We started committee last week with a discussion of Department of Neighborhood’s PACE program, which I wrote about at the time, so I won’t repeat it here. I’m looking forward to dropping in on one of the classes.

Department of Neighborhoods Director’s report

Bernie Matsuno caught us up on the latest happenings in DoN.

In preparation for the Large Projects Fund application deadline in July, the department put together a series of three workshops to help applicants be successful. The workshop approach is an innovation designed to provide as much information to as many people as possible in a time of constrained resources. DoN will evaluate the workshop approach and tweak it based on attendees’ feedback. 

More than 180 people attended, and applications will be evaluated in late summer and Council will vote on a list of final projects in December.

Also, DoN review of Small Projects Fund applications is in its final stages and groups can expect to be notified of their awards later this week – about $530,000 will be awarded, and successful applicants are expected to match up to $760,000.  The leveraged funds and neighborhood ingenuity will provide significant benefit to our communities!

DoN is developing design guidelines to be used for the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District and have reviewed and approved proposals for low-income housing and tennis center in the area.

In Pioneer Square, the South Tower of the North Lot should be in for review by the Pioneer Square Preservation Board at the end of May.

Finally, neighbors, businesses, and organizations in the International District asked if they could purchase and install seven security cameras to help with public safety issues there.  The International District Review Board has approved the installation of the cameras, finding that they will have no adverse affect on the character of the district. (Keep an eye on this blog in the next few weeks for more information about how video will be maintained, archived, and whether or not it will be shared with SPD.)

Briefing on P-Patch and Community Gardens Project

A garden shed is lowered into place for UpGarden, the new P-Patch on the top of the Mercer Street Garage in Lower Queen Anne, slated to open June 2.

Laura Raymond, Project Coordinator for P-Patches and Community Gardens filled us in quickly on the Levy programs. I’m going to save the detail for a future blog entry, because Laura is going to take me on a tour of the new P-Patches, but here’s a link to her Levy Projects Update Presentation, which explains priority areas, project selection criteria, and a map of where gardens are throughout the city.

 Here are the Parks and Green Space Levy Current P-Patch Projects currently under way.

Little Saigon Park

The acquired property is highlighted in bright red. The top street is Jackson.

Moving on to the legislating portion of the meeting, we passed Council Bill 1178453, authorizing the acquisition of land for a future park on South Jackson Street in Little Saigon.

Until funding is found for creating the park, not much will change.

New Parks Board member

Next, we voted to confirm the appointment of Yazmin Mehdi to Parks Board.  I’m proud and grateful to welcome Yazmin as a new commissioner.   In addition to a stellar academic background, she helped develop the Parks Comprehensive Plan in the early 90s, has worked in the City Budget Office and various other City positions, and has a long track record of service in schools and cultural institutions. I know she’ll be an invaluable asset to our Parks System.

Parks And Recreation National Trends and Best Practices

A sampling of new funding sources identified in the presentation.

Finally, we heard a presentation by parks and recreation expert Leon Younger, (top of the page under “Current Issues,” at the link) regarding national trends and best practices for parks.  It’s to Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams’s great credit that our Parks Department is already implementing many of the approaches recommended by Mr. Younger.

DPR under Christopher has been working to improve its ability to capture and analyze data, most evidenced by the department’s ongoing work with the reorganization of the community centers, but going into practice in other programs as well.

Younger stressed having a clear understanding of the cost of every program.

Many of Younger’s ideas for new sources of revenue for Parks are being phased into practice in the Seattle Parks System. For example, Christopher is working with a consultant and stakeholder group to consider which Parks might be appropriate for restaurants, and plans to consult with neighborhoods as the department gets more information. We already permit facilities with a percentage of the gross receipts from events, although Younger felt we should be at 18 percent rather than 10 percent. We’re investigating the possibility of selling naming rights to courts, fields, stages, events, and more.  I also raised the possibility of using some of our community centers at odd hours, such as midnight to 8:00 a.m., for daycare for those families who work swing and night shifts.

Parks watchers already know that a Conservancy for Volunteer Park is under discussion, as are access fees for off-leash dog parks and other facilities.

I asked District Coordinator Ed Pottharst of the South Region Team for a report on how things are going, and here’s what I learned:

At the lively first session, three facilitators led discussions of “Approaches to Leadership,” Jim Diers (community-building consultant/instructor and former DoN director), Kate Joncas (Downtown Seattle Association), and Jesus Rodriguez (Nonprofit Assistance Center and the City’s Public Outreach and Engagement Liaison program). 

City staff from three departments introduced the group to the “inclusive outreach and public engagement” tools that the City uses to ensure that all of Seattle’s communities are heard from. 

The 30-person class of emerging leaders come from all parts of Seattle: 17 of the 30 participants are from under-represented communities or from those neighborhoods that are traditionally less involved  in civic processes.  One of the goals of PACE is to reach out to these communities and provide them with tools and confidence to make significant new contributions in ways that are meaningful to them.

Five participants also serve as City liaisons to various ethnic communities: a world mapping exercise showed participants trace their parentage/ancestry to Morocco, Argentina, Portugal, Romania and more. 

In addition to the structured time with facilitators and staff, participants engaged in plenty of spontaneous interaction in small groups and during the breaks.  People eagerly shared their challenges and successes; clearly they enjoyed sharing their experiences and what new techniques they were learning about becoming more effective leaders and organizers. 

PACE will have six more monthly sessions on topics including public speaking, effective community organizing, and event planning.  The learning is hands-on: participants are assigned homework, mentoring, and will undertake their own community projects as part of the program.

As DoN Director Bernie Matsuno said in her opening remarks, convening this diverse group of enthusiastic community volunteers – who will time work closely together over the next seven months – is an incredible learning opportunity for all of them, and that’s on top of the skills they will acquire from the curriculum.  I am thrilled to think how the city-wide network of capable new leaders is being extended, right now!

For more information about PACE, contact Christa Dumpys, christa.dumpys@seattle.gov, 684-4812.

The currently shuttered Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center will open again.

Our Parks and Neighborhoods committee meeting on April 19 was a briefing day. We had no legislation to consider, so we took the opportunity to get updates on some of the projects I’ve been interested in, such as how the community center reorganization has been going, what’s happening with the ELC at Carkeek Park, and a few other things.

Chairs Report: Parks Preservation Working Group

I talked about the newly formed Parks Preservation Working Group, (which I prefer to call the Parks Transformational Group, because it’s a more ambitious name, and I think ambition and vision are called for, not just for getting through the 2013 budget, but for looking honestly and clearly at parks funding for years to come.)

The group is scheduled to meet four times, on April 20 and 27 and May 4 and 11 at 7:30 a.m. in the Park Board Room at the Parks Administration Building at 100 Dexter Ave. N., and they are tasked with thinking creative ways for Parks to meet their service levels while also meeting expected budget reductions.

At the conclusion of the meetings, Parks staff will prepare a summary document that identifies options, highlights potential revenue increases and/or cost savings, and describes a process for public review and possible implementation for each option.

Public Comment

Here’s a brief overview of public comment, which focused on the Lifelong Recreation program, the Environmental Learning Center at Carkeek Park, and Specialized Programs.

Lifelong Recreation

Lifelong Recreation dance class

Linnea Mattson and Carol Fisher of the Lifelong Recreation Advisory Council reminded us that parks are for kids of all ages and all abilities. They pointed out that this spring, Lifelong Recreation offered 103 physical fitness classes, 22 dance classes, 41 mental and creativity stimulus activities and classes, more than 25 hiking groups that walk once a week or twice a month. Lifelong Recreation offers food and fitness programs for Korean, Vietnamese, Somali and Ethiopian populations, which include social, educational and fitness components, and has hosted more than 60 field trips this year.

David Ward, also of Lifelong Recreation pointed out that we’re all aging, the 65+ population will more than double by 2025, so senior programs are critical. Lifelong Recreation served more than 60,000 people last year.

Carkeek Environmental Learning Center

Carkeek Park is plainly a beloved gem, and its supporters showed up in force, which was great to see and I thank you all for coming down to City Hall and talking about your desires for this facility. I hope you’ll forgive how much I’ve boiled down your talking points here! Later in the recap you’ll read more about Parks’s hopes for a partnership with Audobon.

Piper Creek, where more salmon return each year.

Nancy Malgrem, longtime Carkeek Park champion, showed up to make the case for employing a naturalist at the currently shuttered Environmental Learning Center and calling for better gathering of data about who uses which parks programs. Terry Walsh, a former naturalist at Discovery Park, spoke out on behalf of the Carkeek Park play area interpretive program, and William Biehl with the fish feeding program spoke up for how raising fish in classrooms and releasing them at Carkeek helps kids understand the importance of conservation.  Bill Halen talked about getting 70,000 salmon fry and food for them every year from the Suquomish tribe. Bill reported that 248 salmon returned to the creek last year, 78 the year before, and 32 the year before. “It’s getting better out there!” He said. Better still, this year more than 500 people came to see the fish in the fishpond, a huge increase and simply due to the installation of a sign on a trail. Tim Cox, treasurer of Carkeek Park Advisory Council reminded us of some of the programs run by volunteers at the Park and added a plea for Park staff to help support volunteers.

Senator Maralyn Chase from the 32^nd Legislative District (into which Carkeek falls) noted that our state-level representatives recognize the city’s financial difficulties but still want to urge that we do our best by Carkeek. She spoke of Carkeek as a national treasure and the LEED Gold certified Environmental Learning Building as examples regularly referred to by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.

State Representative Ruth Kagi, also from the 32^nd, expressed appreciation for the city’s constraints and how challenging current budgets are to work with and called for continuing support for Carkeek Park.

30-year Carkeek volunteer Polly or Pauline, whose last name I couldn’t catch (I’m sorry!) talked about how people visit from around the country and even the world to watch the salmon spawn right in the middle of the city. She described herself as a salmon-sitter – making sure kids use quiet voices and don’t disturb the fish.

Specialized Programs

Jerry Rosso and Sabrina Whaley with Specialized Programs Advisory Council reminded us that that people in these programs really have no other place to go, as other more generally-targeted programs and services are not adequately tailored to support their needs. Wheelchair basketball, Special Olympics sports training, and other classes and programs such as cooking, dance, and camping, are priceless programs the city cannot afford to sacrifice to the budget axe.

Track team at the Wheelchair Sports Jamboree

Parks Update

After public comment closed, Acting Superindentent Christopher Williams and Recreation Director Sue Goodwin from Parks came to the table to dig a little deeper into current and future plans and programs.

For this recap I’m focusing on subjects Christopher talked about that represent the kind of creative funding and partnerships I’m hoping our Parks Preservation Working Group can draw inspiration from, but all the subjects he discussed, including National Walking Day, the Beaver Pond Natural Area, the University Heights parking-lot-to-green-space effort, and more, are here in his Superintendent’s Report.

Southwest Pool and Teen Life Center re-opened April 17.

Christopher recapped an event that he and I both attended earlier in the week: the Southwest Pool, Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center dedication on Tuesday, April 17. This effort was an example of an effort to break out of the siloing I mentioned earlier. This project was the product of joint efforts between Parks, Department of Neighborhoods, and the Department of Finance and Administratives Service. Christopher reported that more than 50 people came through the door before the building was even officially open. The cloaction of services means more people are visiting our facilities, more people are walking through the door.

We heard an update on the Belltown Community Center, a Levy Commitment that’s been on the books since 1999. The center will open in August of this year without a dime of General Fund support – a highly successful protoype for Parks’s efforts to find alternate funding sources for services.

We also heard about the Bell Street Park. The project will open for bids in September, and we’re expecting a grand opening by July 2013. This is a first-of-a-kind project, where Parks is trying to create open, parklike space by using a street, in an area where purchasing space would be prohibited by cost. This is another cross-department project, involving SDOT, SPU, City Light, DPD and Parks, and it may well be that in the future, as the city densifies, this is how we will get green and open space.

Another great example of Parks approaching funding restrictions creatively is the Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool partnership project. Here, Parks has the opportunity to implement some of the priorities identified by the Neighborhood Plan that Department of Neighborhoods and DPD have been working on for the past year, such as really making this community center multicultural. In March, Parks hosted an open house to launch the Request for Interest (RFI) process for partnership opportunities at the RBCC. More than 60 community members showed up, and Parks heard great ideas from North African groups, youth groups, and nonprofits interested in partnering. These are smaller groups who would have some challenges trying to step up and create these programs on their own, but in partnership with Parks might be able to accomplish a lot.

Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center

At the request of constituents invested in the park, Christopher gave us a review and update on how things are looking for Carkeek Park. In the last budget cycle Parks abrogated the staffing at Carkeek Park and closed the Environmental Learning Center (ELC).

Parks continues to work with SPU to provide the Salmon in the Schools program as classroom and instructor-led park programs, and has been working hard to return programs to Carkeek Park, holding a one-day summit of Environmental Educators from all over the region and asking for their partnership and creative thinking to help reopen the ELC.

Out of that effort came an agreement with Seattle Audobon, which should be final within the next few weeks. Seattle Audubon is also a partner with the Green Seattle Partnership. Working in concert with the Forest Steward program, this partnership is providing citizen science opportunities to monitor our forest restoration sites to gather data about neighborhood birds for the nationwide Neighborhood Bird Project.

Conservatory at Volunteer Park

Exotic blooms in the Conservatory.

Parks hired Rick Daley of EMD Consulting, an expert in conservatories, to help respond to the Mayor’s challenge to reduce the Volunteer Park Conservatory’s reliance on General Fund support. Daley started working with DPR, the Conservatory, and the community at the beginning of the year, and has come up with some ideas, such as adding an event tent that could be used for weddings and special events, or giving the Conservatory an Executive Director to be responsible for the Conservatory’s business model.

Big Conservatories across the country recover about 25-30 percent of their revenue through rentals, fees, and special events, and that revenue recovery is based on having a space to rent. Our Conservatory faces restraints due to its small size so creative alternatives may be options.

Parks has received the draft consultant report, and staff are working with the consultant to finalize it. Councilmember Rasmussen and I met with him this morning – I’ll give you an update on what I learned in the next few weeks. We’ll also have a briefing in Committee sometime in the near future.

Community Centers

Bitter Lake Community Center

Sue Goodwin updated us on how the new tiered, geographic team approach to running Seattle’s community centers, which Parks started in response to budget cuts in 2011, is going. Parks has been installing people counters at the community centers to make sure our decisions about when the centers need to be open are made based on actual hard data

We learned that all but five of our new People Counters are installed, which puts Parks ahead of schedule. Installation will be complete within two weeks, and staff are training on the software. The whole system will be operating by the end of April. Sue explained that Parks intends to combine people counter data with class registration data to ensure we understand not only when people are using community centers, but why.

Other partnerships arising from the geo team process include a Korean food and fitness program opening in May at Bitter Lake, allowing the International Drop In Center to use Van Asselt to provide services when we are not open, and developing a new after-school, evening, and late night program for teens during the summer months in the Rainier Beach area. The Women of the World program at High Point is also a pilot Parks hopes to expand to other community centers after demonstrating success.

Sue reminded us that Parks’s goal was to increase our revenue and to decrease our reliance on General Funds. In fact, in spite of a complete reorganization and redefinition of staffs’ jobs, Parks has already seen a 3% increase in revenue in the first quarter.

Sue also noted that there have been some unintended consequences of creating “2b” sites, that is, centers that are open 25 hours a week. Unfortunately, these centers are only staffed for 20 hours a week, so there’s a 5-hour gap that Parks is trying to close. The gap is actually even larger, because the centers are bustling with programs during the hours when they aren’t professionally staffed. Parks is working with the Associated Recreation Council (ARC)  to find funding to give professional staff what they need to succeed, and gathering data from community center staff on the ground to bring to the next round of budget discussions.

Senior and Teen Programs

Sue told us about Senior Programs as well, noting that Seattle’s proportion of people over the age of 62 is growing fast. Lifelong Recreation has put on hundreds of events, serving 60,000 people, including programs like Sound Steps, led by the indefatigable Mary Grace Becker; food and fitness programs, Title V workers. Another name that kept coming up was that of David Jensen, a Parks employee whose work with Lifelong Recreation has garnered him citywide respect and gratitude. David is leaving DoN, and will be much missed.

Teen programs include 10 Late Night sites, which served 12,000 people in the first quarter of this year, and our three Teen Centers, which have served 9000 people so far. Also, Step grants and Summer of Service applications are available on our Teen Portal right now.  They include food service, lifeguarding, and more—some are paid, some aren’t, but it’s a great array of youth opportunities for the summer.

Dancing for all ages

Though we didn’t have actual legislation before us, we did learn a lot about our Parks systems and the work that DPR does. I’m so grateful to all our hardworking Parks staff, who’ve rolled with a lot of cuts and a lot of change in the past couple years, and taken on new levy acquisitions along the way.

See a video of the full committee meeting.

Our next meeting will be May 3, at 9:30 in Council Chambers. We’ll hear an update on the P-Patch/Community Gardening Program from Department of Neighborhoods, among other things.

Special Committee to discuss Seawall

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council’s Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program will meet after Full Council on Monday, April 23. 

The Committee will discuss public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront, the downtown business district, transportation and public infrastructure, a possible bond measure to replace the Elliot Bay Seawall and the Seawall design, schedule, cost estimates and next steps.

WHEN:
Monday, April 23, 2012, following Full Council
(approximately 2:30 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave, Second floor, Seattle 98104

View the committee agenda here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn and City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw today announced the formation of the Parks Preservation Work Group, charged with advising the Mayor, City Council and Parks and Recreation on a range of options for generating more revenue and finding efficiencies that could reduce costs in the 2013 operating budget and beyond.

" Seattle's love for parks is part of what makes our city special," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "And with our challenging city budget, we need to think outside of the box if we are going to protect our parks system. I look forward to the recommendations of the Parks Preservation Work Group."

The impetus for creation of the group is Parks' challenges sustaining its operating budget in the wake of new parks and facilities built with funding from voter-approved levies, and in the face of continuing budget reductions. Parks' budget has been reduced by some $12 million over the past two years. There is a clear need to put the agency's budget on a more sustainable track.

"Our parks system is world renowned; it helps define who we are. I want to ensure that we have the best operated and maintained parks system of any in our country. This committee will help us achieve that," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

The Parks and Recreation values the City wishes to preserve are access, opportunity and
sustainability. The working group will:

• Review Parks and Recreation's existing array of revenue sources;
• Review revenue enhancing examples from other jurisdictions;
• Assess the pros and cons of revenue and restructuring opportunities; and
• Develop recommendations to be considered in the 2013 City budget process.

The group's process will result in the development of specific recommendations for expanding Parks' funding sources and/or restructuring the agency's work, and an increased public awareness of the need for new funding sources and understanding of the group's recommendations.

The group will meet four times, on April 20 and 27 and May 4 and 11 at 7:30 a.m. in the Park Board Room at the Parks Administration Building at 100 Dexter Ave. N. At the conclusion of the meetings, Parks staff will prepare a summary document that identifies options, highlights potential revenue increases and/or cost savings, and describes a process for public review and possible implementation for each option.

The group members are:

• Thatcher Bailey, Seattle Parks Foundation
• Jerry Everard, Attorney, Groff Murphy
• Ian Gordon, Union Local 1239
• Bill Keller, Associated Recreation Council
• Diana Kincaid, Board of Park Commissioners
• Brice Maryman¸ Board of Park Commissioners
• Beth Purcell, Seattle Parks Foundation Board member
• Barbara Wright, Board of Park Commissioners
• Jerry Tone, Seattle Parks Foundation Board President

Office of the Mayor

Some historical perspective from Seattle Municipal Archives:

The Century 21 Exposition – also known as the Seattle World’s Fair – was held between April 21 and October 21, 1962 and drew almost 10 million visitors. A defining moment in the history of Seattle, this fair began life as the brainchild of City Councilman Al Rochester. By 1955, the councilman had generated considerable interest in his idea from decision makers at the state and city level, and in January Washington’s legislature allocated $5,000 for a small commission to study the feasibility of such a fair. Public excitement, spurred on by effective advertisement, soon gave the project further momentum; in 1957 Seattle voters passed a $7.5 million Civic Center bond for possible fairground development, an amount which was then matched by the legislature.

By April 1962, all that remained to be done was to open the doors to the public, which occurred during an extravagant opening ceremony on the 21st. Amidst 538 clanging bells, 2000 balloons, and 10 Air Force F-102 fighters swooping overhead, Exposition president Joseph Gandy officially opened Century 21 for business. For the next six months, visitors would be entertained not just by the many exhibits, but also by an array of musicians, orchestras, dance troupes, art collections, singers, comedians, and other various shows traveling through the fair during its run. Adding to the star-studded atmosphere was the presence of the ‘King of Rock and Roll,’ Elvis Presley, who arrived to shoot a film, It Happened at the World’s Fair. A number of celebrities came to the Exposition as tourists, including Vice-President Lyndon Johnson, Walt Disney, and Prince Phillip of Great Britain. By the close of the fair on October 21, a total of 9,609,969 people officially visited, largely satisfying attendance goals.

Map of World’s Fair grounds, 1962. From souvenir program, Vertical File 435, Seattle Municipal Archives

Funding opportunities for local parks projects

The Brighton Science Park was an Opportunity Fund project.

Reminder! The technical assistance workshops for the Parks Opportunity Fund are coming up at the end of May.

These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning about how to propose a park development project or acquisition. $8 million is available this cycle. Find out more about the application process, the workshops and the fund here.

Department of Neighborhoods

DoN was represented by program manager Pamela Banks (who is shortly to leave the city after 30 years of public service to become the CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, where she will be fantastic, but we will miss her terribly). Three of our District Coordinators, Christa Dumpys, Ed Pottharst, and Thomas Whittemore joined as as well.  We know our neighborhoods city-wide depend on the District Coordinators and we greatly appreciate what they do.

Large Project Fund

A Neighborhood Matching Fund project enjoys a light snack.

Pamela Banks reminded us about a DoN funding opportunity – the Large Project Fund. The final application deadline will be July 16, and there are three workshops in April to provide information about building community relationships around a project.  Please note, if you want to apply to the Large Project Fund, you must attend one of the three workshops.

PACE

Christa Dumpys briefed us on a promising pilot program she created that DoN is launching this month, the People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE), which is designed to help emerging leaders develop the skills to be highly effective.

The PACE Curriculum offers seven sessions over seven months, with hands-on homework in between. The curriculum focuses on very practical subjects, such as public speaking, resource development, event planning, and more, material that will covered by facilitators recruited from community groups, non-profit organizations, and City of Seattle Departments.

The pilot has 30 slots, and includes monitoring, reporting, and evaluating along the way to help gauge its success. Graduates will get a full year of support in a mentoring relationship after they finish the course. This first class has been selected, and I expect another program to be offered in the future. A special word of thanks to Seattle University for donating space on their campus for this program.

More from DoN: Department of Neighborhoods Director’s Report.

Parks

Kathy Whitman presented Parks’s response to the Rowing and Sailing Centers SLI, in which Council asked them to examine options for long term, stable funding of the Green Lake and Mount Baker Rowing & Sailing Centers.

Council passed the SLI to identify potential funding sources for these Centers, which host hugely popular and successful programs that serve around 73,000 people a year.

The department put together a Boating Action Team advisory committee comprised of seven citizens, an Associated Recreation Council (ARC) representative, and Parks staff, which looked at alternative management models:

• Non profit management
• Non-profit lease
• Long-term lease to a for profit entity

After evaluating these models, the department concluded that the current operational model should stay in effect. The Rowing & Sailing Centers rely on the General fund for approximately 10-15% of their operations, an investment from the general fund that leverages more than $1 million in outside funding—making the program extremely cost-effective for the City.

Parks decided that staying with a month-to-month or class-based fee system was preferable to moving to a membership model because it encourages more people to row and sail. (Memberships in local private clubs can cost up to $1200 a year). Parks also considered the possibility of generating revenue the way some private clubs do, by renting boats or renting rack space, but decided against pursuing those options for now.

The volunteers who work for the Rowing and Sailing Centers contribute greatly to the program. For example, we learned that the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center volunteer Advisory Council participated in the largest Opportunity Fund project in the city to renovate their upper floor public meeting space. This space can now also function as a rental space to generate a significant amount of revenue.

We heard some wonderful stories about lives of youth transformed by rowing and sailing classes, including one about a high school freshman cancer survivor who responded to the high expectations and demanding hours of the Green Lake rowing program with joy and enthusiasm. More than two-thirds of Green Lake’s participants are youth, including summer camps for youth 11 and older, and programs for 170 teen participants every day after school.  

