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.

June 21 is the new date for Citizens’ Housing Commission applications to be considered by the City Council. The Council approved the longer timeline to ensure more people had time to apply.

Currently, 124 applications have been submitted for 15 Commissioner positions and 8 alternates.

Applications are organized by area into seven “zones” with roughly equal populations. Each zone will have two Commissioners and one alternate appointed by a City Council member. The Mayor will make an appointment of one Commissioner and one alternate from the remaining applications. The “zones” system is intended to increase citywide input on housing policies.

So far, each of the seven zones has at least ten applicants. (See map for the number of applicants by zone.)
All interested residents are encouraged to apply. More information is on the City’s website: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.

The Housing Commission was authorized this spring by the City Council to get broad input on policy ideas for expanding the range of housing available in Edmonds.

Commissioners will have meetings at least once a month and will sponsor other events around the city to share information and hear from the public. By the end of 2020, the Housing Commission's recommendations are due to the City Council.

 “Trees for Small Spaces”, a new brochure by the City of Edmonds Tree Board, is now available to the public.

The brochure, based on the concept of “the right tree in the right space”, has illustrations of attractive trees that grow well in small spaces and are suitable to our climate. For each tree variety, information is given about ultimate height, as well as water and light requirements.

The printed brochure is free and can be picked-up at the Green Resource Center, located on the 2nd Floor of Edmonds City Hall, and at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds.

It can be accessed online (or by going to the Resources tab on the City of Edmonds’ Tree Board webpage).

Information from the brochure will be the basis for a free community classroom event about planting and tree care at the Francis Anderson Center from 10 to noon on October 12^th. The next issue of Craze will have more details about this event.

The Edmonds Tree Board is a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the City Council. It also has one alternate member, a student representative, and one City Council member liaison. The Tree Board is active in tree planting activities and providing education about trees.

 One of the Board’s newest members, Suzanne Juergensen, has been credited as the primary author of the “Trees for Small Spaces” brochure. Previously, the Tree Board created a brochure called “Before You Grab that Chainsaw…”, featuring alternatives to entirely cutting down a tree.

Tree Board Members, left to right starting with top row (standing): Gail Lovell, Vivian Olson (Co-Chair), Frank Caruso (Vice Chair), Doug Peterson, Steve Hatzenbeler.  Front row (sitting): Suzanne Juergensen, & Barbara Chase.  Not pictured is Bill Phipps (Co-Chair).

 

Edmonds,WA– The Edmonds Sister City Commission is accepting applications for an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Hekinan, Japan for a two-year term starting April 1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2022. The deadline for applications is June 12, 2019 by 4:30 pm. Application | Press Release

A story-telling project launched by Edmonds Diversity Commission. For more information click here. 

Members of the Edmonds Cemetery and Columbarium Board cordially invite the public to attend the 37th Annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 27th, 2019 at 11am. Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium is located at 100th Ave. W and 15th St. SW, one block north of the Westgate QFC. The event will take place rain or shine and is approximately one hour long. More... 

There is one open position on the Citizens Economic Development Commission for which the City seeks interested applicants. For more information click here and to apply please click here. 

PUBLIC MEETING
Dayton Street Utility Replacement Project – Construction Start UPDATED to begin May 13th

Construction of the Dayton Street Utility Replacement Project from 3rd to 9th Ave will begin May 13, 2019. The project will replace the street and upsize the existing sanitary sewer, potable water and storm water drain pipes from 3rd Ave S to 9th Ave S. The goal of the project is to replace old sewer and water pipes while increasing capacity to the City’s drainage system. Increasing drainage capacity will help to alleviate flooding in downtown Edmonds during intense rain events.

A public meeting will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 pm in City Hall, Brackett Room. Please attend to meet the contractor and the City’s construction management team, and learn more about the project specifics, phasing, public impacts and proposed construction schedule.

Questions: Contact Michele (Mike) De Lilla, (425)771-0220; via e-mail at mike.delilla@edmondswa.gov.

Looking for a Summer Job Outdoors? The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking Edmonds area students aged 15 to 19 to serve on their summer Edmonds Urban Community Crew. The Crew will work in Edmonds parks from July 8 to August 16 helping with habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and other projects. Crew members also participate in a mandatory expense-paid wilderness camping trip. More information.

Civic Park, Dayton Street Pump Station, Highway 99 and Waterfront Connector receive funds from the Capital and Transportation Budgets. For more information click here.

