The Kenmore Top 4: October 20, 2023

Climate Action Plan: City Council Will Review Program Recommendations October 23
Climate Action Plan (CAP) staff have been busy over the last year engaging with the Kenmore community to learn more about priorities for CAP implementation in Kenmore. Now, all the feedback that was received has been used to form a path forward for climate action, and recommendations for future CAP initiatives and programming will be reviewed by the City Council at the October 23 meeting. The recommended programs will rely heavily on grants and leveraging existing partnerships. Ongoing CAP programs that will require additional funding will be reviewed as part of the Financial Sustainability Plan.

City Council Adopts New Exceptional Tree Ordinance
At the October 16 meeting, the City Council adopted an exceptional tree ordinance. The new ordinance protects extraordinary trees, defined as native trees and other very large trees that because of their unique combination of size and age are worthy of retention. Exceptional trees are exceedingly important to the local environment and community as they reduce soil erosion and pollution in streams and creeks, remove pollutant gases and airborne particles, lower temperatures, reduce noise pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife. Upon adoption of the ordinance, removal of any trees it protects as exceptional anywhere within the city is punishable by fines up to $2,500 per inch in diameter at breast height with minimum a penalty of $10,000 and a maximum of $150,000. Learn more.

Temporary Change to Virtual Public Comments
This week, the City Council moved to temporarily suspend virtual comments and virtual testimony at City Council meetings until a new procedure for online participation is established. The public can continue to participate by joining the meetings on-site or by sending in written comments to the City Clerk. When available, future virtual participation will likely require some form of signing up in advance. To understand more about what prompted the action, please see the recent Statement From the City.

Property Tax Exemptions and Power and Utility Bill Assistance

• Property Tax Exemption and Deferrals
  Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and people with disabilities: property tax exemptions (including surface water utility fees) and property tax deferrals. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans may qualify for a reduction in property taxes if they meet the eligibility requirements of age 61 or older or disability status with an income below the limit threshold of $58,423. Learn more about eligibility requirements.

• Puget Sound Energy Bill Discount Program
  Income-eligible customers can now reduce their PSE energy bills by up to 45% a month through the Bill Discount program. Applying for the program is easy and no income documentation or social security number is required to apply. To see if you are eligible before applying, just go to pse.com/discount.
  
  
• Northshore Utility District (NUD) Assistance Programs
  If you are facing financial hardship and unable to pay your utility bill, you may request utility bill assistance from NUD's Low Income Discount Program or there is assistance available through a variety of local agencies. Learn more here.