Topics include hybrid-electric vessels, service and COVID-19 response

Riders, commuters and terminal neighbors of Washington State Ferries are invited to attend upcoming virtual community meetings designed to provide updates and answer questions about the ferry system.

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, WSF staff will discuss the ferry system’s continued response to COVID-19 and progress made on key projects in 2020. New head of WSF Patty Rubstello will lead the meetings alongside former Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton.

Both meetings will cover the same material and are designed to give participants the option to join the meeting that best fits their schedule. Meeting participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments. Members of the public can participate in the meeting from a laptop, desktop computer or mobile device, but advanced registration is required.

Registration for the February virtual WSF community meetings:

• Register for the 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 meeting at: bit.ly/WSFWinterMeeting1

• Register for the 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, meeting at: bit.ly/WSFWinterMeeting2

• Participants must provide a name and valid email address and have access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

• Once registered, participants will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

• The day after each meeting, a video recording will be available online on WSF’s community participation webpage.

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

These public meetings are being held in coordination with the Ferry Advisory Committees to share the latest information and engage people in ferry-served communities. WSF will also hold a special meeting for FACs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, to discuss issues related to their role in advising WSF on customer service and schedules. Members of the public are invited to attend and can register by going to bit.ly/WSFWinterFACMeeting.

WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For breaking news and the latest information, follow WSF on Twitter and Facebook.

 

The creation of Support SnoCo and its digital hub was funded by the federal CARES Act.The campaign’s launch on November 27, 2020 was led and supported by an integrated partnership between public and private entities – including local chambers of commerce, cities, and towns with the goal of supporting small businesses impacted by the pandemic. This website will remain a useful tool for the community to find ways to support local businesses in Snohomish County.

For a list of local Edmonds' businesses participating in Support SnoCo click here.

Questions? We@SupportSnoCo.com

COVID-19 Webpage

At the start of the pandemic the City created a COVID-19 Information page which can be found here.

Below is a list of some of the information that can be found on this page:

COVID-19 Information for Residents

• Washington State has an Eviction Moratorium until March 31, 2021, so you cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent. If you receive an eviction notice you can file a complaint with the State's Attorney General, on their complaint form found here.
  
• 211 is the community resource line for multiple resource needs
• For a full list of resources check-out the Edmonds Human Services Resource Guide or contact Human Services Program Manager Mindy Woods at 425-563-8348
• Daily case counts can be found here
• This Snohomish County site provides maps and links to community resources related to Snohomish County's response to COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccination

At this time, Phases 1a and 1b1 are being vaccinated. You can find more information on the Snohomish Health District site.  You can check your eligibility here. If you do fall within the current phases, you can learn more and reigster for a vaccination appointment here.

COVID-19 Business Webpage

The City also has a dedicated page of resources for Edmonds' businesses which can be found here. Some of those resources include:

• Streateries/Curbside Dining information and application
• Business Toolkit
• Restaurant Supplies: 2nd round of FREE compostable to-go containers and gloves to be announced SOON! For more information contact the Community Services Department
  

EdmondsBizBooster.com provides portal to business-support services

After nearly a year since inception of the idea, the City of Edmonds and Edmonds Chamber of Commerce are announcing the launch of the Edmonds Business Booster, an online consolidated portal of FREE business-support services offered by various agencies and organizations serving Edmonds and Snohomish County.

With attention-grabbing lines like – “Do you have a fantastic product idea, but don’t know how to get moving?” or “Wishing you could tap into the knowledge of business leaders who’ve done and seen it all before you?” – this new online resource, found at EdmondsBizBooster.com, includes services from eight entities initially, including:

• Small Business Development Center
• Sno-Isle Library Business Services
• NW Innovation Resource Center
• Edmonds College “Facility Makerspace”
• Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
• SCORE
• Edmonds College
• Port of Edmonds

Additional resource agencies will be added, as well as programming, such as webinars, tutorials, etc.

“This new online resource gives access to free resources that can help our local businesses grow and thrive during these times of economic stress,” stated Mayor Mike Nelson.

Economic Development & Community Services Director Patrick Doherty adds, “While these resources have been serving local businesses for years, it’s likely that most local small business owners have not known about the free services they offer that can really make a difference. Bringing them together in one place and making a concerted PR push should help drive more Edmonds businesses to these services.”