(Edmonds, WA) For the third year in a row, the City of Edmonds received the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Well City Award at the Healthy Worksite Summit on March 20 & 21st, 2019 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. As a result of achieving this Well City Award status, the City of Edmonds earned a 2% discount on all AWC Trust medical insurance premiums for 2019.

Read Media Release...

APPLICATIONS FOR THE CITIZENS’ HOUSING COMMISSION

Applications for the Citizens’ Housing Commission are now being accepted.   An application form and more information about the Commission is available online at www.citizenshousingcommission.orgor from City Hall. Postcards about this are being mailed to every household in the city.

The Citizens’ Housing Commission was formed by a resolution of the City Council on April 16. The Commission is charged with developing housing policy options for City Council consideration to expand the range of housing in Edmonds. The results are due by the end of 2020.

Formation of a citizen group had been urged by a number of local residents.

The new Commission would have 15 members from neighborhoods across the city. Each of the City Council members could select two Commissioners and one alternate. The Mayor may select one Commissioner and one alternate.

Anyone who is a City resident may apply. However, anyone who has served on a codified City board or commission within the last two years may be ineligible. The Council will formally decide at its May 7 meeting on excluding such board and commission members.

It is hoped that the Citizens’ Housing Commission can have its first meeting in June. All meetings will be announced ahead and open to the public.

          

Free Water Conservation Items Available

The City of Edmonds Public Works is providing a limited number of free water conservation items to its water customers and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while supplies last. Water Conservation Items Listing.

 

Rich Lindsay, in his 48^th year working for the City of Edmonds, recognized for his service

Edmonds, WA – Rich Lindsay started out in Parks and Recreation at the City of Edmonds at the age of 18 and never looked back.  He has spent his entire 48-year career serving the Edmonds community and dedicated his life to making Edmonds a great place to live. Now, his decades of outstanding service are being honored by the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA). read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2019
 
To:             Media

Contact:     Rob Chave | planning@edmondswa.gov |425.771.0220

 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD SEEKS MEMBER

The City of Edmonds is currently accepting applications for the layman position on the Architectural Design Board. Terms are for four years.

This is a volunteer position and requires the appointed board members to attend one evening meeting a month, on the first Wednesday and an occasional meeting on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Public Safety Complex. The Architectural Design Board serves as an advisory board to the City Council on proposed multiple-family and commercial developments including site, landscape, and building design.

The membership of said board shall be composed of one architect and/or building designer, one landscaper and/or landscape architect, one builder or developer, one educated or having practical experience in planning, one person trained or having practical experience in any of the aforementioned categories or any related design science and two lay persons. The appointed layman board member shall reside within city limits. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor with confirmation of City Council.

Application deadline is Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 4:30 pm.

To apply:

Apply online by clicking “application” after Architectural Design Board listed at the following City webpage: http://www.edmondswa.gov/boards-commissions-committees-openings.html

Or obtain an application by contacting City Hall directly:
E-mail: planning@edmondswa.gov
Phone: 425.771.0220

For 7^th consecutive summer, YMCA ensures Edmonds residents can enjoy Yost Pool – and offers half-price family passes!

(Edmonds, WA) – The Dale Turner YMCA will again be operating Yost Pool this summer and ensuring residents have access to a popular community pool with even more programs. Edmonds residents and YMCA members will also continue to receive discounts on entry to the pool and an opportunity to purchase half-price season family passes. read more

On March 7, 2019, at the Edmonds Theater, Mayor Earling presented his 2019 State of the City Address to a packed house. The video of the event is now available and can be viewed here. Once again graphic scribe Tim Corey of Colibri Facilitation was onsite creating a 'graphic map' of the speach. The graphic can be viewed here and at City Hall in the 3rd Floor Brackett Room.

The City of Edmonds Diversity Commission is announcing the opening of the application period for the second round of 2019 grant awards.  For more information please click here. For the application click here. 

EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD SEEKS NEW ALTERNATE MEMBER

(Edmonds - WA) The City of Edmonds is seeking a resident interested in participating on the Edmonds Planning Board. The Planning Board serves as an advisory board to the City Council on rezones, comprehensive planning, Community Development Code amendments, and other land use issues. The Planning Board meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Public Safety Complex. Volunteer board members serve for a four-year term and are eligible for re-appointment to a second four-year term. The alternate member attends all Board meetings, taking part in discussions and serving as a regular voting member when one of the regular seven members is absent. 
 
Interested residents within the City of Edmonds may pick up an application at the reception desk in the lobby of City Hall located at 121 5th Ave. N., or call 425.771.0247 to receive an application by mail or email. Here is a link to the city website for an application.