And of course, the Centers serve others as well. Kathy’s presentation showed a diverse population out on the water, and we heard about one masters-level eight-person shell that races out of Mount Baker in which every rower in the boat has at least one replacement body part.  I took rowing lessons about 25 years ago and look forward to getting back to it one of these days.

Thanks to Phil Defliese and Sean McCorkle, citizen members of the Advisory Councils and current officers for the Centers, for coming to the table, and to everyone who contributed to the collection of Rowing and Sailing stories that reminded us of the value of these facilities.

Legislation

We passed three council bills out of committee for vote by Full Council:

1)    Cascade People’s Center

Last year, Parks put together a formal Request for Proposal process for a private partner to operate the Cascade People’s Center. The YMCA was the successful respondent and began operating the Center last summer on a month-to-month basis. We heard citizen feedback that the YMCA’s outreach efforts and programming have been very successful so far.

Sarah Simpson of the YMCA, who has been doing excellent outreach work at the center, told us about meeting community members, residents, business owners to discuss volunteer opportunities and community needs. Especially of interest:

• BOLD and GOLD (Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) programs for youth
• Zumba and yoga classes onsite
• Working with Microsoft to create volunteer opportunities for that organization’s Day of Caring, hosting the P-Patch meetings
• Providing computer access to community members
• Supporting Americorps volunteers. 

I stopped by the center recently and met some of the Americorps volunteers.  What a terrific group.

The Cascade People’s Center legislation authorized the Parks Superintendent to enter into a 5-year agreement, with options to extend, with YMCA of Greater Seattle to operate and manage the Center.  Charles Ng in Parks explained that the lease requires the YMCA to provide a minimum of 10 hours of maintenance services for the facilities, calls on the YMCA to provide 20 hours a month of public meeting space, to form an Advisory Council to ensure that programs meet the needs of the public, to coordinate community volunteer efforts, and to offer outdoor programs for boys and girls during the summer months.

2)      The Transfer of Property from FAS to Parks legislation transferred jurisdiction of 25 properties, representing about 17 acres, to be used for open space, park, and recreation purposes to Parks from FAS. You can see them in the presentation; they include parcels located within or adjacent to Magnolia, Northeast Queen Anne, West Duwamish and East Duwamish Greenbelts; parcels located within or adjacent to Duwamish Head, Cheasty and Longfellow Creek Greenspaces; parcels located within or adjacent to Maple School Natural Area; parcels adjacent to Interlaken, Jefferson and Schmitz Parks; an underwater tideland parcel off Alki Point; and a view parcel in Magnolia.

A major way that Parks acquires space is through the transfer of properties to Parks from other City departments—in fact we’ve transferred more than 200 acres since the early 90s. The City wants to preserve these lands in their natural state, and that is best handled by Parks.  Most of the spaces in this legislation are adjacent to existing parks.

3)      Acquisition for park in Greenwood This legislation authorized parks to purchase 3 parcels comprising about 9000 square feet on the 8100 block Greenwood Avenue North, next to the Greenwood Library, for future development into park space. The property was selected through a public process that involved people in the Greenwood and Phinney neighborhoods, an area that had been identified as deficient in open space relative to Comprehensive Plan goals. The department will enter into leases with three businesses currently on the sites, until future funding is available to develop the sites into a park.

Details are here in the Greenwood Acquisition Memo.

Thanks to Christopher Williams and his team for the great work they do on our 6000+ acres of parks in our city!

Watch Seattle City Councilmembers share their
favorite Seattle Center memories

SEATTLE - In anticipation of the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration kick-off on Saturday, April 21, Seattle City Councilmembers sat down to share their favorite Seattle Center memories. Tune in to our Council Connection blog over the next week as they share their stories.

What:
Seattle City Councilmembers share their Seattle Center memories

When:
Morning and afternoon blog postings, April 16-20, 2012

Where:
Council Connection Blog at http://council.seattle.gov/
Subscribe to the RSS feed at http://council.seattle.gov/feed/

For more information on the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration, including the schedule of events, visit http://seattlecenter.com/news/detail.aspx?id=1719.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Library leaders and city officials join together in support of levy for The Seattle Public Library

Seattle Public Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and City Councilmember Richard Conlin announced support for a Library levy to restore cuts and improve core services at a noon press conference at Seattle's Central Library. City officials and Library leaders were joined by scores of Library patrons at the event.

The Library levy would fund increased Library hours, build the collection of books and materials, enhance computers and online services and improve building maintenance. The plan grew out of a two-year process that involved comments from more than 39,000 residents through public meetings, open houses, surveys, focus groups and forums. There were more than 14 million visits to The Seattle Public Library last year and over 11 million books and materials circulated.

The City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would authorize an Aug. 7, 2012, ballot for a Library levy at 2:30 p.m. today.

The seven-year Library levy of $17 million annually would stabilize the Library budget after four years of cuts that have eroded services. The Library has been closed for one week each year since 2009, 15 of 26 branches are closed two days a week, and the budget to buy books and other items has been cut by more than 13 percent since 2009. The levy would also provide an estimated $5 million to address anticipated cuts in 2013. The Library would continue to rely on the city's general fund for the majority of its budget. At about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, the levy would cost the median homeowner approximately $52 a year.

"We owe a huge thank you not only to the mayor and council for their collaboration and support, but also to the people of Seattle who helped shape the plan over the past two years," said McCaffrey. "This is an important step toward completing the vision of the 1998 'Libraries for All' bond measure, which resulted in new and improved libraries across the city."

McGinn said people depend on libraries for access to information and resources they need to succeed. "Libraries are the great equalizers for people of all ages," he said. "A strong Library system contributes to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of our city." He noted that libraries are key partners in supporting his initiatives for youth and families and to bolster civic engagement. "Libraries support our residents looking for work, students needing homework assistance, and people who cannot afford a computer," he said. "Our libraries are educational centers in every community and gathering places for neighborhood meetings and activities."

Conlin initiated a study of alternative funding options for the Library in 2010 after recognizing the city's fiscal challenges and declining tax revenues were affecting services. A levy package grew out of that effort.

"At the City Council's April 3 public hearing, Library patrons spoke to how they have been impacted by the cuts and how critical it was that our libraries be open with the resources and assistance they need," Conlin said. "Libraries are particularly important in challenging economic times and it just doesn't make sense to cut services when people need them the most."

City Librarian Marcellus Turner said the plan was built to reflect the priorities of the community. "Libraries are the city's classrooms for both individuals and the community," he said. "The Library levy will help ensure we can provide essential Library services now and for the next generation of users." 

Ninety-one-year-old Eleanor Owen and local mystery writer Kathrine Beck also spoke about how the Library has helped them, and their families and friends, throughout their lives.

For more information, visit www.spl.org and select "Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future," or call 206-386-4636.

For more information contact: Andra Addison, communications director, 206-386-4103

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Levy proposal addresses ongoing fiscal challenges and supports critical services

What:
After a two-year process involving the thoughtful contributions of tens of thousands of residents and collaboration between The Seattle Public Library, Mayor’s Office and City Council, a proposal to stabilize Library funding and improve Library services is complete.

Who:
Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle City Councilman Richard Conlin will announce a proposed Library levy to address ongoing financial challenges and support key service priorities: Library hours, collections, technology and building maintenance.

91-year-old Library patron Eleanor Owen and Seattle author Kathrine Beck will also speak about the Library’s importance to the city’s educational, cultural and economic vitality.

Library and city officials will be joined by other members of the City Council and Library Board, as well as the Friends of the Library, Library Foundation and members of the public.

When:
Noon Monday, April 9, 2012

Schedule:
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Event Remarks
Library Board president, mayor, City Councilman Richard Conlin and city librarian will talk about the levy plan and what it offers the community. Two Library patrons will talk about the importance of libraries in their lives. The press will receive copies of the proposal, “Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future.”

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. - Other Broadcast Opportunities
Library officials, the mayor, City Council members, Library patrons Eleanor Owen and Kathrine Beck, as well as Library Friends and Foundation members available for further interviews. Opportunities to film baby story time, tax assistance program and poetry group and other activities happening in the building. City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed Library levy for the Aug. 7, 2012 ballot at 2:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Ave.

Where:
The Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 3

Information:
Andra Addison, The Seattle Public Library, 206-386-4103, andra.addison@spl.org
Caroline Ullmann, The Seattle Public Library, 206-615-1627, caroline.ullmann@spl.org

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Whale Tale Park, near Alki

Here are some of the parks mentioned as the closest or favorite. This is just a partial list, so forgive me if I don’t name your response. Alki Beach Park (our slice of a California beach town), Cal Anderson (re-named in 2009 after civil rights activist and legislator) Dearborn, Green Lake, John C. Little Sr. Park (where you might run into a member of the Little family), Kinnear Park (lots in process there with a special shout-out to the FOLKPark community group), Lincoln, Longfellow Creek Trail, Maple Leaf playground and playfields, Meridian Park, Mt Baker Park, Myrtle Reservoir (great views), North SeaTac, Orchard Street Ravine (I haven’t visited this one), Pratt Park, Ravenna Park (so refreshing on hot summer days), Regrade (I love walking by the dogs playing there in the middle of the city), Roanoke, Sacajawea, Seven Hills Park, Soundview Park, Summit Slope Park (one of Seattle’s newest parks; so great that it’s already a favorite), Tashkent (named for a sister city), Thomas C. Wales, Trolley Hill Park, Volunteer Park, Westlake (currently home to bright blue trees), and Whale Tale Park, near Alki.

Thank you to my friend, Salem Bin Talib, a Humphrey Fellow who lived and studied in Seattle last year, for the reminder of our good fortune to live in Seattle where we have over 400 parks. Via Facebook Salem pointed out that his city in Yemen has only three parks, all of which are currently occupied by the army.

 For @WedgwoodCC, who specified the park yet-to-be-built in Wedgwood as their favorite–I hear you! I know you are working on this Seattle City Light land transfer to our Parks Department. Your park will happen–it takes patience and persistence. I know! 

While I enjoy so many parks across the city, my favorite park in Seattle is the yet-to-be Waterfront. This is the park that I have spent years working on, the park that I dream about.

A possible waterfront overlook.

I can’t wait until the day, a few years from now, when we Seattlites and our visitors can stroll along our new Waterfront all the way from Safeco Field to Smith Cove. We’ll be able to walk along a tree-lined pedestrian corridor, passing cafes and stopping to touch the water, listening to birds drawn to new native plantings, enjoying other people energized by the art and music along the way.

Visualize this: You and I could take in an afternoon ball game with one of our winning sports teams, and then decide to spend another few hours together enjoying what will be a waterfront like no other. We’ll stroll the promenade from Washington Street separated safely from cars and trucks.

Perhaps we'll stroll a promenade.

We can take time to put our toes in the Sound if we’re brave enough, and enjoy the migrating salmonid darting among the crevices of our new seawall.

We can stop for an hour in our Aquarium (I am a member…you can be my guest!). After appreciating the Aquarium’s Window on Washington and visiting our baby otter, we may decide to pick up a few things at the Pike Place Market. This will be a delightful walk because we can stroll with ease between the Aquarium and Pike Place Market. The new pedestrian connection will take us – above the traffic – right up to the Pike Place Market vendors. 

I will undoubtedly want to stop for flowers and produce, and perhaps we’ll purchase a loaf of fresh bread and plus-gras butter and cheese, our favorite beverage, and take our picnic to – where else? The Olympic Sculpture Park. After soaking in the view of the sunset, we may feel sufficiently invigorated to walk back through Myrtle Edwards Park, skip a few rocks into the lapping waves along the way, and decide what’s next. What’s next?! The Lake to Bay Loop of course! So up and over Elliott across the new Thomas Street bike and pedestrian bridge that connects us right to the very base of Seattle Center.

Now, the rejuvenated Center with its range of dining options and old and new arts organizations might be our stopping point – or not. We may take in Hunger Games III at the IMAX, walk around the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and enjoy our beautiful new Children’s Garden east of the Center House. And if we’re feeling ambitious we may check on the Star Trekkies at the EMP or jump on the Monorail and head right back downtown.  And that’s just for starters!