The website also offers an e-subscribe service to enable notification about updates and new offerings.

For more information, please contact Patrick Doherty by email or phone 425-771-0251.

The City has a number of avenues to help citizens stay engaged and updated about City programs, projects and processes.

• Facebook @cityofedmonds

• Twitter @WaEdmonds

• Blog www.cityofedmondswa.com

• Twice monthly City Bulletin

• Quarterly Newsletter Update on Edmonds

•Neighborhood Zoom Meetings ~ every other month, watch for notices of date/time/location

• Government Channels ~ Comcast Channel 21 and Ziply Channel 39 (Council meetings are broadcast live on Tuesday evenings and rebroadcast daily at noon and 7 pm)

For more information check-out our website links below...

Government               

Services                            

Doing Business

I Want To...

Visit Edmonds

Human Services

Media Releases

Edmonds City Council Meetings are held every Tuesday evening at 7 pm, except for the fifth Tuesday of a month unless otherwise noticed. Due to the coronavirus, meetings are currently being held virtually.

To join, comment, or view the Edmonds City Council Meetings in its entirety: https://zoom.us/j/95798484261

Webinar ID: 957 9848 4261

OR JOIN BY PHONE: US: +1 253 215 8782 

During the public comment period, please raise your hand electronically via Zoom button (*9 on telephone) to speak. 

The Council will continue to take written comments up to 450 words, roughly equivalent to three spoken minutes at publiccomment@edmondswa.gov

Edmonds City Council Meeting agenda and video:
Agenda and Video ~ http://edmondswa.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx
View on one of the following cable channels: Comcast channel 21 | Ziply channel 39

Closed captioning is now available through our zoom City Council meetings. To use, once you are in the zoom meeting go to the "Closed Caption" menu button at the bottom of the screen and click on the arrow on the right side of the button, then go to "Show Subtitle". To adjust the settings, once again go to the "Closed Caption" menu button and click on the arrow and select "Subtitle Settings". You can adjust the font size of the Closed Caption from Normal, to Medium, to Large.

The City of Edmonds Planning Board has been reviewing tree regulations and forwarded a recommendation to the City Council on the draft code following their January 12, 2021 meeting. The City Council is scheduled to begin review of the tree regulations on January 26th and hold a public hearing on the Draft Tree Regulations February 2^nd at 7 p.m. Information on the Tree Code Update, the Planning Board’s review, and the draft tree regulations are available for review at treecode.edmondswa.gov.

Background
In 2019, the City of Edmonds adopted an Urban Forest Management Plan which included goals and policy guidance for tree retention within the City of Edmonds.

One of these goals was to “Update tree regulations to reduce clearcutting or other development impacts on the urban forest and consider changes to tree replacement requirements and penalties for code violations.”

A frequent complaint related to tree removal in the city is when properties are developed or subdivided. The primary focus of this Tree Code update is to develop regulations that result in more trees being saved when properties are developed and require replanting for the trees that are removed.

Under discussion now
The tree retention and replacement requirements will apply to subdivision applications, new multi-family development, new single-family development, and any tree removal not specifically exempted in the tree code.

The retention and replacement do not apply to developed single family properties – UNLESS they fall within critical areas.

Elements of the tree regulations include: the requirement that 30% of significant trees be retained within the development, the replanting of up to three trees for each significant tree removed (replacement ratio determined by the diameter of the trees removed), and a fee-in-lieu (a financial cost) provision when a site cannot support the number of required replacement trees.

The draft regulations also implement low impact development principles and provide design flexibility for subdivisions to aid in tree retention.

The Tree Code also proposes to establish a City of Edmonds Tree Fund that can be funded by the fee-in-lieu provision for replacement trees, civil penalties for illegal tree cutting, donations, or other monies allocated by the City Council. The Tree Fund can be used to provide vouchers to Edmonds’ residents for purchasing and planting trees on their property or acquiring and preserving wooded areas within the City.

Big picture
The Tree Code Update is a first step in implementing the Urban Forest Management Plan. Following up will be starting a Heritage Tree Program to retain exceptional trees throughout the City. Public input will be sought to work out details of the program. In the future, the City will also pursue possible incentives for property owners who retain trees on their property. This could include property tax rebates (applicable to the City portion of property taxes), stormwater utility fee reduction, and/or other techniques that provide financial recognition of the benefits of tree planting and protection.