Qualified candidates will be interviewed by the Mayor who will make the appointment with City Council confirmation. Application deadline is Monday, April 12, 2019 @ 4:30 pm.

Got Broken Stuff? Bring it to the Repair Cafe!

Repair Cafes are all about fixing things. At our Repair Cafes, you bring the materials and your repair specialits bring heir skills to help you fix your stuff. Saturdays, March 23 & April 27, 2019 from 10am to 2pm... click here for details.

The City of Edmonds second Gateway Sign Open House was held Wednesday, February 27 in the Plaza Room. If you were not able to attend, the City invites you to review the design concepts and then provide feedback through an online survey through 3/14/19. "Click Here" for a link. If you have further questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite at carrie.hite@edmondswa.gov.

 

 

 

 

  

One Day Only - Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Edmonds Community College, 

Go to Lynnwood Recycle Event @ Edmonds Community College or click below for more details.

 

Effective April 1, 2019, local sales and use tax within Snohomish County will increase one-tenth of one percent (.001). The tax will be used for emergency communication systems and facilities. Businesses must collect the appropriate new rate of sales tax for retail sales and services provided within Snohomish County. Persons or businesses within Snohomish County will be subject to the new tax rate for reporting use tax on items purchased for their personal or business use if sales tax has not been paid.

See new sales tax rates here.

Republic Services South Snohomish County is making every effort to reach all garbage customers on their regularly scheduled service date this week (February 18-22^nd.) 

In order to help facilitate this effort, Republic Services will suspend yard waste collection for the cities of Lynnwood, Edmonds and all other South Snohomish County customers.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.  Republic Services will return to the regular collection schedule for yard waste beginning on February 25, 2019 for all customers.  Finally, customers should continue to place garbage out on their regular scheduled service date until further notice

City Public Works crews are working hard to keep you safe and on the road during winter storms.    
For more info on snow removal routes and standard operating procedures, please follow this LINK.

Be safe in your travels!

 

The City of Edmonds is requesting public input on the 2019 Traffic Calming Program.
The program has a budget of $20,000 to address speeding concerns and reduce cut-through traffic on
streets where a problem can be documented. The program consists of a three-phase process: (1)
Petition and Review for Qualification; (2) Education / Enforcement; and (3) Possible Installation
of Traffic Calming Devices.

In order for a location to be considered in the 2019 Traffic Calming Program, a Citizen Action
Request and Neighborhood Petition Form need to be submitted to the City. Both forms can be found by
going to the following link: http://www.edmondswa.gov/transportation-text/traffic-calming-program.html 
The petition must have supporting signatures from at least eight different households within the neighborhood.

City staff will evaluate each petition and determine if it qualifies for the Traffic Calming
Program. Projects deemed qualified will be prioritized and pursued based on available funding.

In past years, the program has funded the installation of speed radar feedback signs, signing and
pavement markings. Alternative solutions may be considered depending on location and the traffic
concern.

In order for your street to be considered for the Program, please submit the forms by March 7, 2019
to Mr. Bertrand Hauss, Transportation Engineer either by email bertrand.hauss@edmondswa.gov or mail
to Edmonds City Hall (Attn: Engineering Division), 121 5th Ave. N Edmonds, WA 98020.

Earling Says His Announcement Is Intended to Allow Time For "A Robust Race to Produce a Qualified, New Mayor."

(Edmonds, WA) - After much deliberation, Dave Earling has announced he will not seek a third term as mayor of Edmonds. Mayor Earling announced his decision to the community this week, saying he hopes the timing of his announcement will provide prospective mayoral candidates ample time to organize their campaigns. read more

Students gain international understanding with exchange program

(Edmonds, WA) There is no better way to build international understanding than immersion in another culture.  Edmonds students have a unique opportunity to experience the day to day life, language, and traditions of Japan through an exchange program coordinated by the Edmonds Sister City Commission.  For ten students each summer, it is the adventure of a lifetime.  While in Japan, students live with a Japanese family and travel to see the sights and sounds around Hekinan, Japan.  Upon their return, they and their families offer the same consideration to the Japanese students.  Introducing these kids to each other’s culture opens their world and encourages a global view.

The City of Edmonds Sister City Commission invites students 14-18 years of age to participate in the annual student exchange to Hekinan.  Edmonds students will travel to Hekinan for the last two weeks in July 2019 and then host a Japanese student during their stay in Edmonds during the first two weeks of August 2019.  Student cost for the trip will range between $1,600 and $2,300 depending on the cost of airfare.  Hekinan has been our Sister City since 1988 and the exchange program has been a central component of that relationship.  Deadline to apply is Friday, February 22, 2019.

