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June 25, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Councilmember Harrell Statement on Mayor’s Public Safety Speech

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/25/2014

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Councilmember Harrell Statement on Mayor's Public Safety Speech

SEATTLE - Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, issued the following statement today regarding Mayor Ed Murray's state of the city public safety speech:

"I applaud Mayor Murray for outlining a pragmatic, call-to-action public safety plan. I would like to express my gratitude to the Mayor for prioritizing public safety and calling all departments to engage in addressing public safety. I believe our focus, commitment and collaborative partnerships will be much different than what this city has ever seen. We will work together to implement the short-term solutions and set the budget for long-term solutions that address the underlying root causes of the problems we are seeing.

"In addition to supporting the Mayor's ‘Summer of Safety' plan, I hope to continue working with the Mayor on the following policy and public safety budget issues:

  • Explore the feasibility of an automated gunshot locator system (AGLS) in the fall biennial City budget. The system uses acoustic sensors to instantly triangulate and identify the exact location of gunfire. This technology, often coupled with an activated camera system when shots occur in hotspot corridors, deters activities and significantly increases intelligence gathering of unlawful shooting activity.
  • A complete assessment of crime prevention programs targeting and helping 18-30 year olds. This group is often referred to as "opportunity youth," young people who are disconnected from education and employment pathways to success.
  • Seek a resolution to the unresolved ambiguity regarding the legality of medical dispensaries in Seattle. Medical dispensaries should provide access to medical quality cannabis to patients in need, not as a breeding ground for criminal activity as we've seen in recent violent incidents.
  • Partner with the community, local businesses, local sports teams, and faith-based communities to discourage the "No-Snitch" code. This "code" has been changed in other communities by changing the narrative to describing an opportunity to protect and serve one's community.
  • Chief O'Toole must identify and support Precinct captains with a set of expectations for the foreseeable future and establish reasonable continuity in these positions. This is a particular concern to Southeast Seattle.
  • Examine community benefit agreements for employers to incentivize development in hotspot corridors. The city should partner with regional employers and labor to expand the summer youth program and increase training opportunities. As the Mayor stated, "nothing stops a bullet like a job."

"In addition to these items, Council will work with the Mayor and Chief O'Toole to focus on these major areas to improve public safety:

  • Focused and proactive crime reduction using evidence-based methods to reduce the most serious neighborhood crime problems;
  • Positively change the culture at SPD and attitudes related to the practice of collecting and reporting the required data as part of the six new policies developed as part of the Settlement Agreement;
  • Build community relationships and trust in all neighborhoods with a consistent visible presence; and,
  • Prioritize build out of the Business Intelligence System.

"As part of the confirmation of Chief O'Toole this last Monday, Council presented a letter of expectations to Chief O'Toole. Read the complete six-page letter of expectations to Chief O'Toole here."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 23, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Council Adopts Mount Baker Rezone

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/23/2014

Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Council Adopts Mount Baker Rezone
Transit-oriented focus, community-driven plan  

SEATTLE - Council approved legislation this afternoon to rezone sections of the North Rainier/Mount Baker neighborhood that surround the Mount Baker Transit Center in Southeast Seattle. The rezone, in tandem with the neighborhood plan, is intended to make walking and biking safer, as well as encourage retail success by providing space for new jobs and housing in Rainier Valley.

"This plan promotes a more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood that connects residents to the investment we have made in light rail. I think the community's plan has the potential to make the neighborhood truly transit-oriented, all while retaining its unique neighborhood character," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

The City and community have been collaborating on North Rainier neighborhood planning for over 15 years. In the past five years alone, the City has conducted dozens of community meetings in the process of updating of the neighborhood plan. The plan was developed by the Seattle Department of Transportation, Office of Housing, the Department of Neighborhoods and the Department of Planning and Development, all in partnership with many people in the community.

"This has been a long and thoughtful planning process and one that does not stop here," concluded O'Brien. "Working together with the community, the City has more work to do to ensure that our vision for a more walkable, vibrant town center in that area comes to fruition."

Map of North Rainier Rezone

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 23, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Council Confirms Kathleen O’Toole as Chief of Police

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/23/2014

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Council Confirms Kathleen O'Toole as Chief of Police

SEATTLE - CityCouncil voted 8-1 to confirm Kathleen O'Toole as the next Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department (SPD). O'Toole began work with the Boston Police Department in 1979 and has over three decades of experience as a police officer, Commissioner, Chief Inspector and attorney.

"Chief O'Toole has earned an international reputation for her ability to lead and inspire officers, change and reform a department and work with communities from the ground up to reduce crime in urban neighborhoods," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee.

