The Kenmore Top 4: November 3, 2023

It's Time to Vote! Election Day is November 7
November 7 is Election Day! You can return your ballot to a drop box (like the one conveniently located on 68th Avenue outside of City Hall) until 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you mail back your ballot, it must be postmarked by November 7, so it is recommended to mail it by today, November 3.

The Kenmore Vote Center at City Hall will be open to register new voters, update current voter records, obtain a voter registration card, and to provide assistance to voters who need help completing their ballot. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot.

• Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Monday, November 6, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Election Day, November 7, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Learn more at kingcounty.gov/elections.

City Council Will Review Proposed Surface Water Management Rate Increase and a Rate Clarification
In September, the Kenmore City Council reviewed the results of a Surface Water Management (SWM) rate analysis to establish proposed SWM rates for residential and commercial property owners for 2024-2030. Four rate increase scenarios were reviewed that would help fund important projects including removing fish-blocking culverts, providing habitat restoration, paying for the SWM portion of the future new Public Works Operations Center, constructing stormwater facility retrofits for improved water quality and flood prevention, and others. On October 16, the City Council gave direction to bring forward the “Rapid Progress+” option for Council consideration and potential adoption. This final proposal will be considered for approval at the November 20 City Council meeting (the public is welcome to attend and provide comment), and the new 2024 SWM rates revenue will be incorporated in the upcoming Mid-Biennial Budget update later this month.

A SWM Rate Clarification: SWM fees are subject to a 6% utility tax. SWM rate increase information that has been previously shared has not included this existing tax in the monthly fees. The proposed percent change and dollar amount change in the rate are still the same regardless. The SWM rate webpage shows the proposed SWM fees for single family residential property owners, with and without the utility tax. 

Sacred Seeds Ethnobotanical Trail at Bastyr University Gardens
Have you visited the Sacred Seeds Trail at Bastyr University yet? The Sacred Seeds Ethnobotanical Trail is part of an international network of Sacred Seed gardens created to address the rapid loss of biodiversity and plant cultural knowledge. The vision is to build collaborative gardens all over the world that act as “living libraries” and seed banks for local ethnomedicine plants—bringing together botanists, indigenous peoples, herbalists and schools. Visit the website to print and take along your own self lead learning maps for all ages, such as the Plant Quest scavenger hunt map, or explore the trail virtually from home. The Sacred Seeds Trail is open to the public, so everyone can enjoy this special outdoor treasure in Kenmore!

Thank You To Our Kenmore Water Stewards!
The City of Kenmore is proud to be one of 15 cities in Puget Sound to participate in the Adopt a Storm Drain program. Since the program started in Kenmore, we have had 57 drains adopted and over 78 lbs. of leaves and debris cleaned up! Residents, businesses, and organizations can sign up to adopt a storm drain of their choosing and help keep it free of leaves and debris. By doing so you will be helping to prevent flooding caused by blocked drains and pollution from reaching our streams and lakes. If you’re interested in learning more or seeing if there is a storm drain you can adopt, visit wa.adopt-a-drain.org/