For applications and more information please visit the ESCC Exchange webpage.

Climate Goals Open House Set for January 17

A Climate Goals open house will be held Thursday, January 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in the Brackett Room of Edmonds City Hall (3^rd floor), 121 Fifth Avenue N.

The open house will have displays on greenhouse gases and other information on view for the public. At 7:00 pm, City representatives will give a presentation about key climate findings and possible next steps.

The City began a Climate Goals project last year, based on a resolution adopted by the City Council. The project includes developing a greenhouse gas inventory for Edmonds, identifying targets for reducing greenhouse gases, and proposing ways to meet the targets. The biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas.

Studies have shown that greenhouse gas emissions are a key factor in climate warming. Even if climate change is held to only a 2˚ C. maximum increase by 2100, that still means huge impacts, here and globally. For example, according to a recent study, ocean acidity would increase by 24%.   Yet, even meeting the 2˚ goal will be difficult if trends don’t change dramatically.

The Climate Goals project recognizes that Edmonds alone cannot change the trends but cities together can make a difference.

A consultant team is helping with the project, aided by elected officials, City staff, and the citizen-based Climate Protection Committee. More detailed project information will soon be posted on the City’s website.

This is not the City’s first work on climate change issues. In 2010, the City adopted a Climate Action Plan. Other approaches included the New Energy Cities Action Plan in 2011, and various activities, such as the “Taming Bigfoot” community exercise last year.

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Four more Edmonds businesses join Envirostars ranks in 2018. A total of five Edmonds EnviroStars businesses during first year. For more information click here. 

Flyers Distributed in Meadowdale & Seaview Neighborhoods

Edmonds, WA) - In response to the distribution of flyers from a white nationalist group known as Patriot Front to homes in the Meadowdale and Seaview neighborhoods of Edmonds, as well as in Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue, Mayor Dave Earling has posted the following response on the City’s Facebook page:

“As your Mayor, in response to the distribution of white nationalist flyers to homes in parts of our city this past weekend (as well as elsewhere in the region), I must say that the messaging promoted by those flyers is totally inappropriate in our community. Edmonds is an inclusive and welcoming community, and messages of intolerance, supremacy, and exclusion are not acceptable in our city. We join other nearby communities in their serious concern over this behavior. Please know that the Edmonds Police Department is monitoring the situation for any potential escalation or associated illegal activity. In the meantime, I wish to convey the City’s sincerest conviction that Edmonds is a community that embraces inclusion, diversity and equity for all our residents, visitors and businesses.”

read more

An informational public meeting on current housing issues will be held January 10 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Swedish Edmonds Hospital Conference Room, 21601 76^th Ave West, Edmonds.

The meeting will be similar to the one held by the City on December 3 at the Edmonds Library. It will include a short presentation on housing developments, the use of multifamily tax exemption, and the status of a draft housing strategy, along with questions from the audience and responses from the Mayor or City staff. Click here for more information.

Combined Operational and Capital Budget Totals $109,471,322

(Edmonds, WA) - On Thursday Mayor Earling signed the 2019 Budget Ordinance, capping off a months-long budget process that resulted in City Council approval, with amendments, on December 11^th. read more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more

 

The Frances Anderson Center will be closed December 23, 2018 through January 1, 2019 for cleaning and minor repairs.  We will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.  You can still look up classes and register at reczone.org during the closure.

By Jennifer Leach, Environmental Education & Sustainability Coordinator
Edmonds Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture
 

Coyotes become more visible in the fall and winter as young animals search for new territories and vegetative cover becomes less dense. These shy predators make excellent neighbors by keeping rodent populations like rats and mice in check, and are a valuable part of a healthy ecosystem.

Coyotes are wary of people, and avoid us whenever possible. However, in urban areas, people may unintentionally invite coyotes into the human environment by leaving unsecured pet food, garbage or compost outside. Similarly, bird feeders can attract rodents that in turn lure coyotes into the yard where they may also prey on unattended pets. When coyotes lose their fear of people, they can become unpredictable and pose an elevated safety risk.

You can keep a healthy separation between the human environment and the coyotes’ environment by following a few simple steps.

·         Never feed coyotes.
·         Do not leave children unattended.
·         Keep cats and dogs in a secured area or on a leash at all times.
·         Do not leave pet food (or any food) outside.
·         Make sure your garbage cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids.
·         Keep the area under and around bird feeders clean and free of food.

If you encounter a coyote, pick up your pets and/or small children immediately. Do not run away or turn your back. Instead, you’ll want to appear big and loud, making lots of noise by shouting or clapping to scare it away. If the coyote looks weak or sick, call animal control at (425) 775-3000. If the coyote is acting aggressive towards you, call 911.

