Terry Ryan's eNewsletter
Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Terry.Ryan@snoco.org
Pam Pruitt, Legislative Aide
|
Budget Update
 Executive Somers handing off the budget to Chair Ryan
County Executive Dave Somers submitted a recommended 2020 budget to the County Council for its consideration on Tuesday, September 24.
It will be the first $1 billion budget in Snohomish County history. The Executive’s recommended budget is largely a status quo budget. There are many “funds” that make up the $1 billion. The “General Fund” is primarily from property taxes and sales tax revenue. Other funds include the road fund, surface water management, chemical dependency/mental health (CDMH), solid waste, airport, human services, community development, REET I and II, emergency communication system and facilities and County fairgrounds.
The Executive’s budget includes funding for a law and justice study that will provide the cost of possible policy decisions on the entire law and justice system: The sheriff’s department, prosecutor’s office, court system and the jail. There are some great proposals for our consideration, we just want to understand the cost and potential benefit of the entire system before implementing part of it.
I want to commend Executive Somers and his staff for inviting councilmembers to their department meetings prior to the finalizing the recommended budget. This is a great example of goodwill and makes the process more efficient.
Our Council and our analysts are reviewing the proposed budget now. Additionally, we will receive presentations from all County departments regarding their revenue and expenses beginning Monday, October 7, Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
In advance of the department presentations, we asked each department specific questions such as; What additional positions are you requesting and what funding source do you propose for these positions (grants, offsetting revenue)?
As chairman of the Snohomish County Council, my goal is to make sure the final Council budget is balanced, fiscally responsible and sustainable. I will work hard with our Council to pass a budget that addresses our needs without mortgaging our future. We may vote on the budget as soon as October 30.
If you have any thoughts or concerns about the budget, we want to hear from you. Please contact me at the office at (425) 388-3494 or attend our public hearings on the budget on Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 30 at 9 a.m. These public hearings are held in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room, 8th Floor, Robert J. Drewel Building (Administration Building East), 3000 Rockefeller, Everett.
Please call the Council office at (425) 388-3494 to confirm time/locations.
I will update you on the progress of our budget discussions in my next column.
 Bill McSherry, VP of Government Operations at Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Chair Ryan
I attended the Boeing Employees Community Celebration Fund event in September at the Future of Flight.
The Puget Sound ECF (Employees Community Fund) began in 1951. Tens of thousands of employees have contributed to the Fund since then. More than $630 million has been given to support organizations in our state. Last year alone, The Puget Sound ECF donated nearly $6 million to 81 non-profits in Washington State.
At the event, the ECF announced a $500,000 grant to the YMCA of Snohomish County to help pay for the construction of a new children’s area at the new YMCA facility in Everett. ECF Puget Sound has been supporting the YMCA since 1988. Grants have funded items like youth exercise equipment and a van with a wheelchair lift.
A special thank you and my personal appreciation for all the Boeing employees who contribute to their Community Fund, which makes all our communities be a better place to live.
 Chair Ryan in front of a Dreamliner
Did you know that the 787-9 Dreamliner:
- Is 20% more fuel efficient than the airplanes it replaces;
- Has opened 235+ more point-to-point routes;
- Over 360 million passengers have flown on the Dreamliner; and
- Somewhere in the world, a 787 Dreamliner takes off every minute.
 Chair Ryan with Holly Winters of Egg Song Farm
Thank you to Holly Winters for inviting me tour Egg Song Farm in Bothell which shares a site with Holly Farm, Fibershed and Equine Life Solution.
Holly offers customized Farm Tours. In addition to the chickens, there are llamas, sheep, goats and more. She also has a Worm Exploration Center. I learned that mealworms can eat Styrofoam and turn it into fertilizer.
Thank you to Holly for taking the time to show me her farm!
 Holly Winters and Karmel Ackerman of Egg Song Farm
 Chair Ryan and Dr. Nicholas Yang, Hong Kong's Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr. Nicholas Yang, shared his insights on Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, and discussed potential collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and the greater Seattle region. This event was presented by Greater Seattle Partners, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in San Francisco, and the Washington State China Relations Council.
It was an honor to meet with Dr. Yang and discuss areas of common interest with Snohomish County.
Sound Transit Groundbreaking in Lynnwood
Light Rail is finally coming to Snohomish County!
I was invited to the recent groundbreaking of light rail construction in Lynnwood. Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, Representatives Susan DelBene and Rick Larsen, Governor Jay Inslee, County Executive Dave Somers, Councilmember Stephanie Wright and many others were also on hand to celebrate.
There is still much work to be done before service to Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood begins in 2024. Light rail is scheduled to arrive in Everett and Paine Field by 2036.