O'Toole's top four priorities are: 1) restoring public trust, 2) restoring SPD pride and professionalism, 3) addressing crime and quality of life issues, and 4) promoting best business practices. O'Toole has committed during the first 90 days to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the police department, which would culminate in a plan of action with measurable goals and objectives.

The Council also presented written expectations for O'Toole. Progress reports will be submitted to Council quarterly, beginning at the end of the third quarter of 2014. Council would like to see progress in these major areas: focused and proactive crime reduction using evidence-based methods to reduce the most serious neighborhood crime problems; positively change the culture at SPD and attitudes related to the practice of collecting and reporting the required data for the six new policies developed as part of the Settlement Agreement; build community relationships in all neighborhoods with a consistent visible presence; and, prioritize build out of the Business Intelligence System.

Council's confirmation vote concludes the City's six month-long process to find a new Police Chief. Mayor Murray launched a national search in January with an extensive public outreach plan that included seven community workshops throughout Seattle and an online forum to receive feedback. To reach non-English speaking communities, online and print advertisements were placed in Somali, African-American, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese publications.

The Mayor appointed community members to two committees. The Community Advisory Committee consisted of a 32-member panel representing the diverse communities of Seattle and assisted in providing feedback from a community perspective. Secondly, a 12-member Search Committee was formed to screen all applicants and tasked to present the Mayor with three finalists.

Council President Tim Burgess stated, "Chief O'Toole has the skillset, experience and personality to move our police department forward through a new era of reform and improvement. The women and men of the department who work tirelessly on our behalf yearn for the clear leadership and direction Chief O'Toole will bring."

"What an opportunity! I welcome Ms. O'Toole'sapproach to building neighborhood-specific policing plans," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "She will be a great partner to those of us working to make downtown and our other neighborhoods safe and welcoming for everyone. I am delighted she has been selected to lead the Seattle Police Department and look forward to making Seattle a positive model for cooperative policing."

"I'm looking forward to Chief O'Toole taking over," said Councilmember Sally J. Clark. "She's demonstrated great leadership and accomplishment in her career leading to this step. I'm impressed with her depth of knowledge and commitment to high caliber policing and safe neighborhoods in Seattle."

"A rigorous search revealed the best candidate for Seattle's next police chief as Kathleen O'Toole," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "It is a proud day for Seattle to confirm such a qualified leader, and a woman, as police chief."

"We have hired O'Toole for one major task: reform our police department. The Council's task is to help her succeed," said Councilmember Nick Licata. "If she does, we will have more responsive and effective policing in our city."

The Mayor announced O'Toole as his appointee on May 19. The Public Safety committee conducted three confirmation meetings: June 4, June 11 and June 12. The June 11th meeting was held offsite in the community at New Holly Gathering Hall. As part of the extensive outreach process, the committee sent approximately one thousand emails to community groups and ethnic minority groups asking for feedback and making them aware of the police chief confirmation process. Feedback was also solicited on Council's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The Chief of Police will manage an annual operating budget of approximately $290 million and will be responsible for leading and managing 2,000 employees at SPD.

For more information regarding Kathleen O'Toole, please visit the following links:

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 19, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Councilmember Rasmussen Proposes Legislation to Avoid Future Cuts to Metro

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/19/2014

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmember Rasmussen Proposes Legislation to Avoid Future Cuts to Metro

SEATTLE – This afternoon Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, acting in his capacity as Chair of the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) Board, proposed a resolution relating to the STBD. The resolution formalizes the Executive's proposal for a ballot measure which was announced in May.

In April, Seattle voters approved Proposition 1 by a margin of two-to-one, but the measure ultimately failed County-wide. Rasmussen's legislation seeks voter-approval for vehicle license fees and a sales and use tax to fund Metro Transit service in Seattle. The legislation must be passed by the Seattle Transportation Benefit District Board by August 5 in order to be placed on the November 2014 ballot.

"I'm pleased to be working in cooperation with Mayor Murray to give voters another opportunity to avoid these crippling cuts to their bus service," said Rasmussen. "Next week's hearing will provide the public with an opportunity to signal their support for saving Metro service in Seattle," Rasmussen added.

The STBD Board Summer Meeting schedule is available online.

