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improvements for Pinewood Elementary, adjacent to the new road- way. The new road section alleviates traffi c fl ow at 88th and State Avenue by completing the 51st north-south arterial through the City. For more than 30 years, both the County and City have planned this as a critical road connection. During annexation proceedings, City offi cials committed to improving transportation access by reducing congestion at 88th and State. Opening the new roadway is an impor- tant project in keeping that commitment. A Look at What’s Happening Around the Community for Residents and Businesses City of Marysville * 1049 State Avenue Marysville, WA 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * marysvillewa.gov How an underemployed dog in Alaska with nose for sniffing out illegal drugs found new calling in taking over for retiring police top dog Retired Police Dog, Brody City of Marysville employees joined in United Way Day of Caring Making the connection for 51st Avenue City Employees lend a hand for Day of Caring City Employees lend a hand for Day of Caring y pp City and School District Offi cials Nov. 9 cut the ribbon to open the new 51st Avenue connector near Pinewood Elementary. Pictured from left, City Councilmembers Rob Toyer, Carmen Rasmussen, Michael Stevens, Mayor Jon Nehring, and School Board Directors Chris Nation and Pete Lundberg. Christina Bunn with Puget Sound Security Detection Dogs contacted Sgt. Joby Johnson in the Marysville Police Department (MPD) with a generous offer. Katy, a trained narcot- ics dog, was sitting in a kennel in Valdez, Alaska with not enough to do. Katy was originally a rescue dog from Seattle Purebred Rescue who had been trained and certifi ed by Pacifi c Northwest Police Detection Dog Association. Her unique talents were not being used to their potential in a small police department with fewer resources. After three years in Alaska, Bunn offered to transfer the dog to MPD at no cost, and provide the additional training to ensure her integration into the department canine program. Fortuitously, Brody, the department’s existing narcotics dog was scheduled to retire in 2012, so the timing of the transfer was ideal. Katy was fl own to Washington State and began work for handler Offi cer Brad Smith in 2011, training with Brody until his retirement this fall. The new 51st Avenue corridor between 84th and 88th streets opened to motorists in November. After annexation in 2010, city engineers began work on the new access. Savings were achieved by using internal staff for design, right of way acquisition and construction management. SRV Construc- tion built the $1.4 million funded by Snohomish County and the City. City staff and contractors coordinated closely with Marysville School District to provide school zone safety More than three dozen City of Marysville employees participated in a United Way Day of Caring project in September to refurbish Asbery Field. Pictured from left, Shawn Smith, Mayor Jon Nehring, Jim Ballew, Nancy Abell, April O’ Brien, City Councilmember Michael Stevens, Mike Robinson and Gloria Hirashima. Work included painting, landscaping, spreading beauty bark and mulch, and general cleanup. “This was a great project to kick off the United Way campaign for 2012,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew. “Thanks to all for truly making a dif- ference in our community.” ---PAGE BREAK--- The City celebrated a major milestone in 2012 when it completed the purchase of the Sunnyside area water system from Snohomish County PUD, ensuring safe and reliable drinking water and an ample source for putting out fi res. The initial agreement to allow purchase of the system was agreed to between the City of Marysville and the PUD in the early 1990s, but for twenty years, completion of the deal had been stymied by a lack of legislative authority to transfer the system. So, City offi cials worked with the state Legislature to enact law to enable the purchase to proceed. City lead- ers wrote and successfully presented legislation that passed in 2011. In July, the City celebrated the signing of the purchase contract with the PUD. The work is just beginning, however. Conditions in the purchase contract require construction of system improvements between Marysville and the PUD to enable separation of the water systems of the two entities. Marysville engineering staff is working diligently to design and oversee construction of the necessary infrastructure to remain on deadline for the transac- tion. Citizens will see construction along 83rd Avenue, Sunnyside Boulevard and Soper Hill Road in the coming months. The water system transfer is planned for late 2013. Mayor Jon Nehring (425) 346-9472 [EMAIL REDACTED] Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Vaughan (360) 651-0805 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Stephen Muller (360) 657-4844 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Jeff Seibert (360) 659-2226 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Michael Stevens (425) 530-5646 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Rob Toyer (425) 760-9471 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Donna Wright (360) 659-7027 [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember Carmen Rasmussen (425) 328-9744 [EMAIL REDACTED] City of Marysville CityScene December 2012 2 Waste Management partners with police for ‘Waste Watch’ After receiving complaints from area residents and concerns from public safety offi cers, the City