I am inspired by the idea of our green, connected city, humming around Elliott Bay with life. Yes, this is the park that I dream about. If you’d like to help me turn this dream into a reality, there are so many ways to get involved. For information about Seattle’s partnership with other governing bodies, community groups, waterfront businesses and others, please visit waterfrontseattle.org. For specifics on timeline and process, take a look at their FAQ.

Arboretum Aquaduct

Thanks to all of you who answered my Question of the Week this week on Facebook!  (“What aspects/landmarks of the City would you preserve as we move toward density? And what’s your favorite Seattle landmark?”)

The Conservatory at Volunteer Park

Several people suggested a structure that’s dear to so many of us, the Volunteer Park Conservatory. The Conservatory has been in the news recently, understandably, because it is celebrating its Centennial!

Saving Seattle’s glass house from stones

Volunteer Park Conservatory looks for funding after 100 years

Funds for exotic Volunteer Park Conservatory may dry up

Another noted that the old P-I building would have been a great one to save: I’m happy to report that City Council is taking steps to landmark the beloved P-I Globe.

The recently landmarked P-I Globe.

Another writer pointed out that the city is full of wonderful Art Deco era structures it would be a shame to lose. (I’m thinking of the Seattle Tower, the Exchange Building, the Great Northern Building, or the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, but I’m sure there are other, lesser-known examples. I’d love to hear about them!).

The Asian Art Museum.

One person suggested setting aside a portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct as a view park, after the model of New York City’s Highline (which I just visited, and I have to say I loved.) I heard the same thought expressed by a number of people at the Corner design presentations for our waterfront.   

Historic Landmarks

Some curious readers asked how we decide which buildings to landmark?  Landmarking in the City of Seattle is handled by the Historic Preservation Program in the Department of Neighborhoods. 

Anyone can submit a nomination to the Landmark Preservation Board for a building, object, or structure that is at least 25 years old. Here’s a link to the process, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart: The review process is exacting. http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/designation_process.htm

Georgetown City Hall

The Historic Preservation Program is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 450 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels to date, as well as eight historic districts throughout Seattle.

Historic Preservation Districts

Seattle historic preservation districts and how they come about work a little differently. The Seattle City Council designates a historic neighborhood as a preservation district at the request of the people who live and own businesses there or, in the case of the Pike Place Market, voters across the city. Each of these districts has a board of its own (example: Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board) that looks after the district.

In December 2011, we created a Downtown Historic Theatre District to promote performing arts venues built before 1930. The theaters that qualify for historic district designation include The Moore Theatre (1907), Town Hall (1922), A Contemporary Theatre/Eagles Auditorium (1924), 5th Avenue Theatre (1926), and Paramount Theatre (1928).

By creating the district we ensured we won’t have a repeat of the demolition of the 1929 Music Hall’s demolition 19 years ago.

The Virginia V

Seattle has seven additional preservation districts. They rely on committed neighbors working together to protect the things that make their community unique.

These districts include the Ballard Avenue Landmark District, Columbia City Landmark District, Fort Lawton Landmark District, Harvard-Belmont Landmark District, International Special Review District, Pike Place Market Historical District, and Pioneer Square Preservation District.

Fire Station #33

Find out about your own building or neighborhood

If you want to learn more about an old building that you know and love, a good place to start is the Puget Sound Regional Repository of the Washington State Archives, (206) 439-3785. The archives contain King County Property Tax Records from the late 1930s to early 1940s, most with photographs the archivists will send to you for a small fee.

The King County Cultural Resources Division has a useful guide to “Researching Historic Houses” which also applies to commercial buildings. Call (206) 296-7580 and ask for Technical Paper No. 5.

The Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority offers a lecture series, “Preserving Your Old House,” that includes tips on researching a house’s history. The office will also mail printed information on the topic. Call (206) 622-6952 for details.

If the property is listed as a Seattle landmark or is within a Seattle preservation district, contact the Historic Preservation Program at (206) 684-0228 for a copy of the landmark nomination form which includes much historical information.

If the property is listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places, contact the State of Washington’s Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation at (360) 586-3065 to order a copy of the nomination form.

Thanks for your interest in our historic buildings.  You are helping make our historically rich city even richer!

Feedback sought on proposed Seattle Public Library Levy

SEATTLE – Providing funding stability for the Seattle Public Library is a priority for the City of Seattle. Seattle City Councilmembers invite members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposed Library Levy legislation before the Council. 

WHAT:
Public Hearing on the proposed Library Levy

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. (Sign up will open at 5 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, second floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

Over the last two years, the Library has involved over 39,000 residents in strategic planning for the Library's future and setting priorities for Library services. In community surveys, focus groups panel discussions, five open houses, and three community meetings, the people of Seattle came together to identify the priorities for the Library's work now and in the future. Please take this opportunity to share your feedback on the proposed seven year Library Levy.

For more information on the proposed Library Levy, please visit the Council's issue page.  The proposed legislation will likely be voted on at the April 9, meeting of the Special Committee on the Library Levy at 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Join the Seattle City Council's "Sallys" for coffee and conversation

Seattle – Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Sally Bagshaw will be in the Magnolia/Interbay neighborhood this Saturday hosting their reoccurring community coffee chat. 

The March "Coffee with Sallys" conversation hour will be held at QCafe on Saturday, March 31, from 9:30– 11 a.m.  The coffee chat is open to everyone and the Councilmembers will listen and speak with Seattleites about local issues in an informal setting. 

"Come on out to talk budget, jobs, libraries or whatever," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "I hope that you'll be able to take some time to join us."

"I'm looking forward to the 2012 series of coffee chats and speaking with and listening to our neighbors in the Magnolia and Interbay communities, " added Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.
Join the Councilmembers:

Saturday, March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
QCafe, 3223-15th Avenue West

Coffee and pastries will be available for purchase and all city-related questions and topics are on the table.  For more information, or to RSVP (recommended, but not required), please click here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Councilmember Godden, City Attorney Pete Holmes, and I were glad to welcome our visitors.

Rather than standing up to those whose opinions were loud and angry and, I think, off topic, the LGBT Commission withdrew their invitation to the LGBT visitors. What a shame. The visitors from Israel were not an official delegation representing their government. They were individual gays, lesbians, and a mother from PFLAG who was actively supporting her lesbian daughter. They were here to meet with us, and share heartfelt stories with our community about their struggle for acceptance.

I was alerted Thursday night by two good friends, Louise Chernin from the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) and Anne Levinson—our former Deputy Mayor, and judge—about the impending vote of the LGBT Commission to withdraw the invitation. By Friday morning the deed was done and the visitors shunned by the very group who should have welcomed them with open arms.

Six people, including Ohad Salmon, Iris Sass-Kochavie, Irit Zviely-Efrat, and Adir Steiner, had traveled from Israel representing Non-Governmental Organizations, and had already visited other cities in the U.S. including Los Angeles and San Francisco. They had been welcomed by other communities. Then they came to Washington—a state that just passed the marriage equality law. The visitors had every right to expect to be greeted warmly.

Their reception could not have been colder. The group had meetings scheduled in Olympia and Tacoma; one meeting was interrupted and one was cancelled. By Thursday night the visitors learned that Seattle’s LGBT Commission had likewise cancelled their invitation.

I was asked to to meet with the visitors Friday morning. City Attorney Pete Holmes, Jean Godden, and I readily changed our schedules to talk with our visitors for nearly an hour. (Other Councilmembers would have joined us but were offsite at other commitments). For my part, I wanted our LGBT visitors to know they were welcome in City Hall. I expressed my grief at how the visitors had been treated. And after our meeting, I invited them to join me for a brief lunch so we could continue the conversation.

We heard the stories of individual lives.

Our LGBT visitors could not have been more gracious. They were open and very willing to share more about themselves, their families, and the challenges they face in their country. We discussed individual struggles, not international politics.

I heard stories that were heartbreaking, yet provided a basis for hope. The visitors’ stories brought tears to my eyes. We left with genuine hugs and multiple handshakes. This was an opportunity to meet wonderful people for which I am grateful.

We in our great City missed an opportunity to exchange insights. These visitors were here for one reason: to engage with our LGBT community and its supporters. It’s unfortunate that the bitter politics of nationhood stood in the way of personal outreach.

To Ohad Salmon, Iris Sass-Kochavie, Irit Zviely-Efrat, and Adir Steiner, and those who were here but who I did not get to meet—I extend my hand of friendship to you. I hope you will come back and that next time you will be appropriately received.

This incident was a reminder that to make progress, we must talk with one another. I look forward to more conversations with you and others in our global community.

One of my favorite recent acknowledgements of the advent of Spring was a Saturday morning neighborhood clean up event I attended last week.

I joined a group of Bitter Lake neighbors to clean up North 130th and Linden Avenue.  We ended up with 8 volunteers, 12 volunteer hours, and 5 very full bags of trash.

It was a pleasure to spend time with the SafeWalks folks, including Dick, Dale, Lucille, Will and Herbert. I so appreciate these people and their willingness to help make their communities cleaner places. I drop in when I can, but they are out there every first Saturday of every month. And this is their 7th year!

Our cleaning crew

In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Thanks Bitter Lake neighbors!

If there’s a Spring Clean coming up in YOUR neighborhood, let me know. When I’m at City Hall, I get caught up in the weeds of policy, however, I also enjoy pulling up the weeds in neighborhoods throughout the city and would love to join you.

Tip for Neighborhood Clean Up Projects:

How to report illegal dumping
It is considered illegal dumping when any junk, garbage or debris is left on public property—including roadsides, open streets, and paved alleys. The items most commonly reported are TVs and computers; furniture; paints, solvents and other potentially hazardous liquids; tires; garbage, yard waste, and construction debris.

Volunteer opportunities THIS weekend:  http://www.seattle.gov/parks/calendar/volunteer.htm

Thanks for helping keep our city safe, green, and connected!

Seattle City Council Committee calls for independent financial review of Seattle Public Utilities

SEATTLE – The Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee, during this morning’s discussion of fraud at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), called for an independent review of SPU’s financial practices.

“We need to move forward now to immediately fix this problem. Ratepayers demand and deserve financial accountability from the utility. And they will get it,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, committee chair.

The Committee asked the City Auditor—an independent third party—to conduct an investigation of financial controls at SPU, particularly those related to accounts that could be subject to high risk transactions such as the water main accounts.

“The public trust has been broken. Only through systematic review and tight new financial controls can we restore trust and provide the services we all expect,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

The Committee requested that the City Auditor and SPU report to the Committee with a scope of work by March 27, 2012, and present plan details to the Committee at the April 3, 2012, meeting.

The plan will address the immediate water main extension revenue problem and recommend whether all SPU development fees should be part of the review. By the end of this week the Committee will send a letter to the City Auditor and SPU detailing issues it would like to see examined in their review.

“The Committee will participate in every step of this process,” said Councilmember Godden. “There will be no discussion of new utility rates until Seattle Public Utilities gets its house in order.”

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Lend a hand!

You can meet one-on-one with representatives of more than 35 agencies that serve homeless people and others in need. It’s a great way to find out about the different agencies, their cultures and needs, and whether you’d be a good match and what skills YOU can offer THEM.

Want to learn how to advocate for others with your own program or idea?  Here’s your chance.  At 3:00 p.m. there’s  a workshop on “Advocacy 101”, where local superstar advocates for the homeless, Nancy Amadei and Alison Eisinger, will talk about the best ways to get your legislators to support opportunities for homeless and low income people. You can sign up with advocacy organizations as well, so you can learn to comment at the right time on legislation in the works.

Also, the Millionair Club is being honored.  This organization has changed thousands of lives by providing jobs and other essential support services to individuals who are homeless or unemployed in Seattle and King County.  They have been doing amazing work since 1921.

Please join us!  I would love to meet you at the Josephinum and talk about steps we can take together, as a community, to end poverty and homelessness. And if *that* doesn’t tempt you, come for the door prizes, or for the tours of the SHARE/WHEEL office space in the Josephinum, which were very popular last year.

The 2nd Annual Downtown Volunteer Fair is sponsored & hosted by Christ Our Hope, funded by the Virginia Mason Medical Center & co-sponsored by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, the Downtown Seattle Association & the Pike Place Market Foundation.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Faith Action Network, Real Change, Boston College Alumni Seattle Chapter, United Way of King County, Seattle Human Services Coalition, Center for Service and Community Engagement at Seattle University, University District Conversation on Homelessness, Metropolitan Democratic Club & the Seattle Human Rights Commission.

