General City News
 

Mountlake Terrace Seeks Individuals to serve on Pro/Con Committees for EMS Levy Restoration

 

June 26, 2009 — The Mountlake Terrace City Council is seeking interested citizens to serve on the Pro and Con Committees to prepare written arguments for the Voters’ Pamphlet supporting and opposing approval of the EMS Levy Restoration on the November 3, 2009 general election ballot.

   
 

Join us for Java Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm

 

June 26, 2009 — City Manager John Caulfield and other city officials invite you to join them for Coffee with the City on Wednesday, July 8 from 6-7 p.m. at the Recreation Pavilion Jungle Room, 5303 228th Street SW.

   
 

Utility Customers Can Now Pay by Phone

 

June 19, 2009 — The City’s Utility Billing customers can now pay their bills by phone. To pay by phone, customers call the toll free number 1-877-651-3860. The system uses interactive voice recognition (IVR) to process the payments. Payments can be made with a debit or credit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo, or with the customer’s checking or savings account.

   
 

Comprehensive Plan Proposals Discussed
Applications Due June 30

 

June 19, 2009 — Applications for 2009 Comprehensive Plan amendments are due by June 30, 2009 at 4:30 pm.

   
 

Resolution Puts EMS Levy on November Ballot

 

June 19, 2009 — At their June 15 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution that places the EMS Levy Restoration on the November 3 ballot. The measure asks voters to restore full funding for emergency medical services (EMS) to the 50 cents per $1,000 levy rate in 2010.

   
 

New Regional Jail to Be Postponed
City of Shoreline site may not be needed

 

June 19, 2009 — King County cities may not need a new regional jail, at least not so soon, according to an announcement Mountlake Terrace received. Six possible sites, including one in Shoreline, have been under study for the new jail, which would be shared by several King County cities.

   
 

New Members Appointed to Boards and Commissions

 

June 19, 2009 — At their June 15 meeting, the City Council made their annual appointments for city boards and commissions. Volunteers who serve on boards/commissions inform and advise the Council and get involved in the community to help organize events like National Night Out, Tour de Terrace, and Arts of the Terrace.

   
 

Council Updated by Executive Reardon on County Outlook

 

June 18, 2009 — At City Council’s June 1 meeting, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon presented a general overview of current economic conditions and other significant issues facing the region in the next few years.

   
 

Mountlake Terrace Girls Softball Team Recognized for their Achievements

 

June 18, 2009 — At their June 15 meeting, the City Council recognized the Mountlake Terrace High School Girls Varsity Softball Team for their record-breaking season.

   
 

Council Adopts Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan for Mountlake Terrace

 

June 18, 2009 — At their June 15 meeting, the City Council adopted the City’s Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan following an extensive public involvement and data gathering process that began in 2007.

   
 

2009 Chip Seal Project Set to Begin in July

 

June 18, 2009 — The 2009 Chip Seal Project, scheduled to begin in early July, will preserve and protect pavement on approximately 2.5 miles of residential streets. There are two neighborhoods included in the 2009 project. The first is bounded by 44th and 48th Avenues West and 222nd and 227th Streets SW, and the second is located southeast of Cedar Plaza and includes 41st Avenue West, 42nd Place West, 40th Place West, 228th Place, 229th Place and 231st Place.

   
 

Fireworks Not Permitted in Mountlake Terrace

 

June 15, 2009 — As a reminder to the community for the upcoming Independence Day holiday, it is unlawful for any person to sell, possess, use, transfer, discharge or ignite any fireworks within the City of Mountlake Terrace. Violations will result in confiscation of fireworks and fines. For more information about the fireworks law, please contact the Mountlake Terrace Police Department at (425) 670-8260.

   
 

Chief for a Day

 

June 12, 2009 — On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department welcomed Chief Angus Benson.  Angus is a 7-year-old student at Mountlake Terrace Elementary School (Go Hawks!).  His family bid on the opportunity to be Chief for a Day at his school’s silent auction this year.  Angus is a police enthusiast and was thrilled when his family won the bid.

   
 

Council Awards 2009 Chip Seal Contract

 

June 8, 2009 — On Monday June 1, the City Council approved a contract for the 2009 Chip Seal Program to Doolittle Construction for $188,652. The 2009 Chip Seal Project, scheduled to begin in late July, will preserve and protect pavement on approximately 2.5 miles of residential streets.

   
 

Dr. Robert M. Small Clay Exhibit Opens

 

June 1, 2009 — The Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission presents the Dr. Robert M. Small Raku Clay Exhibit at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue West.

   
 

Mountlake Terrace and Fire District 1 Annual Review

 

June 1, 2009 — Representatives from the City of Mountlake Terrace and Snohomish County Fire District #1 recently met for an annual review of fire and emergency medical services (EMS). Each year the Fire District provides a report detailing the Fire District’s performance measures as well as the services the Mountlake Terrace community receives. The 2008 report showed that the Fire District continues to meet the conditions and obligations as outlined in the contract approved in 2004.