Meanwhile, the City is in the process of updating its Street Tree Plan, which is a plan for the trees located along the street in the public right-of-way.

If you have questions or comments on the tree code update email Kernen Lien, Environmental Programs Manager.

by Thom Sullivan, Facilities Maintenance Manager, Public Works

With our first bout of fall weather this past weekend it is a timely reminder that winter is just around the corner. Please take this opportunity to make sure you and your property are prepared in the months to come. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready:

Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions

Plan for the cold and flu season
Ü Get a flu shot
Ü Stock up on cold and flu supplies

Prepare your car
Ü Replace worn windshield wipers
Ü Wash your windshield inside and out
Ü Inflate your tires to the recommended air pressure – wet weather equals slick roads
Ü Carry a winter weather kit in your car with water, food, flashlight and a blanket
Ü Assure all vehicle lighting is adjusted properly and functioning
Ü Ensure snow chains are in your vehicle

Prepare your house
Ü Disconnect your garden hose from your house and cover your hose bib
Ü Clean debris from roof and gutters
Ü Have your primary source of heat professionally serviced
Ü Always monitor the safe usage of electric space heaters, and never run them on extension cords
Ü Make sure you have an ABC fire extinguisher in your home
Ü Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries twice annually
Ü Have a flashlight and spare batteries available in case of power outage

Winter storms can cause a host of problems, not the least of which is power outages. If you lose power contact Snohomish County PUD at 425.783.1001. You can also check their Out Center for information on how to stay safe during an outage and more.

Registration for Winter Classes Now Open

Choose from a variety of virtual classes now open for registration. From yoga, writing, drama, fitness and more! Check out the digital Winter CRAZE to see what classes we have for you and your family! In addition, the Environmental Education staff has put together this list of at home learning materials you may enjoy.

All Parks Open ~ Recreate Responsibly

All City of Edmonds parks, fields, open space, trails and beaches are open, including but not limited to tennis courts, the Skate Park, Off-Leash Dog Park at Marina Beach (OLAE) and the new beach in front of the Waterfront Center. A fun idea might be to check out the trails at Yost Park. Remember to pack some water as drinking fountains have been winterized but the park restrooms remain open. Please remember to recreate responsibility and help us to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, sticking to groups from inside your household and maintaining distance from each other.

Frances Anderson Center Remains Closed to the Public ~ Office Staff is Available

Several essential programs are operating such as Main street Kids, Edmonds Montessori and L.E.A.P. (Learning Enhancement & Activity Program) inside the Frances Anderson Center however, the building remains closed to the public at this time.

We Want to Hear from You!

Be Sure to follow the Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services department on Facebook and Instagram! We use these pages to let the community know what is going on in the department and it is a great way to hear from you! Send us messages, tag us in posts, leave your comments and questions for us. We miss you!!

The Parks & Recreation staff are available M-F from 8am - 5 pm to take our calls, emails and/or answer your Facebook inquiries. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

email | 425.771.0230 | Facebook

Marty the Holiday Mouse Winner

Congratulations to our random drawing winner Abigail E. for participating the in the Marty the Holiday Mouse Adventure. Abigail followed Marty through three different Edmonds Parks and solved the scrambled word clue to be entered into the prize drawing. Thank you to everyone who participated in the adventure. Keep an eye out for new adventures posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Did you know...

Find out why winter is known as 'weird duck season' in Edmonds. Download our new flyer to learn how to identify winter ducks in Edmonds and where to find them.

Waterfront Center Redevelopment Project Complete

Be sure to check out the new beach in front of the Waterfront Center (between Brackett's Landing South and Olympic Beach). The project included removing one of the last remaining creosote piers in the Puget Sound and replacing it with new beach front (native plantings will be added in the spring). Over 50 creosote pilings and 4,305 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from the site. In addition, 100% of the stormwater from the parking lot is treated on-site to compliment the 26,000 sq. ft. LEED Gold Certified, all-electric Waterfront Center Building.

The parking lot is now open to the public, however, the building will remain closed due to COVID. Parking in the lot is free, limited to 4 hours and does not allow for overnight parking.

