The Kenmore Top 4: September 13, 2024

Planning is Underway for the 2025-2026 City Budget 
The City’s next two-year draft budget is soon to be released for City Council consideration. With more than $20 million in operating revenues and expenses per year, the City’s budget pays for things like police protection, streets and traffic safety, parks, flood prevention, stream and lake pollution prevention, and much more. Here are some dates to watch for and participate:

• October 7: The 2025-2026 Biennium Budget will be presented to the Kenmore City Council.
• October - November: Budget presentations and public hearings will be held on most Monday City Council meetings at 7 p.m.
• Late November – Early December: City Council will adopt the 2025-2026 two-year budget and the 2025 regular and excess (Walkways & Waterways bond) property tax levies.

Go to kenmorewa.gov/budget to stay up to date and learn more.

Grab an Oktoberfest Passport and Start Your Adventure Through Kenmore
Kenmore Oktoberfest kicks off next week and everyone is invited to join the fun and begin your adventure by picking up an Oktoberfest passport at any participating business or at Kenmore City Hall starting on September 15. In addition to event details, passports include specials, discounts, and coupons from participating businesses. Complete your passport by getting a stamp at each participating business (no purchases necessary) and return your completed passport to City Hall by October 1 to claim a small gift and be entered into a raffle for a grand Oktoberfest prize pack. Enjoy exploring Kenmore and supporting local businesses that are bringing the community together for an unforgettable Kenmore Oktoberfest experience!

Kenmore Oktoberfest runs from September 19 - 22 and features great food and beverages, live music, and festivities on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night on Brew Row, the Fly Away 5k on Saturday morning, wiener dog races and games at Saint Edward State Park on Saturday afternoon, a Stay-and-Stein package at the Lodge, and a fall market with a root beer garden, kids activities, and live music in Town Square on Sunday. Find out more at findkenmore.org/oktoberfest.

Traffic Photo Enforcement Expansion: Building on the Success of the Program
Given the remarkable impact from the two established photo-enforced school zones (Arrowhead and Kenmore Elementaries), the City Council has decided to expand the Kenmore Automated Photo Enforcement (KAPE) program that was first launched last year. At the upcoming September 16 meeting, the City Council will vote on items related to KAPE program changes and expansion, including:

1. Extending photo enforcement to cover the regular speed limit (30 mph) in KAPE school zones 24/7, even when the school zone is not active. The 20 mph limit will still be enforced when the school zone is active.

2. Implementing photo enforcement in the Inglemoor High School zone, where excessive speeding remains a problem despite the establishment of the existing school zone.

3. Incrementally increasing the photo enforcement fines over time to offset growing program costs, allowing the City to fund other traffic safety improvements and activities.

The KAPE program has exceeded expectations in improving safety for the neighborhoods served by the cameras. In the school zones of Kenmore Elementary and Arrowhead Elementary, the number of speeding drivers during school zone hours has plummeted from over 95% to just 1.5%. Average speeds during school zone hours have dropped from over 30 mph to much closer to 20 mph.

These proposed program changes are also consistent with recommendations made by the Financial Sustainability Task Force earlier this year. Find updates and learn more at kenmorewa.gov/photoenforcement.

Residential Heat Pump Seminar September 24
You're invited to a free introductory seminar all about residential heat pumps, how they can lower your carbon footprint, and why they might be a perfect fit for your home on September 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Kenmore City Hall. The seminar will cover available heat pump rebates, choosing installers, heat pump maintenance, and more. A Q & A session will follow the presentation, and a handy take-home checklist will be available. Want to learn more? Check out resources at: kenmorewa.gov/CAP.