HONORARY BOARD: Seattle Archbishop Emeritus Alexander Brunett; Dow Constantine, King County Executive; Bob Ferguson, King County Council; Judge Willie Gregory, Seattle Municipal Court; Kate Joncas, Downtown Seattle Association; Nick Licata, Seattle City Council; Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, Washington State Supreme Court; Honorable Jim McDermott, U.S. House of Representatives, Michael Reichert, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, and me!

Seattle City Councilmembers Bagshaw, Burgess and Rasmussen to appear on this month's City Inside/Out: Council Edition
Email your questions now for Seattle City Councilmembers

SEATTLE – What needs to happen to bring NBA and NHL to Seattle? How can residents be involved in this year's budget process? What are the next steps for making Third Avenue safer for residents and visitors? Is the Volunteer Park Conservatory really facing closure? Whatever your questions, submit them now.

This episode of City Inside/Out: Council Edition features Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Tim Burgess and Tom Rasmussen answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by Friday, March 2, at noon.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel
• Simply reply to this email

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the City's lawmakers. Email now and tune in on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. to hear the answers to your questions.

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Sailing class

At our February 16th Parks and Neighborhood Committee meeting, Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams walked us through the 2012 Parks budget. I know, I know,  you may think this sounds dull as dirt. Au contraire!  This is all part of the “continuing education” series we are having in Committee to assure a strategic approach to operating and maintaining the 6000+ acres of our beautiful parks.

You can see the presentation here. It was an interesting and informative conversation. Here are highlights.

Good news and bad news

The good news is that in the past 15 years, Seattle voters have expressed their support for Parks by passing two levies to the tune of $400 million, the 2000 Pro Parks Levy and the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy. That tells us loud and clear that Seattlelites are generous and love our Parks System.

Girls' soccer

The more difficult news is that, as most everyone knows, Seattle’s General Fund has really taken a beating the past few years, as the recession caught up to our region. Revenues from the sales tax, B&O, and others that support the General Fund have been down for several years in a row. Roughly two-thirds of Parks’ operating revenues come from our General Fund. When the General Fund takes a hit, our Parks and Community Centers and swimming pools and boating facilities and every thing else are squeezed.

Japanese Garden

Years of belt-tightening

To balance the 2009-2011 budgets, Parks cut $10.2 million from the department budget – 10 percent of the department budget in 2010, and another 3% in 2011.

Working with staff, managers, directors and neighborhoods, Parks has had to make serious decisions.  None was popular.  Staff took unpaid furloughs and many workers’ hours were reduced; certain wading pools closed; community centers were reorganized and hours changed; ballfield fees and charges increased; the Carkeek Environmental Learning Center (ELC) was impacted; special gardens staff at Volunteer Park and the Japanese gardens were reduced;  paint and metal shop staffing was likewise reduced; the fence crew (despite having miles of fencing to look after) was reduced; and one of three tree crews was eliminated.  103 FTE (Full Time Employee) staff reductions were incurred, including layoffs, reduced hours, reclassifications, and transfers.   

We’ve heard the expression “Do more with less.”  There’s a certain point where any strategic plan requires a department to decide to do less with less.

Medgar Evers Pool

For the 2012 budget that was adopted last November, Parks took an additional 28.8 FTE reduction from 2011, reducing Planning and Development and transferring Special Events staff to the Office of Economic Development. We changed the Community Center management to a geographically “tiered” model with new, reduced staffing arrangements. We’re also installing “people counters” at Community Centers to help us target funding to places that get the most use.

In accordance with forecasted continued stagnation in the economy, Parks is expecting to have to cut even more during this year’s budget process.  No one wants this; it is, however, a fact we must face.

A growing workload

As we are maintaining what we already have in place, new parks are coming online, funded by the levies and neighborhood matching funds. Like many organizations – public and private– in our country, Parks is expected to accomplish more and more with fewer staff  and less money. 

The department is working hard to establish priorities and guiding principles to make sure the most important needs are met.  Their top priorities include continuing to make parks accessible to all citizens, and stewarding the system that we have, and building a bridge to sustainable funding.

Atlantic City boat ramp

Getting creative about sustainable long-term funding

Parks, and my committee, are looking  for other ways to generate revenue and cut costs.  We’re inviting the public to join us – for example, March 7, Parks is holding a public meeting to discuss operating issues at the Volunteer Park Conservatory. (March 7 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Montlake Community Center, 1618 E. Calhoun St.)

When it comes to sustainable long-term funding, we’ve talked a lot about part

Off-leash dog parks

nerships and volunteers.  We’ve talked about our partnership with the UW at the Arboretum and whether that model might be built on elsewhere, for example, in the Volunteer Park Conservatory. (The UW owns the plant collections and manages the functions of the Arboretum and its public programs and activities. The Center for Urban Horticulture, an academic unit in the UW College of Forest Resources, is charged with overall administration of the Arboretum. The City is responsible for all infrastructure support, turf, security, the Waterfront Trail, Japanese Garden, and native plant areas.)  We’re also working closely with the Seattle Parks Foundation, an important non-profit with great ideas.

With the Ruth Williams estate giving a quarter of a million dollars to the Japanese Garden Society, we’ve talked about placing the Japanese Gardens under some sort of separate governance model that would reduce the city’s contribution. We’re looking at alternative operating models for certain community centers, such as the new Rainier Beach Community Center, slated to open in 2014. We’re looking for interested partners through an RFI process, such as the YMCA, to help us keep the center operating at full capacity. (Parks is having an open house about this March 6, at 7 p.m. at South Shore K-8 School Rotunda.)

In committee last week, we talked about the possibility of Parks getting more grants to supplement revenue. Christopher noted that grant-writing is a specialized skill; indeed it would be ideal to have a Development manager as well as a grant writer on board in Parks. Perhaps some of that work could be done by interns or volunteers, but even managing interns and volunteers requires staff time.

Parks is a much beloved department, and  complicated with many functions that we want to keep strong. This was the start of that conversation.  I’m looking forward to continuing it throughout the year and saving the programs we want to save, and growing those we can afford.

Seattle City Councilmembers praise Governor Gregoire for signing marriage equality bill
Council's marriage equality resolution supports state legislative efforts

SEATTLE –Seattle City Councilmembers today recognized the signing of Senate Bill 6239, concerning civil marriage and domestic partnerships, as Washington state joins other states in support of marriage equality.

January 23, Councilmembers unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass this legislation.

Council President Sally J. Clark said, "I'd like to recognize and thank Gov. Chris Gregoire, Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, and all the legislators who took this historic step toward equality.  The unprecedented level of community advocacy has been inspiring."

"This achievement is the result of decades of tenacious and courageous work by people throughout Washington," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "I especially want to thank Sen. Ed Murray who has worked tirelessly for fairness and equality for the passage of this landmark law."

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw added, "This issue is about fairness. I am inspired by the thoughtful debate that took place amongst our leaders in Olympia, thrilled to see this day come and proud of our state."

"I thank the Governor and the state Legislature for showing strong leadership on marriage equality," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "This effort has taken great patience and perseverance and today's signing is worthy of celebration."

"I applaud Governor Gregoire and the Legislature for doing the right thing for Washington's residents," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation takes effect and I can legally sign the papers."

"I'm thrilled state legislators and the Governor have made marriage equality the law of the land," stated Councilmember Jean Godden. "It's high time we lived in a state that recognizes everyone's equal rights."

"As an advocate for fairness, I am incredibly proud of our Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities. I am overcome with pride that Washington state will continue to build momentum towards marriage equality in the United States, by becoming the 7th state to recognize gay marriage. We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

Councilmember Nick Licata stated, "As a longtime supporter of marriage equality,  I'm thrilled today that our state Legislature and Governor agree that though Washington's ‘Everything but marriage' law served its purpose for a time, it fell far short of what's right and fair." 

"This historic step makes me proud to be a Washingtonian. I cannot wait to attend my first official gay wedding and celebrate with friends and family who have been left out of this important institution for too long," stated Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Deep sea coral forests can be as many as 4000 years old.

Conserving what’s on the bottom of our oceans can be a tough sell.  We can’t see it or touch it.  It’s out of sight and out of mind for all of us except a few scientists.

That’s changing, thanks to the contributions of marine scientists James L. Bodkin and Elliott A. Norse, and others like them, to the cause of marine conservation.  These two were honored at the Seattle Aquarium last week.  I want to discuss the work of one of the recipients, Elliott Norse, Ph.D. and how it impressed me.

Dr. Norse, recipient of the 2012 Seattle Aquarium Medal, is a congenial scientist who has dedicated his life to searching for ecological alternatives that we non-scientists can support and understand.  Dr. Norse is Founder and CEO of the Marine Conservation Institute, a Bellevue-based nonprofit dedicated to winning legal protections for ocean ecosystems worldwide.

Dr. Elliott Norse

He explained why marine conservation is so difficult.  Most of us have deep, personal connections with forests – we can smell  them, we’ve hiked in them, and camped in them. We also know they help keep our air clean, so we naturally want to protect them.  

Contrast that with marine conservation: only a very few highly specialized scientists know the terrain of the deepest seas.  We scuba divers can only access the top 1% of the oceans and we generally see only near-shore reefs and sea life.  The other 99% of the ocean is hidden from our view.

I took a peek before dinner at the baby otter with her mom Aniak. I watched Mom lift her baby out of the water and groom her. Awwww….

Over the past decades,  many nations have carefully protected their near shore reefs. We can see those. But when a deep sea trawler rakes up a 4000-year old coral forest (4000-year old!!) in search of shrimp, crab, or fish there’s no one to around to see it, much less to question whether the seafood could be obtained less destructively or in a sustainable new way.  Another example of “Out of sight, out of mind,” as Dr. Norse cautioned us.  

The exhibits and programs created by the Aquarium help reveal to us what we don’t see and help us think about what we are doing to our oceans.

The work done by the Seattle Aquarium and its partners show that the decisions we and our friends make about on- and near-shore areas affect what happens offshore.  Making progress requires us to be aware of the problem in the first place.

Close-up courtesy of the Aquarium

As we create Seattle’s new waterfront, the Aquarium will be a central player.  It will extend its experiential learning programs right to our downtown shoreline.  We residents and millions of visitors will learn more about how we can protect our marine environment right here at home. Every little effort matters.

In a few years we Seattle residents and our visitors will stroll along the newly rebuilt Alaskan Way and take the walkway from the Pike Place Market to our waterfront. We will be surrounded by newly planted native plants and trees. As the Olympic Mountains and sparkling clean Puget Sound provide breathtaking views, we can use our membership card to stop by our Seattle Aquarium and show our kids and grandkids what a clean Puget Sound means. We can do what Dr. Norse suggested:  Take care of our Sound, and the fish and marine mammals therein, and the Sound will take care of us.

Seattle's more than 180 neighborhoods roll up into 13 district councils.

We all know that government can’t do everything that a great city needs done or that every neighborhood wishes the government would do. DON has historically provided resources so communities can cultivate the confidence of self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency often means learning how to advocate for improvements that will change the quality of life in the neighborhood. For over two decades, the Department of Neighborhoods has played an important role in “meeting communities where they are,” and helping them engage with city government to build strong communities.

DON is responsible for many services in the city.  Here are the ones Bernie highlighted in her presentation:

Community groups can apply for Neighborhood Matching Fund grants, which award money to local groups for local projects. Neighbors match the grant with cash, volunteer labor, or donated goods and services. There are three levels of funding, with $100,000 at the top.  For example, NMF helped to save Georgetown’s legendary “Hat and Boots” and to fund the new Jimi Hendrix Park.  One thing I have hear loud and clear:  Neighborhoods want more Matching Funds!  Here is a link to the upcoming Neighborhood Matching Grant Program.  The next applications for the Neighborhood Matching Grants Large Project Fund are due July 16, 2012.

DON manages Seattle’s P-Patch program, which is the largest municipally-managed community gardening program west of New York City, managing 76 gardens that serve more than 4700 residents. We heard about the newest one, which is being implemented on top of the Mercer Street parking garage at Seattle Center and will have more than 100 plots.  Imagine that benefit for Lower Queen Anne – what an excellent use of the top of a garage!

In 2010 P-Patch gardeners donated 20,889 pounds, or 41,778 servings of fresh produce, to local food banks.

DON works closely with neighborhoods and city government to ensure the neighborhood growth plans developed by residents in the 1990s have progressed over their 20-year implementation period.