Free screening of poignant, insightful, and topical films on themes related to diversity, inclusion and equity. Shown on the third Sundays at 4 pm February through May. Virtual zoom screenings with Q&A discussions afterward. Sponsored by: Rick Steves' Europe, MyEdmondsNews, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds Theatre and the Edmonds Diversity Commission

February 21, 2021  

Outside the House  

By Darnell Lamont Walker
 
This film is a kind of therapy. It is brave men and women sharing their stories, pains, truths, and struggles as they deal with mental illness, showing others they are not alone. Darnell will be joining us for a Q&A after the filming. Trigger Warning: Language, abuse and other difficult topics

Preview the film here: http://outsidethehousedoc.com

Join Zoom Film Screening: https://zoom.us/j/98864553780?pwd=eGRkQzBsL3M3VTlEelY4QmxHbGR0QT09

Meeting ID: 988 6455 3780
Passcode: 918690

  March 21, 2021

Teach Us All – Elevating Equity in Education for Every Student

Produced by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Teach Us All is a documentary and social justice campaign on educational inequality set against the backdrop of the 1957 Little Rock school crisis. Sixty years after the Little Rock Nine faced violent resistance when desegregating Central High in Arkansas, America’s schools continue to represent the key battleground of the Civil Rights Movement. Teach Us All demonstrates powerful lessons from history within a timely context, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action to rectify the disparities among America’s children. The Teach Us All social justice campaign seeks to build the capacity of students and educators to take leadership in carrying forth the legacy of the Little Rock Nine while activating broader community engagement in today’s urgent need for educational equity. Teach Us All is written and directed by Sonia Lowman.

Preview the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHgLX7O8hOc&feature=emb_title

Join Zoom Film Screening: https://zoom.us/j/91412435510?pwd=WkZ0QUtFN3FZSzBYcWFqVEM5THRXUT09

Meeting ID: 914 1243 5510
Passcode: 252498

April 18, 2021

The Homestretch  

By Anne De Mare and Kirsten Kelly

The Homestretch follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future. Each of these smart, ambitious teenagers - Roque, Kasey and Anthony - will surprise, inspire, and challenge audiences to rethink stereotypes of homelessness as they work to complete their education while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age. Through haunting images, intimate scenes, and first-person narratives, these teens take us on their journeys of struggle and triumph. As their stories unfold, the film connects us deeply with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.

Preview the film here: http://www.homestretchdoc.com/trailer

Join Zoom Film Screening: https://zoom.us/j/92223556572?pwd=ci9HRXNrNUZyak5MUHkyRVZyQVI3dz09

Meeting ID: 922 2355 6572
Passcode: 405164

May 16, 2021

I Learn America

By Jean-Michel Dissard & Gitte Peng

At the International High School at Lafayette, a Brooklyn public school dedicated to newly arrived immigrants from all over the world, five teenagers strive to master English, adapt to families they haven’t seen in years, and create a future of their own while coming of age in a new land.

Through these five vibrant young people, their stories and struggles, and their willingness to open their lives and share them with us, we “learn America.” Jean-Michel Dissar will be joining us for a Q&A after the film.

Preview the film here: https://ilearnamerica.com

Join Zoom Film Screening: https://zoom.us/j/96842037384?pwd=bWNSakFML2tFeWY4VXhEbUZSVWlNQT09

Meeting ID: 968 4203 7384
Passcode: 169983

For more information visit the Edmonds Diversity Commission webpage.

In 2021 the City of Edmonds will be updating its Climate Action Plan and kicking off the update with a virtual open house on February 18th at 6 pm. The meeting will be held via zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88628249203

You can also access via phone: US: +1 253 215 8782  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 886 2824 9203

Global climate change is a reality and represents an ever-increasing threat to the health and well-being of citizens of Edmonds and beyond. Climate change, primarily in the form of atmospheric warming caused by an increase in the level of greenhouse gasses, is estimated by the World Health Organization to be directly responsible for approximately 150,000 deaths per year globally – a number that is expected to increase as our planet continues to warm due to rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Edmonds has taken strong actions to locally address the causes of climate change by reducing use of fossil fuels through substituting renewable energy resources supplied to city vehicles and public buildings, improvement of energy efficiency of public buildings, establishment of strong codes for the design and construction of new and remodeled buildings to meet green building standards, support of the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance (“SELA”) opposition to transport of crude oil by rail, and many other actions.