 Councilmember Wright, Vice-Chair Nehring, Chair Ryan, Councilmember Sullivan
In late August, the Paine Field Fire Department invited the County Council to attend one of its training exercises. I participated with Councilmembers Nate Nehring, Brian Sullivan and Stephanie Wright.
 Chair Ryan with Councilmember Sullivan
The Paine Field Fire Department conducted its 3rd quarter airside training exercise with our automatic mutual aid partners. The focus for these exercises was a “mini” Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) event. Live action volunteers played the part of airline passengers. The training objectives focused on interagency operations during the initial 10 to 15 minutes of a commercial aircraft disaster.
Even though it was only a training exercise, the Paine Field Fire Department and their partners were very impressive. Travelers flying in/out of Paine Field should feel very confident in the commitment of our first responders to their safety.
NACO President Mary Ann Borgeson has reappointed me to the Transportation Steering Committee.
The Transportation Steering Committee sets policy on all matters pertaining to federal transportation legislation, funding and regulations and their impacts on county government, including highway and bridge development, finance and safety, public transit development and finance, transportation planning, airport development and service, passenger and freight railroads, ports and waterways, freight movement, and research and development of new modes of transportation.
I am honored to have been reappointed to this board. Being on this board dovetails well with my positions on the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board and Community Transit Board.
My term runs through July 31, 2020. I was first appointed to the national board in 2015.
 Chair Ryan and Mill Creek City Council
I am proud to be part of the funding for the Heron Park restoration project through Snohomish County. This project will help improve recreation throughout the greater Mill Creek community. These partnerships are win-win for our residents.
The restoration is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
This fundraiser breakfast was absolutely heartwarming. The VOA of Western Washington does so much for our community. Did you know:
- 1,400 families (on average) are saved from becoming homeless each year.
- 65 evictions are prevented monthly.
- VOA runs a safe and stable place for homeless mothers with children or pregnant women to receive temporary housing and support.
- VOAWW receives 6,000+ cries for help each month from people experiencing mental and emotional emergencies or suicidal thoughts.
- Over 38,000 people received social service referrals and resource help through Northsound 211 last year.
- 120 vulnerable preschoolers are prepared and ready to start school each year. There are three Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) preschools that offer free preschool for low-income families in Snohomish County.
 Chair Ryan with Mimi Jung
Perhaps most important is that the VOA gives dignity back to people regardless of their specific needs. Thank you to the VOA and its many volunteers and contributors for all you do for our community.
Sunday, October 19, 10 AM – 2 PM
McCollum Pioneer Park
WSU Extension Education Center
600 128th St. SE, Everett
 Details
Got broken stuff? Toss it? No way! Bring those items to the WSU Snohomish County Repair Cafe! This event is FREE and open to all without discrimination. Our community volunteer "repair specialists" will do their best to get your broken item repaired, saving it from the landfill. Repair services are offered for free. If parts are needed, we ask that you provide those. Donations are appreciated! No reservations necessary. Service is first-come, first-served. Limit is 2 items per person please.
Brier Councilmember John Joplin has served District 4 well as our representative to the Performance Audit Committee. Unfortunately, he has served two complete terms and is now term limited at the end of 2019. District 4 needs a new board member.
About the Committee
The Performance Audit Committee is made up of eight members, consisting of the county auditor and seven appointed committee members. Two committee members are appointed by the executive and five are appointed by the council. Each councilmember nominates someone from their district to ensure geographic balance, and the whole council confirms. Committee members have backgrounds that demonstrate knowledge or experience that would be beneficial in carrying out the tasks of the committee. Contact 425-388-3494 for more information.
Roles of the Committee
- Assist in developing the annual audit plan
- Review the audit process to provide input to the office on improvements and/or changes in the process and/or procedures used by the office in carrying out the annual audit plan
- Review final audit reports
The Committee typically meets 2-3 times per year.
If you are interested in serving on the Performance Audit Committee or would like more information, please contact my office at 425-388-3494.
Bothell
Safe Halloween
Main Street is the place to be on Halloween! We can't wait to see your costumes as you come trick-or-treat with us and Bothell Main Street businesses this Halloween.
Date: Wednesday. October 31st
Time: 5 - 7 PM
Location: Bothell's Main Street
Free parking is available in the City Hall parking garage.
Questions? Please contact Parks & Recreation at (425) 806-6760 or recreation@bothellwa.gov.
Brier
Dog-O-Ween
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 2 - 4 PM
Location: Bobcat Park, 3140 236th St. SW
Mill Creek
Teen Halloween Party
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 7 - 9 PM
Location: Mill Creek Library
Age group: Teens
Join us for a spooky evening of games, treats, and a costume contest. Check out a scary story. Hosted by the Teen Advisory Board. For grades 6-12. Please preregister at the Mill Creek Library web site.