WHAT:
Seattle Transportation Benefit District Board Summer Meeting Schedule

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 24, 10:30am (following City Transportation Committee meeting) – BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION
Thursday, June 26, 5:30pm – PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, July 10, 2:00pm – DISCUSSION
Thursday, July 17, 2:00pm – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
Thursday, July 31, 2:00pm (if necessary) – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE

WHERE:
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2
Seattle, WA 98124

WHO:
STBD Board Chair Tom Rasmussen
Members of the STBD Board
Public

Interpretation can be available for the following. Please contact Councilmember Tom Rasmussen's office to request service:

Vietnamese:
Các dịch vụ thông dịch có thể hiện có cho ngôn ngữ sau đây: Tiếng Việt

Spanish:
Se pueden ofrecer servicios de interpretación para el siguiente idioma: Español

Tagalog:
May mga Serbisyo sa Pagsasalinwika na maaaring magamit para sa mga sumusunod: Tagalog

Somali:
Adeegyada Turjubaanista ayaa lagu heli karaa: Soomaali

Korean:
다음 언어 관련 번역 서비스를 이용할 수 있습니다: 한국어

Simplified Chinese:
可提供以下语言的口译服务：中文

Traditional Chinese:
可提供以下語言的口譯服務：中文

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 17, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Councilmember O’Brien to Cut Ribbon on Neighborhood Park and Street Fund Project

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/17/2014

Councilmember O'Brien to Cut Ribbon on Neighborhood Park and Street Fund Project

Seattle - Councilmember Mike O'Brien will join 300 6th grade students from Whitman Middle School, their parents, neighbors and members of Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Ballard District Council and Ballard Greenways to unveil a new safer route to school.

In 2012, Sidewalks for West Crown Hill and the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association submitted a Neighborhood Park and Street Fund application to improve pedestrian safety for neighborhood students to get to school. The project was prioritized by the Ballard District Council and funds were allocated to pave a gravel pedestrian path to extend 17th Avenue NW and to physically connect NW 89th Street and NW 90th Street. (See before and after photos below for a visual.) The path improves student pedestrian safety by providing an alternative to the busy 15th Avenue NW for youth and families traveling to and from Whitman. The path also has the potential to enhance community pedestrian and bicycle access if a proposed Neighborhood Greenway is constructed on 17th Avenue NW.

WHAT:
The event will include a ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony to unveil the new and improved "Wildcat Way." Once the ribbon is cut, 300 6th graders from Whitman Middle School will then utilize the new pathway as they walk out to Golden Gardens.

WHEN:
8:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 18

WHERE:
Whitman Middle School
9201 15th Ave. NW. Seattle, WA 98117 (see map on page 3 for details)

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien
300 6th grade Whitman students, Whitman staff, plus many parents and neighbors
Nearby business and community representatives
Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) representatives

Visual before the paving project:

Nieghborhood Park

Visual after the paving project:

Nieghborhood Park


Map of event:

Nieghborhood Park

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 12, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess, News Releases

City Council Hires New Central Staff Director

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/12/2014

Council President Tim Burgess

City Council Hires New Central Staff Director

SEATTLE - Council President Tim Burgess announced today the hiring of Kirstan Arestad as Director of the Council's Central Staff team of policy analysts. Arestad brings more than 15 years of public policy, budget and management experience to the Council.

Kirstan Arestad"Kirstan Arestad is a strong leader with extensive experience in government," said Burgess. "She has the right skillset and personality to provide sound policy advice to the Council. She will be an effective leader of a wonderful team of analysts."

Arestad comes from Governor Jay Inslee's Legislative and Policy Office. She served previously in the State Department of Transportation, in Governor Christine Gregoire's Office of Financial Management and as non-partisan staff for the State Senate.

"I'm excited to join the talented members of the Council's Central Staff team who do so much for this great city," said Arestad. "I will do my utmost to bring my past experiences and skills working with the State's legislature, agencies and governors to benefit the people of Seattle." 

The Central Staff Director manages an 18-member policy unit, which provides policy analysis for all nine councilmembers and their aides, develops legislative initiatives and reviews legislative proposals from the Mayor, City Attorney and Municipal Court. The Director also oversees the finance function for the Legislative Department.

"I also want to thank Rebecca Herzfeld for stepping into the Interim Director role over these last six months," added Burgess. "Her steady leadership has been appreciated in a time of significant transition for Central Staff."

Over the past few months, the Central Staff has welcomed three new members who bring expertise to the unit. Erik Sund joined the team to focus on finance and budget matters having performed a similar role for the King County Council and the State Legislature. Calvin Chow crossed the street from the Seattle Department of Transportation and brings utilities and transportation knowledge. Mark Baird comes most recently from Snohomish County and has extensive experience in the public safety arena as both an analyst and practitioner.

[View in Council Newsroom]