^th St. SW to 212^th St. SW and sharrows from 220^th St. SW to 215^th St. SW, in order to connect to the existing bicycle networks along 220^th St. SW and 212^th St. SW. The addition of bike lanes will modify the existing lane configuration and remove on-street parking on the east side of 84^th Ave. W from 215^th St. SW to 212^th St. SW. Pedestrian curb ramps will be upgraded to comply with the current American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Pedestrian safety improvements will be incorporated into this project through the installation of pedestrian-actuated rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) at the crosswalk directly in front of the Chase Lake Elementary School and a bulb-out at the 215^th St. SW crosswalk. Stormwater improvements will be completed from 220^th St. SW to 215^th St. SW, including upsizing the stormwater line to a 12” pipe and upgrading the catch basins.

Intermittent traffic delays can be expected, but residential, pedestrian, and business access will be open throughout the project. The project is being funded by a federal transportation grant and local funding from the stormwater utility fund and real estate excise tax.

For questions or comments, please contact Jaime Hawkins, Capital Projects Manager, at (425)771-0220 or via e-mail at jaime.hawkins@edmondswa.gov.

From 135 applications for the new Citizens’ Housing Commission, 15 members and 8 alternates have been appointed. The Commission’s task is to develop housing policy options for City Council consideration.

                        Housing Commission appointees by district are listed below:

District 1 (by Council member Kristiana Johnson): James Ogonowski and Karen Herrick (with Leif Warren, alternate);

District 2 (by Council member Dave Teitzel): Keith Soltner and Weija (Vicky) Wu (with Wendy Wyatt, alternate);

District 3 (by Council member Adrienne Fraley-Monillas): George Keefe and John Reed (with Eva-Denise Miller, alternate);

District 4 (by Council member Mike Nelson): Nichole Franko and Mike McMurray (with Kenneth Sund, alternate);

District 5 (by Council member Tom Mesaros); Greg Long and Tanya Kataria (with Shirley Havenga, alternate);

District 6 (by Council member Diane Buckshnis): Jess Blanch and Alena Nelson-Vietmeier (with Rick Nishino, alternate);

District 7 (by Council member Neil Tibbott): Judi Gladstone and Will Chen (with Jean Salls, alternate).

The Mayor’s appointment is “at-large” (not district-based): Bob Throndsen (with Tana Axtelle, alternate).

The Housing Commission was established by a resolution earlier this year. Under the resolution, the Commission is charged with developing, by the end of 2020, “diverse housing policy options for Council consideration designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds: options that are irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, physical disability or sexual orientation.”

The seven districts in Edmonds are based on U.S. Census areas, with roughly equal populations among them. The intent of this approach was to have representation from all parts of the city. This is the first time a district-based approach to commission appointments has been used in Edmonds.

All meetings of the Housing Commission will be open to the public. A date for the first meeting is being determined to allow as many of the new Commissioners to attend as possible. The meeting date and place will be announced ahead.   Monthly meetings will be scheduled after that.

To encourage more opportunities for local involvement, additional public events (such as open houses or town halls) will be scheduled and announced too. The events will vary in location and occur at least once per quarter. A broader community outreach strategy is being developed.

More information about the Housing Commission effort is online at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.

How much should members of the Edmonds City Council and the Mayor be paid? The City of Edmonds Salary Commission is seeking public input on these important questions.

The City of Edmonds 2019 Salary Commission is asking members of the community through civic and business organizations, as well as the general public, to complete a survey in regards to Mayor and Council salaries. Take the online survey or visit City Hall for a paper version. The survey will close at the end of business on Monday, August 19, 2019.

 
A  Public Hearing and Specially Called Meeting has been scheduled for: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 7:00 pm Public Safety Training Room 250 Fifth Ave. N, Edmonds, WA, 98020

Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Each person will be given up to three minutes to speak. Follow this link for more information. 

Ms. Neill Hoyson scheduled to start Aug 26^th 
 
(Edmonds - WA) Mayor Dave Earling has appointed Jessica Neill Hoyson to fill the vacant Human Resources Director position at the City of Edmonds. City Council confirmed Jessica Neill Hoyson’s appointment at the Monday, August 5, 2019 Council meeting.

The City opened the HR Director recruitment on May 23, 2019 shortly after the prior HR Director, Mary Ann Hardie, provided her resignation notice. Mary Ann Hardie had served the City for fourteen years and was in the Director role since Council brought it back in September of 2016. read more

Public encouraged to attend August 8th meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Brackett Room. For more information please click here.

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) For Citizens’ Housing Commission Meeting Facilitation and/or Community Engagement Services

SUMMARY
The City of Edmonds seeks professional services from a person or team to provide support for the work of a newly formed Housing Commission in one of the following ways: (1) meeting facilitation; (2) community engagement; or (3) both meeting facilitation and community engagement. Interested parties may submit their qualifications to support the City in any of these three ways. To be considered for the project, interested firms must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) by August 15, 4:00 pm.

