Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update
Happy Friday Kent,
Hard to believe how quickly we're moving through November! Be sure to take a look at all the fun and exciting events we have coming up to celebrate the holidays.
I'm so glad that Winterfest is returning this year and that we'll be able to have an in-person tree lighting event at Town Square Plaza, it's always been a favorite of mine.
With the year winding down, our Kent City Council only has a few meetings left. I've included a recap of the meetings for this week below.
Some good news—our Biennial Budget Adjustment has passed! I want to thank our councilmembers for their work over these last few weeks working through my proposal, finding common ground and passing an adjustment that will deliver results for Kent families.
I hope you stay dry, stay safe on the roads and have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
Honoring Those We've Lost
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At our Kent City Council meeting on Tuesday, I officially proclaimed November as Holodomor Genocide Remembrance Month in the City of Kent.
Holodomor remembrance commemorates the millions of innocent Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 as a result of Stalin's Five-Year Plan.
We have one of the largest communities of Ukrainian-Americans in Washington State, and we felt it was important to recognize this event with a proclamation that was accepted by Kent community member Valeriy Goloborodko on behalf of our Ukrainian community.
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During Tuesday's council meeting I also officially recognized November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance in the City of Kent
The proclamation was accepted by Kent community member Taffy Johnson who spoke to the importance of this commemoration. It honors the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost to senseless violence, transphobia, self-harm and structural inequities.
Their lives mattered and they will forever be missed by their friends, family, partners and community.
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Kent City Council
The Kent City Council held four public meetings this week. As always, you can view the meeting agendas, minutes and livestream recordings on our city website.
Kent City Council
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Recognitions, Proclamations & Appointments
- Holodomor Genocide Remembrance Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Appointments to Boards & Commissions.
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Reports from Mayor, Councilmembers and CAO
- Update on regional and local committee work, business and community partnerships, community events and more.
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Public Safety Report
- Update on shift changes, staffing rotations, volume and types of calls and reports, hiring of additional officers.
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Approval of Consent Calendar Items
- Adoption of 2022 Legislative Agenda, Comprehensive Plan & Capital Improvement Plan amendments, other items.
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Adoption of Proposed Ordinances
- 2022 Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment Ordinance, Multi-Use Rezone Ordinance.
Kent City Council Workshop
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Parks Capital Projects Update
- Overview of accomplishments, ongoing redevelopment and renovations and the 2022-2027 Parks Open Space Plan.
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Green River Flood Protection Update
- Information on levee projects, stormwater management, downstream fish passage, flood hazard management and preparation.
Operations & Public Safety Committee
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Payment of Bills & Monthly Financial Report
- Routine payments, information on fund balances, revenue and expenditure comparisons, taxes, variances and more.
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2022 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan
- Supporting our home repair program, transitional and long-term housing, short-term shelter and more with Federal HUD funding.
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Red Light Camera Program Update
- Presenting study results for different approaches and intersections being considered for expansion of program.
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Race & Strategic Plan Update
- Details on multilingual community listening sessions and engagement, select areas of focus and preliminary goals for the plan.
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Information on Litter Signage
- Information on existing ‘No Littering’ signage, addressing litter and dumping in the City.
Public Works Committee
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Water Quality Contract
- Authorization of Contract Agreement for 2022 Water Treatment Chemical Supply.
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East Valley Highway Repair
- King County Reimbursement Agreement for Slump Repair on East Valley Highway.
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Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance Agreement
- Accepting a grant from the Department of Ecology for waste reduction and recycling and hazardous waste management program.
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Information on Pollinator Flower Patch Program
- Implementing new pollinator flower patch program, reduces vegetation maintenance, provides food and host plants for pollinators.
American Education Week
This week is American Education Week, and we've been sharing some stories of educators and support staff from right here in Kent on Facebook and Twitter all week to celebrate.
I'm thankful for all the teachers, educators and support staff who are committed to providing Kent students with a quality public education—we appreciate you!
Kent Winterfest
The most wonderful time of the year is just about here!
We've partnered with the Kent Lions, Kent Downtown Partnership and Kent Station to present a month full of holiday fun—so mark your calendars for these great events.
For more details on this month of holiday happenings, check our website.
Winter Parks Guide
Have you seen our new Kent Parks & Recreation Winter Guide?
We have so many great programs and opportunities for fun this season for youth, adults and seniors that I am really excited about!
With our Parks programs ramping back up, our team made sure to include all of the information you need to find something that you and your family can enjoy.
From health and fitness programs, to cultural arts performances, to music lessons and more, there’s a wide variety of offerings and something for everyone.
So take some time to look through everything our Parks Department has to offer—our staff members love what they do and really make these experiences unforgettable.
You can also pick up a copy of the guide at Kent Commons Community Center or Kent Senior Activity Center.
Winter registration opens November 29—I hope you’re able to sign-up and enjoy some of our programs and facilities this season!
Convos with Council: Satwinder Kaur
Join Councilmember Satwinder Kaur for a virtual conversation on Thursday, December 2 from 7-8 p.m. over Zoom!
Our Convos with Council events are an opportunity to ask questions and chat with members of the Kent City Council. You can register for the event on Zoom and learn more about Councilmember Kaur on our website.
ShoWalk is Back!
Kent Parks ShoWalk is back! Stay active during these cold, rainy months with free indoor walking at the accesso ShoWare Center.
ShoWalk is a great way to get up and moving while staying warm and dry inside, and the 2021-2022 ShoWalk season is now underway.
ShoWalk is held from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from now until May, with some exceptions. See the complete ShoWalk schedule on our website.
Donate Blood at Kent Station
Bloodworks Northwest is hosting pop-up blood drives at Kent Station all month long!
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and just one donation can potentially save up to three lives.
The need for blood doesn't stop. Please consider scheduling your appointment and donating at Kent Station to help keep our community's blood supply at safe levels.
Winter Weather Plan
We recently updated our Winter Weather Plan, which has tips to help you prepare for the coming rain, snow and ice!
It also has our de-icing and plowing routes as well as details on our roadway response priorities during winter weather events, so definitely check it out.
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