DON’s District Coordinators are well-known to anyone who has worked with the city on community projects. They work with dozens of community organizations on a wide range of neighborhood projects and issues and work to engage and support citizens in the city’s 13 districts. They focus on encouraging community involvement, help with neighborhood improvement efforts, and make referrals to city services.

People who live near Seattle’s larger institutions, such as hospitals or universities, need to be involved in the development plans for these institutions. DON’s Major Institutions and Schools Program organizes and staffs city-appointed citizen advisory committees for each project, so that neighborhood concerns can be aired and addressed.

Through the historic preservation program, DON protects more than 450 historic structures, sites, and objects, along with eight historic districts throughout Seattle. Examples include a number of our lovely street clocks and the beautiful 1922 steamship Virginia V.

Carroll's Clock

One of DONs most recent accomplishments has been to help establish the South Park Information and Referral Center, a community-driven multi-lingual resource center that connects people to services and neighbors to neighbors. SPIARC is a trusted resource and advocate and tailors its services to respond to the language and cultural needs of the diverse South Park community. Right now, more than 35 South Park residents are attending English classes there.

 I am very pleased to be working with both Parks and Neighborhoods. Combining these fabulous departments into one Council Committee provides us with opportunities to strengthen every neighborhood city-wide. 

We did do a little bit of business in committee, as well as focusing on our Continuing Education. We passed the revised lease for the new Belltown Community Center out of committee and on to full council.  It was passed by full council today.

You can watch a video of the 2-2 Parks and Neighborhoods committee meeting, or download the documents we reviewed.

Seattle City Council establishes Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Coordinated efforts will provide easier to use services to immigrant and refugee communities

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today approved 7-0 Council Bill 117394 establishing the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs as an executive department. By creating one location for immigrant and refugee services, this office will coordinate the City's efforts in reaching and providing services to immigrant and refugee communities.

"The City of Seattle has better invested in the way we serve all residents – including immigrants and refugees," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the committee that will oversee the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. "This new office will improve how the City integrates new immigrants and refugees into the civic life of Seattle, as well as help all residents benefit from the diversity of immigrant and refugee cultures. It will be mutually beneficial to all."

The bill recognizes Seattle is home to many immigrant and refugee communities and that language and cultural barriers can compromise equal access to government services and programs. These barriers combined with the complex nature of issues that impact immigrant and refugee communities, resulted in this Council action to strengthen the relationship between government and these communities.

"Immigrant and refugee communities contribute to the vitality of Seattle in countless ways, but they can also have trouble accessing city services," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "The Council created this office because we saw the need to provide a more coordinated welcome to these individuals and families."

"The Immigrant and Refugee Commission is excited about the new City of Seattle's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.  Seattle's Immigrants and refugees have quickly become part of the city's economic life, from the bustling International District downtown to the polyglot scene that is the South East, the most diverse zip code in the nation," said co-chair Devon Abdallah. "What a great way to show commitment to continue to advocate for immigrant and refugees," said co-chair Jesus Rodriguez.  "We are looking forward to having an office coordinating efforts across City departments and a central point of contact for individuals requiring City assistance."

"I am thrilled that we were able to create an office that will reach out to newcomers and serve as a one-stop place to access information and services," stated Councilmember Jean Godden.

"The Office will make city government more accessible and responsive to Seattle's immigrant and refugee communities, which now represent 17 percent of the City's population," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "I look forward to working with the new office to better include these communities, our newest residents, in our civic process and life."

"OneAmerica applauds the Council's leadership in creating this office which will help streamline access to services and create innovative ways to recognize and encourage immigrant and refugee communities to participate in city life. The office also provides a clear signal that city government values the input and contribution made by immigrant communities," said OneAmerica Executive Director, Pramila Jayapal.

The bill also renames the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board to the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission.  The Seattle City Council created the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board and developed an Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan in 2007. The Immigrant and Refugee Commission will work with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative to integrate principles of social justice and ensure consistency with the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

The neighbors in this area are concerned – as is everyone in our city – about how to keep their neighborhood safe.  For the TCA, the focus of discussion was their beloved Beaver Pond Natural Area, where the trees were recently attacked by one or more vigilantes with chain saws. The conversations were split between neighbors who were concerned about the sensitivity of the green space, and also those who wanted to organize and patrol the natural area, which can become an all-too convenient hiding place for people up to no good.

Following on my earlier post this week about neighbors working to create safe, green, and connected neighborhoods, I wanted to pass along the following basic, but very important, tips from Terrie Johnston of SPD about when and how to make a 911 call:

First:  Use 911 when you see anything that worries you.  Don’t be shy about it. The current thinking is “If you see something, say something.” 

Second:  When the 911 dispatchers answer, simply state what you are reporting.

Third:  Know the address or street intersections. Tell SPD where you need them to respond.

Fourth:  Let the call taker control the call, so he or she is asking you the questions.

Lastly:  Stay on the line until advised to hang up.

Terrie told us that many people don’t call 911 if they are worried, or even after a crime has been committed. Maybe they think the police won’t respond, or maybe they think they may be viewed as silly.

Whatever the reason, know that the police WANT you to inform them. They keep the statistics, and having your call in the database may help you and the police in ways we can’t envision at the time of the call.

For the sake of your neighborhood make the call and report bad actions. Your call will literally get your neighborhood on the map for SPD.

Join your Seattle elected officials at Saturday's City Hall Open House
Office tours and civic education available for visitors

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn, City Attorney Pete Holmes and members of the Seattle City Council invite residents to City Hall this Saturday for a day of Seattle-centric festivities.

City Hall Open House
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(enter on Fifth Avenue)

The open house will include tours of the Mayor's Office, City Council offices, and Office of Intergovernmental Relations, a Q&A with Mayor Mike McGinn, and workshops on the legislative process and interpreting credit reports. All departments will be on-hand to answer resident questions and provide information on City-sponsored programs. City Attorney Pete Holmes will be present along with the four new police Precinct Liaisons. The Seattle Animal Shelter will have adoptable animals available at their booth.

Details are as follows:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.      

City Hall open for visitors, department tabling

City Council offices available for self-guided tours
(Second floor)

Pai's food truck available on Fifth Avenue

Pike Place Farmer's Market available on Fifth Avenue

"How a bill becomes a law" civic education exhibit
(Council Chambers, second floor)

10:15 a.m.                

Remarks by Council President Sally J. Clark
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

10:20 – 11:15 a.m.  

Q & A with Mayor Mike McGinn
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

11:15 a.m.

Mayor's Honor Song, Arlie Nakeshi, Native American
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.  How a bill becomes a law workshop
(Council Chambers, second floor)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.     Financial Empowerment Workshop: Unraveling the mysteries of credit reports/scores by Becky House, American Financial Solutions, a member of the Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative
(Floor L2, Room L280)

The following local musical acts will perform from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.:

• The Fred Hoadley Trio (Latin Jazz; lobby)
• Arlie Neskahi and Eagle's Jump (Native American Music; seventh floor lobby)

The Farmer's Market on Fifth Avenue will include the following local vendors:

• Martin Family Orchards (apples)
• Sidhu Farms (frozen berries, honey, jam)
• Full Circle Farms (organic winter vegetables)
• Garden Flowers (pickled beets and winter vegetables)
• Alm Hill Gardens (fresh tulips)
• Sammamish Valley Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Neng Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Xai Cha Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)

For more information on tomorrow's Open House, visit www.seattle.gov.

Rainier Beach Light Rail station

On Monday night I joined a nighttime walk-about with the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council (SSCPC), a nonprofit community group committed to addressing crime and public safety issues.

Roughly 25 neighbors from the Rainier Beach, Beacon Hill, Mt. Baker, and Othello neighborhoods joined security officers from Sound Transit and Seattle Police officers from the South Precinct, including Lt. John Hayes and Officer Denise “Cookie” Bouldin.

Our purpose was to consider pedestrian safety issues between the Sound Transit Rainier Beach Station and adjoining neighborhoods along the Light Rail corridor, which have been plagued by attacks on pedestrians in recent months. These are neighborhoods where people rely heavily on public transit.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is working to respond to residents’ concerns. Capt. Nolan of the South Precinct has launched emphasis patrols that target the areas where the thefts, robberies, and burglaries have occurred. Also, the South Precinct now deploys a two-officer special emphasis car that cruises the corridor on the lookout for transit predators. South Precinct Anti-Crime Teams, Sound Transit security and Seattle Gang Unit officers also work the problem.

As we walked around the Rainier Beach Light Rail station, I spoke with my fellow walkers and with Lt. Hayes about actions we can take to help improve neighborhood safety.

Here are some key suggestions:

Find the number of the light pole

If you see a street light that is burned out, call Seattle City Light and report it. Every light pole has a number on it. Report it online or call (206) 684-7056 with the pole number and street and ask them to repair it.  The City Light folks are trying to be very responsive.  If you don’t get a positive response in a few days, call customer service at (206) 684-CITY (2489).

Know your neighbors – join a block watch, or do what we did last night.  Invite a group of people to regularly walk around the neighborhood.  Police talk about “the power of Hello” – and how recognizing and acknowledging the people who live and belong in your neighborhood can be a powerful deterrent.   I have been told by a captain in the North Precinct that the single most important factor in cleaning up Aurora was the neighbors who united and did their own regular foot patrols.  Drug dealers and prostitutes were put on notice that they were not welcome.

 SPD advises that when you see your neighbors, it’s a good idea to wave and say “Hi.” Acknowledge each other. When you see people you don’t know on your block, wave and say “Hi” as well.  Acknowledge them, too. Send the message that you are engaged in your neighborhood and that you are attentive to what is going on and who is around. People who want to commit crimes don’t want to be noticed. If they are noticed, they can be identified; that in itself is a deterrent.

Report unmaintained property. The “Broken Window Theory” suggests that one “broken window” or nuisance, if allowed to exist, will lead to others and ultimately to the decline of an entire neighborhood.

 Neglected and poorly maintained properties are breeding grounds for criminal activity. Report property that’s poorly maintained—for example, if there are inoperable cars on the property, if people seem to be squatting there, if the structures are dangerous, if unsavory late night activity goes on regularly, or the owner lets shrubs or trees overgrow public sidewalks and create dark dangerous areas,  report it.

Here are some important numbers to call.  As the police tell us “If you see it, report it.”  For example, if you see someone cutting down a tree on park property, call (206) 615-0808 to report it immediately.  If you are a tenant with a landlord who won’t keep up the property you live in, you can call DPD Code Compliance Complaint Line at (206) 615-0808 for help. 

Call  911 and report crimes.  Even if the crime already occurred and you are safe, call 911.  Statistics count. If you don’t file a report with the police, the police have no way of knowing that the event happened and they can’t help.  That part is up to you.

The response part is up to the police.  Request that the police call you back when you call in a report. If they don’t, call them again. Ask for an estimate of when an office will call back. Get the names and business cards of officers who respond in person or the name of the officer who spoke with you on the phone.  Remember to get an incident number.   

If you have called the police but do not get a response, please send me an e-mail and tell me what you’ve done.  We will see what we can collectively do to make a difference.  As Lt. Hayes said, “Community safety is a community issue.”  Once again, we’re all in this together.  Thanks for being part of making our communities safe.

Many thanks to Lt. Hayes from SPD and Pat Murakami, the community member who organized and led the walk. Thanks to those who joined me on the walkabout, because crime prevention through environmental design can contribute to neighborhood safety.

More Resources

Report graffiti and vandalism

Report nuisance properties

Start a Block Watch

Join SSCPC

See crime maps and statistics

City Hall will be open Saturday, January 28th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
Please come on down and enjoy local music and food, learn about resources the City provides, meet me, my colleagues, and other local elected officials, and connect with neighbors from around the City.
 
Tour the Mayor’s Office and City Council Offices, join a Q&A session with the Mayor, participate in workshops, and more!
 
601 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

I would love to see you!

Seattle City Council approves marriage equality resolution
Councilmembers unanimously support state legislative efforts

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass Senate Bill 6239. This bill is explicitly intended to end discrimination in marriage based on gender and sexual orientation, while respecting the religious freedom of religious institutions to determine for whom to perform marriage ceremonies.

"I'm sure it's no surprise that the Seattle City Council favors marriage equality," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "We've long been on record in support, and many of my colleagues and I have actively lobbied for the cause. It's heartening to hear the legislature has the support to turn the measure into law."