[Note: A similar project was advertised in May, 2019 but the RFQ has since been revised to include specific budget information, clarifications, and new dates.]


PROJECTDESCRIPTION

A new Citizens Housing Commission will work between Fall 2019 and the end of 2020 to develop housing policies for recommendation to the City Council.   The City desires professional support to: (1) facilitate each Commission meeting to ensure good discussion and schedule progress; and (2) provide guidance and assistance to broadly and meaningfully engage the community on housing issues.   These two roles may be provided by the same firm or different firms, depending on qualifications and availability. Use of technology and visual tools is encouraged.  Click here for the full description.

Summer trolley to run 11 am - 6 pm on Saturdays in August between downtown Edmonds and the waterfront district. Click here for more information. 

City Replaces Obsolete Chargers with Modern Level 2 Chargers

Electric Vehicle (EV) users in the Edmonds community will soon notice improvements to public vehicle charging stations. Over the last decade, the City of Edmonds has provided convenient Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at five locations in the City. Now, to help meet the increasing demand for these chargers, the City is welcoming SemaConnect Electric Vehicle Charging to Edmonds to help upgrade these chargers and provide users with the most reliable and convenient platform possible.

SemaConnect chargers are modern Level 2 chargers that will help the City continue to provide the EV charging services users have come to depend on. SemaConnect does not require network membership and will not use users’ personal information for anything other than the billing transaction. According to SemaConnect, easy payment methods for the chargers include using the smartphone Plugshare App., paying via the phone number listed on the station, or using a SemaConnect network membership card.  During the next year the Public Works Department will continue to research and explore opportunities as EV fast-charging technologies evolve. It is the Department’s goal to provide the City with partnership options in the Level 3 or fast-charging market during calendar year 2020.

The City plans to replace the existing obsolete chargers during the month of July with all stations back in service by August 1^st , 2019. During this transition, City crews appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as they work to welcome SemaConnect to the community.

 For questions or information, please contact Thom Sullivan, City of Edmonds Facilities Manager at 425.275.4515 or Thom.Sullivan@edmondswa.gov.

Media Release

City to Celebrate the Opening of its First Inclusive-style Playground
SEAVIEW PLAYGROUND Ribbon Cutting scheduled for10am, Wednesday, July 24th

The City of Edmonds is pleased to announce that the inclusive playground at Seaview Park is near completion. The playground features play activities for children of all abilities including a poured in place fall surface material and multiple interactive spaces accessible at ground level AND a challenging climbing structure. In addition, the swings have been expanded from four (4) to seven (7) with the addition of an adaptive swing, a disc swing and a toddler bucket swing.

“As a neighborhood playground, we designed this in partnership with the Seaview community, we are very appreciative of the Edmonds City Council and Councilmember Nelson for their support in ensuring we had the resources necessary to be inclusive in our approach to the Seaview Playground,” stated City of Edmonds Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Burley.

You are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Seaview Park, 80^thAve W & 186^thSt. SW.

For more information regarding the Seaview Playground Ribbon Cutting contact Shannon Burley, Deputy Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director 425-771-0232 orshannon.burley@edmondswa.gov.

City code has been simplified, let us clarify where you can and cannot take your dogs...

City Council has approved an updated code regarding dogs in parks on a trial basis. Dogs in parks must remain on a leash and in the owner’s control. Here in Edmonds we do not have a significant dog enforcement team and appreciate the efforts of dog owners to self-police. In addition to expanding opportunities for pet owners, the parks crew will be installing additional dog waste stations in parks. Click here for questions and answers regarding dogs in parks wtih our Parks Director, Carrie Hite. 

Members of the Edmonds Cemetery and Columbarium Board invite you to attend the “Walk Back in Time” tour and Open House on Thursday, July 25, 2019. The tour will be guided by Edmonds Cemetery Board Members and Friends of the Cemetery and will start at 1 pm at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium 820 15^th St. SW.

There is a story of birth and death behind each headstone at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium. Join us for the 30th annual walk as members of the Edmonds Cemetery Board highlight selected Educators’ gravesites with stories from Edmonds past. You're invited to bring your own stories and family history to share too. Research suggests that 30 or more educators dating back to the very first teacher are buried in our city’s cemetery!

For comfort, bring an umbrella for shade, rain or a walking stick. The tour will last about an hour. Be prepared to walk on uneven ground. Refreshments will be served.