Treats on Main Street
Date: Thursday, October 31st
Time: 5 - 6:30 PM
Location: Mill Creek Town Center
Trunk or Treat
Date: Thursday, October 31st
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Location: City Hall North Parking Lot, 15720 Main St.
Mountlake Terrace
Nile Nightmares
Dates: All October weekends & Halloween night, November 1st, 2nd
Times: Fridays 7 - 11 PM, Saturdays & Halloween 7 - 10 PM
Location: Adjacent to I-5 off Exit 177 Nile Shrine Golf Center, 6601 244th St. SW
Nile Nightmares is set to deliver the screams again in 2019! Experience a living nightmare this October as the Nile Shriners present their annual Haunted House.
Tickets are available online at www.nilenightmares.com or at the door. Nile Nightmares Haunted House is a charity event benefiting the Nile Shriners (501c-10).
Prices: General Admission $22, VIP Fast Pass $30 per person
Kids Day: Mark your calendars for the Nile Halloween Family Funfest on Saturday, October 26th. From 11 - 4 PM, Admission is just $10 per child, parents/guardians get in free. This is a low-scare kid friendly event. There will be a Trunk or Treat event with decorated vehicles and even more Halloween goodies. Enjoy bouncy house and games, vendors and food truck. Price includes a Haunted House lights on tour for the bravest souls.
Blackout Night: Darkness sets the stage for the return of the ever-popular “Fright Light Night” on November 1st. On this night, the Nile’s haunted grounds go pitch-black, leaving you with only your cunning and a small flashlight (one provided to each group) to guide the way.
Bothell
Artist Kathleen McCarty Featured at City Hall Gallery
Dates run through October 25th
Time: 8 AM - 5 PM
Location: Bothell City Hall Art Gallery
The City of Bothell Arts Commission invites you to an exhibition by artist Kathleen McCarty at the Bothell City Hall Art Gallery.
Citizen Science Walk at 112 Ave NE site
Friends of North Creek Forest
Date: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 10 - 11 AM
Location: 20598 112th Ave NE
Citizen Science walks are low-impact strolls at the 112th Ave NE restoration sites. We will explore how plants, soils and water systems connect with the greater ecosystem; specifically in Bothell's urban environment.
Open to all ages. Bringing a fully-charged smart phone is highly encouraged! We will use PlantsMap.com to discover new things about the natural world around us. RSVP online: https://tockify.com/northcreekforest/pinboard
2019 Bothell Holiday Harvest Craft Show
Dates: October 8th - 12th
Times: Tuesday - Friday 10 AM - 8 PM,
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Location: 302 Union Hall, 18701 120th Ave NE
It will feature 70+ booths of handmade arts and crafts. You may find art and craft, hand-embellished apparel, paintings, photography, accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and amazing crafts for your home.
Volunteer Event: Orca Recovery Day
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Parr Creek between Northshore YMCA and Woodinville Montessori School (please park at Woodinville Montessori)
Address: 19102 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, WA 98011
Celebrate Orca Recovery Day by volunteering with King Conservation District and City of Bothell to enhance Parr Creek by planting native trees and shrubs along its banks. Creating healthy streamside habitat supports local salmon populations, which in turn, supports our local orcas! Participants under age 14 must be supervised by an adult. There must be one designated adult volunteer supervisor for every three kids. You are responsible for ensuring each child in your party is being supervised. Registration required.
Reduced Shakespeare Company
 Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Northshore Performing Arts Center,
18125 92nd Ave NE
Mill Creek
Semi-Annual Mill Creek Garage Sale
Date: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 8 AM - 5 PM
Location: Throughout the City
Shred-it Event 2019
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: City Hall North, 15720 Main Street
Mill Creek Kiwanis Club, Peoples Bank and the City of Mill Creek are hosting a document shredding event. The first box of materials to shred is free. Additional boxes can be shredded for a suggested donation of $5 per box. All collected donations will help fund community projects with the Mill Creek Kiwanis Club.
The Mill Creek Kiwanis Club requests cash or check be used for donations.
Mountlake Terrace
Arts of the Terrace - Ends October 5!
Where: Mountlake Terrace Library
23300 58th Avenue West
When: Monday – Thursday, 12 – 6 PM
Friday & Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM
Sponsored by the Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission and the Friends of the Arts, “Arts of the Terrace” is one of the major juried art shows held in the Pacific Northwest and attracts top artists from throughout the region. Enjoy paintings, prints, drawings, miniatures, photography, 3-dimensional works and artisan works.
|
