Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update
Happy Friday, Kent!
I have lots of great updates and opportunities to share with you this week so I'm just going to get right into things!
We've had some great, positive stories about Kent in the news recently too, so be sure to check those out below
Hope you enjoy these updates and have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Mayor
Kent City Council Update
The Kent City Council met on Tuesday for their biweekly workshop and council meeting. We heard from staff, speakers and residents on a variety of programs, services and policies. Check out the highlights below.
 If you'd like to see past meeting agendas or watch the live recording, go to our website.
April Mask Giveaway Event
 Come on out to the accesso ShoWare Center on Sunday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for another free face mask and hand sanitizer event!
This month we're giving out the Don't Mess With Kent masks! I know a lot of you have been wanting to get your hands on these since our February event was canceled, so be sure to come through!
We're also giving out chicken nugget masks with ever bad, so be sure to drive through and add them both to your collection!
Fun Fact Friday!
 In 1979, artist Robert Morris was at the forefront of both Minimalism and Land Art when he was asked by the King County Arts Commission to reclaim a gravel pit overlooking the Valley.
A few months later, at the request of the Kent Arts Commission, the Bauhaus master Herbert Bayer was asked to integrate a stormwater detention dam into a public park.
Both of these artists were commissioned as part of the King County Arts Commission’s groundbreaking Earthworks: Land Reclamation as Sculpture Symposium.
Today, Earthworks Park is a unique, internationally recognized piece of art and popular public park that also serves as a functional and practical water detention dam.
You can learn more about it on our website.
4th & Willis Ribbon Cutting
 Yesterday afternoon we officially cut the ribbon at the 4th & Willis roundabout! Huge thanks to our legislators and everyone involved in this project for making it possible.
This is just one of several projects that will continue improving safety and traffic flow while making our city look great!
Learn more about this project on our website.
Battle of the Badges Event
 In case you missed it, Kent Police Department and Puget Sound Fire competed in the Battle of the Badges at Grocery Outlet earlier this week to see who could gather the most food to contribute to the We Love Kent food pantry.
After a hard fought and speedy battle KPD came out on top! Huge thanks to everyone who helped organize and participate in this event.
It was a lot of fun and we're looking to do something similar a couple times a year!
Upper Mill Creek Dam Improvements
 I have an update about a Public Works project that has been in the works!
The fish ladder and diversion channel at the Upper Mill Creek Dam are really coming along and looking fantastic. These improvements will provide extra downstream flood protection and help shelter migrating fish on their journey
You can learn more about this project on our website.
COVID-19
 🔍 Use the Vaccine Locator tool to find vaccine appointments near you.
As of today, we are now in Phase 1B Tier 3 and 4, which expands vaccine eligibility to the following groups:
- Anyone with two or more comorbidities
- Anyone between the ages of 60 and 64
- Anyone living in congregate settings (correctional facilities, group homes for those with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, etc.)
- Additional workers in congregate settings like restaurants, manufacturing, and construction
If you were eligible in any previous phase, you are still eligible. This includes the following groups:
- High-risk health care workers and first responders
- Long-term care residents
- People 65 years old and older
- People 50 years old and older in multigenerational households
- Teachers, school staff and childcare workers
- Employees in certain congregate settings, such as grocery stores, agriculture, corrections, transit and law enforcement
- People age 16 years and older who are pregnant
- People age 16 and older who have a disability that puts them at high risk
Other important updates:
- Phase Finder tool has been removed, just use the vaccine locator tool now!
- Statewide eviction moratorium extended through June 20
- Utility shutoff moratorium extended through July 31
- Visitations for long-term care facilities and nursing home may resume immediately
- Debt garnishment on federal pandemic payments still prohibited
The state has also determined that with health and safety measures in place, schools can safely provide in-person learning opportunities.
- On Monday, the governor signed an emergency proclamation requiring K-12 schools to provide opportunities for both remote and in-person instruction.
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April 5: All students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade (depending on the school district) must be offered a hybrid option
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April 19: All remaining K-12 students must be offered a hybrid option
- The proclamation also directs the state Health Care Authority and Department of Health to work on recommendations for supporting behavioral needs of children and youth.
🔍 Use the Vaccine Locator tool to find vaccine appointments near you.
Kent Kids Art Walk
 I'm excited to announce that our annual Kent Student Art Exhibit is going to continue this year, which highlights young artists from our city!
While students and teachers were unable to work together in-person this year, seven schools from across the Kent School District participated in this year’s event and will be displaying their art!
Over 100 original pieces highlighting a variety of themes will be on display throughout historic downtown Kent and Kent Station for the entire month of April, and schools also have the opportunity to display their art on the Kent Creates art sharing platform.
Look for updates to KentCreates.com all April long! Here's where you can see some of the art in this year's event!
- Mattson Middle School – Kent Creates Virtual Display
- Cedar Heights Middle School – Coldstone Creamery (Kent Station)
- Crestwood Elementary – Dilettante (Kent Station)
- Neely O’Brien Elementary – Johnny Rockets (Kent Station)
- Emerald Park Elementary – AAA Pest Control (Historic Downtown)
- Kentridge High School – Sweet Themes (Historic Downtown)
- Kentwood High School Photography – Curran Law Firm (Displayed on Facebook)
Earth Day Volunteer Conservation Event
 We are so excited to announce that Kent Parks Volunteer Conservation Events are returning this April!
Join us at Clark Lake Park on Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the return of our annual Earth Day celebration.
We’ll be working to remove invasive species to keep this beloved Kent park healthy and inviting for all! Social distancing measures will be in place and all volunteers will be subject to a temperature check prior to the event.
Volunteer numbers will be capped so sign up to join us today! For more details, or to register to volunteer, visit us online!
Park Shelter Rentals Are Available
 Reservations for Kent park shelters are now available for reservations from May 1 through September 31!
The number of people permitted to gather at one time in Kent park shelters is limited to the shelter capacity or 50 people, whichever is less.
Please be sure to check the details specific to the shelter you are reserving. Reservations may be made in-person or by phone.
Call the Kent Commons directly at (253) 856-5100 for more information.
Please Note: All rentals are subject to current city, county, and state directives for COVID-19 safety protocols. Rental groups will be required to submit a COVID safety plan.
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