For more information on how to co-exist with coyotes and other wildlife, visit the WDFW Living with Wildlife webpages at https://wdfw.wa.gov/living/

Two Edmonds Boy Scout troops offer "TREE-Cycling" this year.  

Troop 312 - January 5th & 6th, 8:30am to 4:30pm 

QFC Grocery, 196th ST SW & 76th Ave W

Edmonds Heights K-12 School, 23200 100th Ave W, Edmonds

Troop 300 - January 5th, 9:00am to 4:00pm & January 6th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Edmonds Woodway High School, North Parking Lot, 7600 212th St SW

Westgate Elementary School, 9601 220th St SW,

As always, all decorations, tinsel, tree stands, and nails must be removed from the tree in order to be recycled. 

FLOCKED TREES ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT ALL!
Help support your community's scout troops 2019 activities by properly recycling your tree.

Two Edmonds Boy Scout troops offer "TREE-Cycling" this year.  

Troop 312 - January 5th & 6th, 8:30am to 4:30pm 

QFC Grocery, 196th ST SW & 76th Ave W

Edmonds Heights K-12 School, 23200 100th Ave W, Edmonds

Troop 300 - January 5th, 9:00am to 4:00pm & January 6th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Edmonds Woodway High School, North Parking Lot, 7600 212th St SW

Westgate Elementary School, 9601 220th St SW,

As always, all decorations, tinsel, tree stands, and nails must be removed from the tree in order to be recycled. 

FLOCKED TREES ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT ALL!
Help support your community's scout troops 2019 activities by properly recycling your tree.

The City’s second informational public meeting on housing, previously scheduled for December 13, has been moved to January 10, 2019, due to holiday activities.  The January 10 meeting will be held in the Swedish/Edmonds Hospital Conference Room, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.  For more information click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Date:          December 7, 2018

To:              Media

Contact:     Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director carrie.hite@edmondswa.gov
or 425-771-0256

(Edmonds, WA) An opportunity for public input and ideas about what should replace the badly deteriorated “Welcome to Edmonds” sign on SR 104 was held at the Library Plaza Room on November 29. Two more public meetings will be held in the Plaza Room, 650 Main St., on January 10 at 6 pm and February 11 at 6 pm.

The existing sign marks the gateway to downtown Edmonds from 5th Avenue South has been identified for replacement for several years. There was lively discussion at the first meeting on November 29th about how the welcome to downtown Edmonds sign should be a reflection of Edmonds’ culture and community values while welcoming visitors that the downtown business sector wants to attract. The first public meeting included a review of sign types, advantages and disadvantages of each, and elicited comments including thoughts about themes, art elements, fonts, colors, and landscaping.

An opportunity to comment for the design development process is available through an online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EdmondsGateway). The survey will be available through Thursday December 20. The January 10 meeting will be an opportunity to comment on several concepts for a replacement sign that will be developed based on community input. A final Open House will be held
February 11.

The City of Edmonds and Ed! announce the second annual amateur caroling contest in downtown Edmonds. For more information click here.

Governor Inslee Announces Designation Tuesday Evening

(Edmonds, WA) - At the annual Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards Gala Dinner last evening in Bremerton, Governor Jay Inslee announced that the downtown area of Edmonds (see attached map) has been designated Washington State’s first Certified Creative District. The program, launched in January 2018 by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), helps communities throughout the state grow their local economies through the arts and culture. read more | see map

Port Commissioners Approve $1.5 Million Contribution

(Edmonds, WA) - At its Monday, November 26^th regular meeting, following a presentation and request by Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, the Edmonds Port Commission voted unanimously to contribute up to $1.5 million in construction funding to the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector project, proposed by the City of Edmonds. With details yet to be finalized, the Commissioners stipulated the funds will be provided to the City when the project proceeds into the construction phase. read more

Informational public meetings on housing strategy issues will be held in December by the City of Edmonds in two locations: one on December 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Library Plaza Meeting Room, 650 Main Street, and the other on December 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Swedish Edmonds Hospital Conference Room, 21601 76^th Ave W.

Both meetings will follow a similar format, starting with a short presentation on housing and the status of the draft housing strategy, followed by questions from the audience and responses from the Mayor or City staff.  For more information click here.

The Citizens Housing Advisory Committee will meet on November 29 at 6:30 pm in the Edmonds City Hall Brackett Room (third floor), 121 Fifth Avenue North.  The meeting is open to the public.  For mor information click here.