   
 

Mountlake Terrace Earns Two Top Finance Awards

 

June 1, 2009 — For the second year in a row, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded a Certificate of Achievement to the City of Mountlake Terrace for Excellence in Financial Reporting and a Distinguished Budget Award for its 2007 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The awards, presented to the City Council at its May 18 regular Council meeting, illustrate the City’s commitment to the highest financial integrity and reporting for its citizens.

   
 

Future Recreation Pavilion Plans Move Forward

 

June 1, 2009 — At their May 28 work session, City Council received an update on a recommendation to replace the Recreation Pavilion.

   
 

2009 State of the City Address

 

May 22, 2009 — “Safe, healthy, and strong” was a key message about Mountlake Terrace from this year’s State of the City Address presented to the City Council at a May 18 public meeting.

   
 

Town Center Plan Selected for Governor’s Smart Communities Award

 

May 22, 2009 — Mountlake Terrace’s Town Center Plan project has been chosen for a Governor’s Smart Communities Vision Award, to be given at a statewide event in Spokane on June 25.

   
 

Vote for Award-Winning Swim Programs

 

May 22, 2009 — Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion has been nominated for “Best Swim Lessons” in Nickelodeon’s 2009 Parents’ Picks Awards. To vote for the Seattle area’s best swim lesson program go to www.nicksparentspicks.com. Select “Seattle”, scroll down, then select “swim class” and vote for Mountlake Terrace. You may vote once a day until July 15. Winners will be announced on August 18.

   
 

2009 Arts of the Terrace Call to Artists

 

May 20, 2009 — Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission is seeking paintings, prints, drawings, miniatures, calligraphy, photographs and 3-Dimensional works for its 31st Annual Juried Art Show. Over $3,000 in prize money is available. Arts of the Terrace is held September 26 – October 3, 2009. Deadline for entries is August 30. To enter or to view the prospectus online, go to www.cityofmlt.com and on the home page under “most requested services” click on Arts of the Terrace Prospectus.

   
 

City Hall Services Moving in Late June, Early July

 

May 20, 2009 — City Hall services will be moving to the Redstone Building located at 6100 219th Street SW soon. Construction began in April to make a portion of the second floor of the Redstone fit the needs of city hall services, including a new Council Chambers. Residents can watch Channel 21 and the city’s website for announcements about the move to find out when City Council and Planning Commission meetings will relocate.

   
 

Loan Program for Lower-income Homeowners Offers Options

 

May 20, 2009 — Lower-income homeowners may be eligible for home improvement loans and assistance from the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, offered by the Housing Authority of Snohomish County. This program helps address health and safety issues, energy conservation work and general home improvements.

   
 

Mountlake Terrace Presented Award For Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2007

 

May 20, 2009 — The Mountlake Terrace City Council was presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) on Monday evening. The highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, the Certificate represents a significant accomplishment by the City, its Council and its management.

   
 

Early Budget Restrictions Allow City to Maintain Services
2008 Financial Report Indicates Success Through Cost Saving Measures

 

May 15, 2009 — In the final 2008 financial report to the City Council, City Manager John Caulfield stated that 2008 was another successful year for the City of Mountlake Terrace in spite of unprecedented times for the economy.

   
 

2009 Crime Statistics Show Downward Trend

 

May 8, 2009 — The City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department’s visible presence in the community and aggressive enforcement efforts led to a 24% decline in total crime compared to the first quarter of 2008. At Monday’s City Council Meeting, Police Chief Greg Wilson presented the 2009 first quarter crime statistics, including those for Code Enforcement and Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM).

   
  New Pipe Inspection Camera Leads to Important Discoveries
 

April 13, 2009 — The new pipe inspection system, approved by the City Council last year, has led to the discovery of several crucial problems that are nearly impossible to detect by usual methods. These include multiple utility crossings, a water main break and damaged storm pipe segments in need of immediate repair. Following the discovery of these issues, the Public Works Department made repairs, coordinated with other utility providers or contracted to Engineering Services Department to make repairs as required.

   
  Mountlake Terrace Evergreen Awards
 

Recognizing property owners’ efforts to beautify their homes & businesses
March 31, 2009 — The City of Mountlake Terrace is introducing a new program called “The Evergreen Awards” to recognize the efforts of residents and businesses who take pride in maintaining their properties. Funded by the Snohomish County - Camano Association of Realtors (SCCAR), this program also provides incentives to promote conservation and enhance the city’s image as it implements its sustainability strategy.

   
  Mountlake Terrace Selected for VISION 2040 Award
 

March 26, 2009 — Mountlake Terrace has been selected to receive a VISION 2040 award for its innovative Housing Choices Program, city officials learned this week. Housing choices are now available in the community that range from low-density single family to high-density multifamily housing with many other choices in between.

   
  Mountlake Terrace Receives $500,000 for Water Main Project
 

March 13, 2009 — WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) announced that the U.S. Congress voted to approve a second federal appropriation to the City of Mountlake Terrace in the amount of $500,000 to help complete construction of its downtown water main project.  Last year the city received $500,000 in federal funds for the project’s first phase – construction begins later this spring.