"As chair of the committee that oversees Seattle's Office for Civil Rights, I wish to thank the members of the Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities.  We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

The Council resolution also recognizes that all people are created equal and should be treated as such by their government and provides a formal declaration of support to the state legislature and Gov. Gregoire.

"I'm thrilled to support this resolution urging State Legislators to take the final step toward marriage equality. It's about time we lived in a state which recognizes everyone's equal rights under the law," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"It's long past time for all people in same-sex relationships to be allowed to marry. Washington's 'everything but marriage' law has served its purpose yet I'm glad that many agree that it still falls short of what right and fair," stated Councilmember Nick Licata. 

"The elected leadership of Seattle stands united in support of the marriage equality legislation," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "Washington should no longer make distinctions based on sexual orientation. I encourage my colleagues and friends in the state legislature to pass this bill."

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

"I am so pleased this day has come," stated Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

"If two people are ready to commit to spend their lives together, they should have the option to get married," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Marriage equality is the civil rights issue of our day, and I fully believe we must grant gay and lesbian couples the same rights and privileges before the state as straight couples."

"As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation is approved and I can legally sign the papers," added Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Let's make it happen!"

"The City of Seattle has long prided itself on its commitment to equality and diversity. Marriage equality should be afforded to all consenting people," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "Equality and fairness is good for people and business, and marriage equality will make Washington state more attractive to those who would move here. I applaud the efforts of Gov. Gregoire and the Legislature to pass these bills in this session.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Volunteers are the heart of the Parks system. Here children plant native plants at Magnuson Park.

Our committee attendance was VERY small, due to icy conditions on the roads.  I missed our usual crowd, but I’m glad people were wise and stayed warm and safe at home.

One important note for those who might be looking for emergency shelter:  I confirmed with our Human Services Department that the Rainier Room at Seattle Center provides shelter for people, including their well-mannered pets for overnight shelter during this extreme weather.   I am told that every shelter accepts service animals.

Parks highlight – saving energy, water, and money!

Christopher Williams was the designated hitter for David Broustis, Parks’ Utility Conservation Manager, to deliver the Parks Highlight.

David was tasked a number of years ago to strategically reduce Parks’ use of water, and make our Parks facilities more energy efficient.  Over the past few years, David has been remarkably successful.  I was pleased to hear that Parks recently celebrated bringing in its 1 millionth conservation rebate dollar.

The rebate dollars come from Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities, and result from 59 energy and water conservation projects Parks has completed over the past five years. These projects continue to save Parks more than $1.5 million each year on utilities.

In 2006, Parks evaluated the $6 million spent on utilities to see where they could save money. They found outdated equipment, parks where irrigation systems were overwatering landscapes, and buildings that were heated at night.

Parks invested in high efficiency boilers, variable speed fans that ramp down at night, toilets that perform exceptionally well with less water, and sensors that shut down irrigation systems when it rains.

Parks workers also installed lights in playfields across the city that reduce energy use by 40% and integrate shielded fixtures to keep light away from neighbors and the sky.

Great work on saving money and going green at the same time, Parks!

Superintendent’s Report

1.  Mighty Volunteers : Christopher Williams gave us an overview of some impressive Parks statistics including this one about our volunteers:  In 2011, 40,000 volunteers contributed 362,000 hours to the Parks system, doing everything from coaching to blackberry removal to reforestation. That’s the equivalent of 226 full time employees, a 20% increase in productivity over what Parks is actually staffed for.  Thanks to everyone who makes our Parks places we love to see and visit.
2. Vandals attack Beaver Pond Trees:  Recently, vandals at the Beaver Pond natural area aggressively “pruned” more than 50 trees, cutting branches from the lowest 10 feet of the trees.  Arborists believe that many of the trees will die within two or three years as a result.   This is shameful.  The trees were planted by volunteers working to restore the area. Parks has filed a police report destruction of the trees.  The department is working with the Seattle Police Department’s North Precinct to address safety issues in the natural area and to identify those responsible for the cutting.
3. Polar Bear Plunge.  I asked Christopher if he’d participated in the January 1 Polar Bear Plunge. Thousands of celebrants met at Magnuson Park and Matthews Beach to take the New Yeare’s Day dunk in Lake Washington.   Christopher queried why I wasn’t there.  The challenge is on.  I  told him I’d do it next year if he would. You can find his full report here.

Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee Reappointments

We reappointed six generous and capable people to the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee.   I’m grateful to the following dedicated individuals for continuing to serve on this committee:

• Bruce Bentley, who brings 33 years in the recycling and waste management industry to the committee, sits on Southwest Community Center Advisory Council, and who has served as Chair of the Park Board.
• William P. Brosseau, who contributes 20 years experience human resources and natural resources management and is currently Field Operations Director with EarthCorps.
• Dennis Canty, now the Regional Director of American Farmland Trust, who previously ran an environmental consulting firm that helped get funding for fish and wildlife restoration.
• Shanon Kearney, who has dual masters degrees in landscape architecture and in regional planning, and, perhaps even more important for sitting on a Seattle commission, experience in dispute resolution and mediation.
• Pete Spalding, recipient of People’s Choice award from City Club because he’s such an active volunteer for so many organizations, and who has served on the City Neighborhood Council and the Delridge Neighborhood District Council.
• Beth Purcell, a former Parks employee and landscape architect who helped develop the Levy and who now sits on the Board of the Parks Foundation.

The Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee advises the Acting Superintendent, Mayor, and City Council to help ensure successful implementation and fiscal responsibility for the projects and programs included in the levy.

By the way, the public is encouraged to attend the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee meetings – there’s a public comment period at each meeting. The next meeting of the Oversight Committee will be Monday, January 23, 2012. The meeting is from 7-9p.m. at the Parks Headquarters at 100 Dexter Avenue N. Seattle WA 98109.

Being in Olympia yesterday was like being inside a snow globe.  Outside, that is. Inside the Capitol Building, it was abnormally calm and quiet because of the weather forecast.

We Councilmembers divided up forces. In addition to meeting our colleagues from the Seattle delegation, I met with leaders from east of the mountains including Rep. Joel Kretz and Sen. Mike Hewitt among others.

Because the challenges facing those of us living west of the Cascades and those living on the east side sometimes differ, the mountain range is sometimes referred to as The Cascade Curtain. We on this Council want to pierce that curtain and are reaching out to legislators to focus on the critical issues that impact all of us, and look for ways to fix them together.  That is what Seattle for Washington is all about.

Take transportation and immigration reform as examples.

• Equitably funding a robust and safe transportation infrastructure is something we can agree on. Getting agricultural goods and fabricated products to market across I-90 and to our Ports has financial impacts for our State. In order to get these goods “the last five miles”, Seattle and King County need a sustainable way to fix our roads and pay for more transit services.
• Treating workers fairly so they can help harvest our crops has important implications for our economy and our food supply chain. The existing channels for seasonal farm workers to enter the country legally and live here safely are inadequate and needs to be changed at the federal level. Our colleagues east of the mountains have asked for our support.
  

  Representative Mike Armstrong, 12th District

Thanks to Senator Curtis King from Yakima and Representative Mike Armstrong from Wenatchee, we’re doing our best to understand their challenges, and they are willing to understand ours, too. We’re working with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to arrange an “exchange” this year—an idea the three of us cooked up last October.

Sen. Curtis King, 14th District

We’re going to Yakima and Wenatchee. We plan to see their excellent new Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and to share some of what we’ve learned about combating gang violence. And we’d like to bring them here to experience our commutes at rush hour, so they understand how important it is for us to have transportation options with sustained funding.

A few more people and experiences from yesterday I want to thank:

The 36^thdistrict can be proud of their legislative troika: Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, and Rep. Reuven Carlyle, who are sponsoring some important legislation.

Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, 37th District

Senator Kohl-Welles orchestrated a press conference with bipartisan support on the subject of human sex trafficking,She has been instrumental these past years to provide funds to provide those who are trafficked with critical services including legal aid. She has passed legislation to approach prostituted youth as victims rather than criminals.

Rep. Dickerson is sponsoring several bills to rely on evidenced-based practices as we provide human services, address juvenile justice, deal with abuse/neglect, and children’s mental health issues (links). This is a growing and important area, and I support her work.  

Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, 36th District

Representative Carlyle is working on a new bill to simplify the B&O tax collection process while working with the City of Seattle and others to create a strategic phased-in approach (link). The B&O tax is a critical component of the Seattle’s revenue stream.

Rep. Carlyle is championing a way for Department of Revenue to reform the process, establish common definitions and classifications for business, upgrade Department of Revenue’s computer system and make it easier for taxpayers to report. I support this in principle, and am grateful to Rep. Carlyle for working with the City to find a good solution to this problem.

Representative Reuven Carlyle, 35th District

Senator David Frockt from the 46^th district is helping us frame and promote the idea of local funding options for more transit and transportation options. He is picking up where our dear friend Sen. Scott White left off.  I am very grateful to him.

The first time I personally dealt with this issue was in early 2004. Gavin Newsom, the Mayor of San Francisco, had issued a directive to the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.

Ron Sims at King County wanted to do something similar. I was his legal counsel, and I had to advise him that the Washington State 1998 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was very clear. He couldn’t do the same thing Newsom had done. But, I advised him, if someone were to file a lawsuit against King County, he could come out in support of those who wanted to marry in King County.

Couples who wanted to marry stepped forward to be plaintiffs.  Ron asked if my husband, Brad Bagshaw, would serve as a pro bono attorney on their behalf.  I immediately got on the phone with Brad and told him I would support it completely if he wanted to be part of this historic effort. So, essentially, Brad sued ME!

In addition to Brad, a volunteer legal team came together very quickly. It included Representative. Jamie Pedersen Jennie Pizer from Lambda Legal, Pat Novatny, a volunteer for the Northwest Women’s Law Center, (now called Legal Voice), and many others.

Over the next week, many more gay couples volunteered to join the law suit. They were wonderful, admirable, inspiring couples, people in committed long-term relationships with children, grandchildren, and deep roots in the community.

Because of the conflict of interest, I was taken off the case (Andersen v. King County). No one could tell me anything about it, not even Brad – I had to read about how it was going in the paper.  On the day of oral arguments in Superior Court, I sneaked into the back of the courtroom just to watch the proceedings. I tried to be invisible against the wall as my dear husband argued on behalf of the couples who wanted to marry and have the same rights and responsibilities as other married couples in our State.

I remember the day the decision was handed down from King County Superior Court by Judge William Downing. I was in a meeting away from my office, and I knew that the decision would be announced that day — Wednesday, August 4, 2004.  Midway through my meeting, the receptionist came in and handed me a note: “Ruling in favor of the plaintiff.” What? I thought it had to be a mistake! Everyone thought the ruling would be in favor of the defendants in the lower court – that is, against marriage equality.

I had to excuse myself and call Brad to confirm that YES, they’d really won the Andersen case. It was a great moment. I’ve saved that message in a frame on my wall every since. I can see it from where I’m writing this.

Unfortunately, the ruling was overturned by the Washington State Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling the following year, but, the momentum had started and thanks to all the people who remain dedicated to the cause, it has continued to build, and now we see the issue before the state legislature.

My heartfelt gratitude and appreciation go out to the legal team on the Andersen case, the plaintiffs, the thousands of couples in our State who want to marry.  Blessings on Rep. Jamie Pedersen and Sen. Ed Murray who have steadfastly promoted this legislation.  And thanks to Governor Gregoire for sharing her personal journey and her strong stand on this issue. Making no bones about it, she said last week, “It’s time for us to stand up and understand the state cannot be in the business of discrimination.”

The reason why I support is marriage equality is because I support equality.  I believe all adults should have the right and privilege to marry who they love.  Simple as that.

Local elected officials highlight solutions to region's human trafficking problem

SEATTLE – King County Councilmember Jane Hague, Port of Seattle Commissioner Gael Tarleton, Mayor Mike McGinn, City Attorney Pete Holmes, and Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess today recognized national Human Trafficking Awareness Day by joining together with community advocates and law enforcement leaders to announce new tools and solutions to prevent human trafficking locally.  

"Sexual exploitation, forced labor, and other forms of human trafficking will not be tolerated here, and I applaud these new strategies to prevent modern-day forms of slavery," said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

"As a major trade center, our region is a natural staging area for human trafficking," said Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Jane Hague.  "I am very proud of the work that King County has done to help eliminate this dehumanizing crime, including the first successful prosecution in Washington State.  It is critical that we continue to shine a light on this issue, and work together with other local governments to increase the pressure on offenders."