For questions please contact Melissa Johnson, Cemetery Board Member at 425-672-1272

Rule Allows Parade-Goers to Save Seats While Also Keeping Sidewalks Safe for Pedestrians

(Edmonds, WA) – With the popular Edmonds Fourth of July Parade just days away, the City of Edmonds and Edmonds Chamber of Commerce are reminding the community about the following items to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July for all:

• The placement of lawn chairs and other items along the parade route will be allowed after 6pm Wednesday evening, 7/3/19.
• Please refrain from chaining or otherwise attaching chairs to each other and to stationary items such as trees, sign posts, etc. This policy is to allow parade-goers to stake out their viewing places somewhat in advance, as has been the tradition, but to also avoid the safety and access concerns of lengthy sidewalk obstructions well in advance of the Fourth.
• After 6am on July 4^th streets along the parade route will be closed to traffic by the Edmonds Police Department, so personal vehicle access to the route will not be possible until after the parade clears.  
• Chairs and other items placed in the right-of-way along the parade route before 6pm Wednesday 7/3/19 will be removed by the Public Works Department. They may be retrieved during regular business hours at the Public Works Building at 7110 - 210^th Street SW. Phone: 425-771-0235.

“Edmonds has one of the best small-town Fourth of July celebrations around, and we all look forward to the annual festivities that make this day so special,” says Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. “Following these important rules allows everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday.” 

“For 112 years, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce has been proud to produce this beloved parade and all-day party for the citizens of Edmonds,” adds Edmonds Chamber President and CEO Greg Urban. “We want to thank everyone for helping us keep our streets and sidewalks safe during this popular celebration.”

For more information about Edmonds 4th of July festivities, please visit www.EdmondsFourth.com.

 

The Cities of Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace continue to conduct their bike counts via cameras and tube counters to determine how the new routes and bicycle ride-along programs (in partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club), affect South Snohomish County bicycle ridership. These counts will occur quarterly until November 2019. The next round of bicycle counts is scheduled for July 16-18 at the following locations: Location City

·        76th Avenue W & Olympic View Drive - Edmonds
·        9th Avenue S & Walnut Street - Edmonds
·        76th Avenue W & 212th Street SW - Edmonds/Lynnwood
·        52nd Avenue W & 212th Street SW - Lynnwood
·        200th Street SW & 48th Avenue W - Lynnwood
·        68th Avenue W & 200th Street SW - Lynnwood
·        56th Avenue W & 230th Street SW - Mountlake Terrace
·        80th Avenue W & 224th Street SW - Edmonds

Bike2Health programming was developed to connect and strengthen the cities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace. This program is for residents living in these cities only.Grab those handlebars and join Cascade Bicycle Club for FREE family-friendly bike rides! As part of this program, the Cascade Bicycle Club is leading beginner-friendly rides this Summer in South Snohomish County. Cascade's trained education staff offer tips on: basic bike handling skills; navigating routes; and group etiquette during these fun and relaxed rides.

Participants can expect:
·        Leisurely pace, flat terrain, relatively short, on protected bike paths or low-traffic streets, regular stops and guided support

Participants must:
·        Have basic bike handling skills; wear a helmet; use a bike without training wheels (balance bikes are okay); and be no younger than 6 years old.

Weekly & monthly rides are scheduled from June through September, 2019
·        Edmonds Bike Rides Start from City Park  (600 3^rd Ave. S)
·        June, July, and August - weekly every Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.
·        Saturday, September 14^th  - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Please click on the following link to register for one of these rides: https://www.cascade.org/bike2health

Edmonds City Council President announces Citizens’ Housing Commission assignments

Edmonds City Council President Adrienne Fraley-Monillas announced Monday the Councilmember assignments for the newly-formed Citizens’ Housing Commission. The Citizens’ Housing Commission was created at the direction of the City Council on April 16, 2019 by Resolution # 1428 to “Develop, for Council consideration, diverse housing policy options designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds — irrespective of age, gender, race religious affiliation, physical disability, or sexual orientation.”

Each Councilmember is assigned a specific zone of the City; that Councilmember will conduct interviews of Housing Commission applicants who have applied to serve the Commission until its close on December 31, 2020. The commission will meet once a month in addition to Open Houses and Public Meetings. Zone 1 will be represented by Kristiana Johnson; Zone 2 will be represented by Dave Teitzel; Zone 3 will be represented by Adrienne Fraley-Monillas; Zone 4 will be represented by Mike Nelson; Zone 5 will be represented by Tom Mesaros; Zone 6 will be represented by Diane Buckshnis and Zone 7 will represented by Neil Tibbott. “I look forward to a new and exciting start for the Citizens’ Housing Commission,” Fraley-Monillas said Monday. 

Click here: to see the Census-based Zone Map.

press release  |  resignation letter

Senior Services and Discounts

Parking lot will remain closed throughout construction of the new Waterfront Center

The Senior Center parking lot will officially be taken offline the week of June 24, 2019. The parking lot is expected to remain closed for 12 months as the current building is demolished and re-built and the parking lot and beachfront is improved. Details of the project can be found at: http://edmondssc.org/ewc/.

People are encouraged to park in the lot to the South of the Senior Center on the corner of W Dayton St. and Railroad Ave, near the entrance to Olympic Beach. For more information regarding the parking lot closure, planned parking lot improvements and the beach front improvements contact Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director 425-771-0256 or carrie.hite@edmondswa.gov.