In 2017, the Edmonds City Council adopted Resolution No. 1389 committing the City of Edmonds to achieve or exceed at the local level the goals established in the Paris Climate Agreement. Since the adoption of Resolution No. 1389, the City of Edmonds has conducted a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory; established a science-based target of limiting the global average temperature increase to no more than 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures with the adoption of Resolution No. 1453; reviewed existing City policies, programs and action to reduce GHG emissions; and develop a tool and measures for tracking GHG emissions. Building upon these efforts, the City of Edmonds will be updating its Climate Action Plan in 2021.

The City will be seeking public engagement throughout the development of the Climate Plan. To facilitate public engagement a project website has been established at EdmondsClimate.com. This website will be updated throughout the process with information on public meetings, project materials, background information, and surveys.

An informational virtual open house on the Climate Action Update process will be held on February 18th beginning at 6 pm via Zoom and a workshop will follow in March along with a survey. Zoom meeting links will be provided on the EdmondsClimate.com website.

If you would like to be added to a listserv to receive projects, send an email to climateaction@edmondswa.gov.

Mayor Nelson presented his first State of the City address on Thursday, January 21st via zoom and broadcast live on local government channels 21 and 39. In his address Mayor Nelson discussed the toll COVID-19 has had on all of us and the ways in which Edmonds residents, and city staff, pulled together to support each other, our seniors, our vulnerable populations, local businesses, and our children.

Mayor Nelson also outlined his priorities for 2021 along with some of the steps that have already been taken to advance these priorities, and others that are planned.

You can view the Mayor’s address at the following locations:

Facebook | YouTube | Government Channels Comcast 21 and Ziply 39 daily at 9 am, 4 pm, and midnight

You can also view the text of the Address here.

The City continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and to provide information and support to the Community. Please see the related article in this issue of Update on Edmonds.

 

What’s the date of birth of your house?

Was your home built prior to 1971?

Would you like to help preserve the charm of Edmonds?

If so, you should find out more about the Historic Preservation program in Edmonds!

Your home may even qualify to be on the Historic Register in Edmonds.

The program is mainly honorary and doesn’t prevent you from improving or remodeling your house in the future… and you can access resources to help maintain your home’s character, which adds to the value of your home.

To find out more click here or email planning@edmondswa.gov.

Check it out; you may be entitled to bragging rights!

Kristiana Johnson Council Position #1

Contact Phone:  425.409.7915  •  email: kristiana.johnson@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires: 12/31/2021
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Public Safety and Personnel Committee 2) Historic Preservation Advisory Commission 3) Lodging tax Advisory Committee 4) SNOCOM 911

 

 

Luke Distelhorst Council Position #2

Contact Phone: 425.361.3856  •  email: luke.distelhorst@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires: 12/31/2021
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Parks, Planning and Public Works Committee 2) Affordable Housing Alliance 3) Diversity Commission 4) Housing Commission 5) Snohomish County Tomorrow

 

Adrienne Fraley-Monillas Council Position #3

Contact Phone: 425.275.7558  •  email: adrienne.monillas@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires: 12/31/21
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Public Safety & Personnel 2) Snohomish Health District 3) Snohomish County Tomorrow (alt)  4) PFD Oversight Committee 5) Affordable Housing Alliance (alt)

 

Diane Buckshnis Council Position #4

Contact Phone: 425.275.7695  •  email: diane.buckshnis@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires: 12/31/2023
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Finance Committee 2) Salmon Recovery - WRIA 8 3) Tree Board 4) Lake Ballinger Work Group

 

Vivian Olson Council Position #5

Contact Phone:  425.361.8176  •  email: vivian.olson@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires: 12/31/23
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Finance Committee 2) Economic Development Commission 3) Housing Commission 4) Disability Board 5) Port of Edmonds

 

Susan Paine Council Position #6 ~ 2021 Council President

Contact Phone:  425.361.8844  •  email: susan.paine@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires:  12/31/23
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Disability Board 2) Community Transit (alt)

 

Laura Johnson Council Position #7 ~ Council President Pro Tem

Contact Phone:  425.361.8229  •  email: laura.johnson@edmondswa.gov
Term Expires:  12/31/23
2021 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS: 1) Parks, Planning, and Public Works Committee 2) Mayor's Climate Protection Committee 3) Youth Commission 4) Salmon Recovery - WRIA 8 (alt)