"Prosecutors and police see the damage of human trafficking every day on the streets of our community. State and local governments are recognizing the problem and giving law enforcement new tools to combat human trafficking, particularly in the area of the sexual exploitation of minors. We can and should do more to protect our children from those who would abuse them for profit," said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean O'Donnell.    

"A strong coalition is already working together to eradicate trafficking," said Port of Seattle Commission President Gael Tarleton. "But we can't do it alone, and that's why we hope to educate the millions of passengers who pass through the airport each year about this crime and recruit them, as partners in the fight."

"A critical tactic for fighting human trafficking is raising the public's awareness of the issue," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "Exploiting people for any reason – whether it be for sex, labor or profit – is unacceptable in this city. That's why I will continue to work with my fellow elected officials and law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors this month in Washington D.C., to protect Seattle from this violation of basic human rights."

"My office, in collaboration with the Seattle Police Department (SPD), is already reallocating existing resources to attack the demand side of the sex industry, said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. "Where SPD typically referred – and we prosecuted – female prostitutes and male johns at roughly a 60-40 ratio, we are seeking to reverse that ratio. Prostitutes are more often than not victims, and in most instances, Seattle Community Court will be an option for them, coupled with appropriate services. Johns will not have this option, and even first timers will face prosecution and tougher sentencing."

"Our state has made significant progress in the fight against sex trafficking and we can all take pride in what has been accomplished in the last few years," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "More needs to be done—and I'm pleased that more is being done—to help the victims of these crimes."

"It is critical to the work of service providers and law enforcement and, most importantly, to the identification of victims, that the community recognize and understand human trafficking in all its forms," said Jaimie Driscoll a spokesperson for the Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network (WARN).  "WARN thanks the King County Council, the City of Seattle, and the Port, for their work in bringing awareness of human trafficking to its constituency and for its recognition of local efforts to combat trafficking in Washington State."

Earlier this week, King County, the Port of Seattle, and the City of Seattle each brought awareness to the issue of human trafficking by issuing proclamations. 

Read the King County Council proclamation here.

Read the Port of Seattle proclamation here.

Read the City of Seattle proclamation here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

King County, Seattle, Port promote awareness of human trafficking
Agencies will hold event tomorrow to highlight regional solutions

SEATTLE – In advance of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, recognized nationally on January 11, the King County Council, Port of Seattle Commission, and Seattle City Council passed recent legislation to shine a spotlight on the horrific problem of human trafficking. 

 "In Washington, we can be proud that we were the first state in the union to criminalize human trafficking, and King County successfully prosecuted the state's first human trafficking case." said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who co-sponsored the County proclamation. "The unique partnerships we have been able to create here are making a difference by strengthening tools for law enforcement and the courts to help protect immigrants and teens from being forced into servitude and prostitution, as well as increasing penalties for convicted traffickers."

As many as 17,500 people are trafficked annually into the United States.  Mostly women and children, these individuals endure forced labor, sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and forced marriages – prison terms that have no end date and no hope for release.

"Our borders should always be open to trade and tourism, but they should never be open to human trafficking," said Port of Seattle Commission President Gael Tarleton. 

By working together, the three agencies, along with local and federal law enforcement partners, hope to increase awareness of this terrible issue – and with that awareness, heighten both reporting of activities and conviction of those who benefit from the misery of others.

"Human trafficking is a grave issue that thousands of people face in our State. It requires broad partnership across jurisdictions and I'm proud of the statement we are making together with this proclamation," noted Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

"Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and needs to be eradicated permanently," said King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. "It's important that we increase public awareness of the warning signs and heal the victims."
Human Trafficking Awareness Day is Wednesday, January 11, and the three agencies will be joined by community and law enforcement leaders to announce new tools for both law enforcement officials and citizens and unveil solutions to prevent this modern-day slavery.  The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Seattle City Hall.

Read the King County Council proclamation here.

Read the Port of Seattle proclamation here.

Read the City of Seattle proclamation here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council debuts new homepage
New design easier to navigate

SEATTLE – Along with confirming their new 2012-2013 Council President and committee assignments, the Seattle City Council today introduced a new seattle.gov/council/ homepage. The homepage also features the Council's newly-released 2011 annual report.

The new homepage design utilizes components of the new seattle.gov look and feel in an effort to better convey legislative information to Seattleites.  Along with highlighting Council's initiatives and legislation, the homepage features RSS feeds of the calendar and the Council Connections blog, links to issue-specific pages and the Councilmember's 2012 individual and group photos. 

The Council Connections blog is more prominently featured on the homepage and is the one-stop-shop for news and updates from the Council.  This aggregator site includes Councilmember blog posts, Council-issued news releases and information from the City Clerk's office.  Found on the homepage, this feature is also accessible here.

Of note to media outlets, the 2012 individual and group Councilmember photos are available in the Council newsroom. 

For more information on the 2012 committee assignments or to sign up to receive agendas, visit here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to focus on economic recovery in 2012
Sally J. Clark confirmed as Council President, Councilmembers take oath of office

SEATTLE – Led by newly sworn in president Sally J. Clark, the Seattle City Council reaffirmed their commitment to economic recovery and strengthening regional partnerships at today's swearing in ceremony. Returning Councilmembers Tim Burgess, Jean Godden, Bruce Harrell, and Tom Rasmussen were sworn in today in the traditional Oath of Office ceremony.

Family, friends and colleagues filled the Seattle City Council chambers to celebrate new local government leadership. Each elected official was sworn in by someone of their choice and gave brief remarks.

This year the Council's focus is all about resilience; about taking big and small actions to keep Seattle working. Seattle, like most cities across the United States, labors to provide services and meet public obligations. This will be another year of budget cuts and lay-offs, but there's much that city government can and must do to stoke business and individual success.

As new Council President, Sally J. Clark stated, "We are a Council committed to seeing Seattle through this economic downturn by collaborating with other regional governments, streamlining licenses and permits, and following through on capital projects and infrastructure needed by business and residents."

"I would like to thank the voters of Seattle for their strong support and trust in reelecting me to the City Council," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "This is a time of extraordinary opportunity for Seattle.  I am excited to be working for the great future that we have before us."

"This year, my colleagues and I will move Seattle forward by reimagining and reshaping our waterfront, building strong relationships with our regional partners , and working to ensure Seattle Public Utilities continues to deliver excellent service at affordable rates," added Councilmember Jean Godden.

"I am grateful and energized to start a new term in office in charge of a new committee," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "In a time of continued budget difficulties, we will work collaboratively with the Mayor, City employees and the public to raise the performance of City departments, strengthen accountability and increase citizen access to government."

Councilmember Bruce Harrell said, "I am honored that the people of Seattle re-elected me to serve another term on the City Council. I am excited about the coming year, addressing the Department of Justice's report of the Seattle Police Department and the opportunities that chairing the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology committee will bring."

"This year, parks and neighborhoods are joining forces in one committee, said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "This is a natural fit as parks improve quality of life in our neighborhoods and help to build community.  I look forward to continuing to work with neighbors across the city to make our parks, roads, sidewalks safe and accessible to all."

"Sally Clark will be a great Council President," stated outgoing Council President Richard Conlin. "I am looking forward to the work on planning and land use issues.  I am confident that 2012 will be another successful and productive for this Council."

"I congratulate my colleagues for their reelections," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "In my new role as Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee I look forward to continue exploring opportunities to help Seattle meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050."

Today's inauguration ceremony served as an opportunity for the public to witness and participate in their government. The ceremony was broadcast live on the Seattle Channel and can be viewed here.

For more information on the 2012 committee assignments or to sign up to receive agendas, visit here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to hold inaugural ceremony
Council to confirm president, newly-elected Councilmembers and committees on Monday

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council will hold the Oath of Office ceremony and vote on new council committees, established by Resolution 31350 at the Full Council meeting, Monday, January 9, at 2 p.m. The next Council President will also be confirmed at this time. A reception will be held in the Bertha Knight Landes room after Full Council adjourns.

WHAT:
Oath of Office, confirmation of Council President and 2012 committee assignments
Reception following

WHEN:
Monday, January 9th, 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Seattle City Council Chambers
600 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmembers

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

There’s lots of information out there, but here are a few key things to know. 

What are the rates?

Toll rates vary by time of day and on weekends. You’ll be able to see the current toll rate on an electronic sign at the east high-rise of the 520 Bridge.

There is a lower toll rate for vehicles with Good To Go! accounts, and a higher rate for vehicles that receive a bill through Pay By Mail.  Here’s the complete SR 520 Bridge toll rate schedule.

What about public transit?

When you take public transit, you don’t pay the toll. To help people make the switch to public transit in advance of the tolls, King County Metro and Sound Transit added 130 daily bus trips to routes on SR 520 for a total of 700 every weekday. Find out more at www.kingcounty.gov/get-you-there or www.soundtransit.org/520bridge.

Where does the toll money go?

The tolls will help pay for the new 520 bridge, which is scheduled to open in 2014. The new bridge is designed to withstand major earthquakes and windstorms, and will have HOV lanes that will make bus trips more frequent and reliable.

It will also be built to accommodate light rail in the future, have a pedestrian and bike path, and shoulder lanes to keep traffic flowing in the event of a vehicle breakdown.

In preparation for 2012, the Seattle City Council has drafted likely committee assignments to be established by Resolution at Full Council meeting, January 9, at 2 p.m. The next Council President will also be confirmed at this time. Committee terms are two years.

WHAT:           Confirmation of Council President and 2012 committee assignments

WHEN:          Monday, January 9, 2 p.m.

WHERE:        Seattle City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Avenue, Second Floor, Seattle, WA 98104

WHO:             Seattle City Councilmembers

Seattle joins global movement to protect marine wildlife
City Council unanimously votes to ban plastic carry out bags

Seattle – Today the Seattle City Council unanimously voted to pass Council Bill 117345, a bill to protect Puget Sound and protect marine wildlife by banning plastic carry-out bags. The bill encourages the use of reusable shopping bags by requiring grocers and retailers to charge a nickel for paper bags.

Washingtonians use more than 2 billion single-use plastic bags each year. Seattle alone uses approximately 292 million plastic bags annually, only 13% of which are recycled, according to Seattle Public Utilities.

"This bill is a great example of a broad and diverse coalition of people and organizations coming together to do the right thing for our environment," said prime sponsor, City Councilmember Mike O'Brien, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "We have the support of grocers, retailers, restaurants, labor unions, and environmental organizations in Seattle. We also have broad grassroots involvement from residents who have been emailing and calling in support of this issue for months now."

Environmental organizations in support of the plastic bag ban include Environment Washington, People for Puget Sound, Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, and Zero Waste Seattle. The bill is also supported by the Northwest Grocery Association, the Washington Restaurant Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21, and some local independent grocers, such as Metropolitan Market, Town & Country Markets, PCC, and Central Co-op.

"We know that recycling alone cannot protect Puget Sound and our ocean waters from these plastic bags," said Councilmember O'Brien. "Of course people are not intentionally littering their bags into Puget Sound, but with so many in circulation, bags are ending up there, causing real damage to habitats and wildlife. Bringing our own reusable bags when we go shopping is a simple step we can all take that will protect our environment and reduce unnecessary waste."

"In the last few years, we have learned much more about how much plastic is in Puget Sound and the impact it has on marine wildlife," said Katrina Rosen, Field Director for Environment Washington. "Banning plastic bags is an important step we must take to protect Puget Sound wildlife and we are happy to see City Council stepping up to be a part of this growing global movement."

Seattle is the fourth city in Washington to ban plastic bags following Edmonds, Bellingham, and, most recently, Mukilteo. Regionally, Seattle joins the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Kauai, more than a dozen municipalities in California—such as San Francisco, San Jose, Malibu, and Los Angeles County—more than 30 coastal towns in Alaska, and neighboring Portland in taking action against plastic bags. Additionally, at least 20 nations have also enacted efforts to reduce or eliminate plastic bag use, including Germany, Ireland, China, Taiwan, India, and Kenya.

The ordinance will go into effect July 1, 2012. Seattle Public Utilities will be responsible for outreach to businesses and public education over the next six months and after the law takes effect. The utilities' solid waste division will also monitor and enforce the ordinance.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.