of Marysville worked with the Tulalip Tribes to clean up transient camps that had embedded in the area south of 116th Street NE, west of State Avenue NE. City crews worked with property owners to identify and clean up the camps this past summer. Some of the problems reported by public safety offi cials included numerous fi res endangering nearby homes and businesses and frequent criminal activity within the en- campments, creating safety issues for area residents and fi rst responders. In addition, City staff documented environmental concerns with garbage and sewage strewn throughout the area. Marysville Police and Public Works crews were active in the cleanup project, ultimately collecting over 180 tons of garbage and 200 tires for disposal. The City recognizes the plight of homeless individuals; however, the safety of its em- ployees, citizens and businesses remains a top priority, and the situation created too much risk to allow inaction. The City continues to work with area property owners to prevent illegal dumping and uses from reestablishing within the area. City clears 116th transient camps, citing public safety, fire, garbage concerns City proceeds with water utility construction in Sunnyside area Waste Management employee Stephen Jones contacted Marysville with an unusual re- quest. “We would like to partner with you to keep the city safe.” Th e City agreed to their request, which involves a new community safety program called “Waste Watch.” Marysville Police Lt. Darin Rasmussen coordinated the eff ort, which was expanded to include not only Waste Management, but also City of Marysville solid waste employees. Th e program involved training solid waste drivers to be watchful of their surroundings and enlist their support in a commitment to public safety. If they notice something amiss in their surroundings that could be indicative of criminal behavior, they are asked to contact Marysville Police for further investigation. Observant drivers can assist our trained police offi cers. It is part of a citywide eff ort to promote and enhance community safety. “Public safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Lt. Rasmussen explains. “People oft en feel that they are bothering the police when they call 911. Th at is simply not the case. Th e whole community suff ers when illegal behavior is ignored or toler- ated. What we are asking from the community is not to act as police offi cers, but to be involved and take action when they notice suspicious activity.” Waste Watch had its fi rst success within two weeks of the employee training. A Waste Management employee reported some observations during his route that resulted in an arrest by Marysville Police for illegal drug activity. Mayor’s Klatch Please RSVP by Monday, Jan. 7 to Esther Nicolas at (360) 363-8091 or email [EMAIL REDACTED]. Coffee and light refreshments provided compliments of HomeStreet Bank. 10:30-11:30 am Wednesday, Jan. 9 HomeStreet Bank, 1238 State Ave., in Safeway Plaza Free ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Marysville CityScene December 2012 Calendar Key December 2012 January 2013 City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall Community Events Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall Meetings Meetings 3 This summer Mayor Nehring appointed the Ken Baxter Community Center Advisory Committee to provide honest feedback to the City on the center, its services and offerings. The committee, composed of a mix of community center users, provided valuable feedback and sugges- tions on user satisfaction as well as constructive advice. Minutes from the meetings can be viewed on the city’s website. Overall, the committee reported satisfaction with facilities, staffi ng and service. Some of the key suggestions are: ◆ Relationship building/socialization - provide offerings that enhance this element. ◆ Park safety - enhance facility safety for evening classes and users. ◆ Online registration - this has been well-received by all age groups/great for busy families. ◆ Coordinate information concerning low cost meal service/ food banks. S M T W T F S City Council Work Session 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 Council Chambers, City Hall City Council Regular Meeting 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10 Council Chambers, City Hall Planning Commission 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 Council Chambers, City Hall for the Holidays & Electric Lights Parade 6:30 p.m. start Saturday, Dec. 1 State Avenue & Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave. Cedarcrest Golf Course Holiday Tour of Lights 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6-29 (Thur., Fri. and Sat.) Cedarcrest Golf Course, 6610 84th St. NE Committee forms to advise on Community Center services S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 29 29 30 1 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 29 29 30 1 31 Park Board, 7 p.m., Jennings Barn - Library Board, 4 p.m., Library - Civil Service Commission, 9:30 a.m., City Hall Diversity Advisory Committee, 3:30 p.m., City Hall Salary Commission, annually as necessary December 2012 Christmas Offi ces closed New Year’s Day Offi ces closed 6-9pm Thurs., Fri. & Sat. nights! Dec. 6 - 29 Cedarcrest Golf Course 6810 84th St. NE * Bonfi re * Music visit marysvillewa.gov for info Hop on board the Holiday Rotary Train through the “Tour of Lights” Fun for the entire family or the entire family Suggested donations: $3 child, $5 adult, $20 family * Holiday restaurant specials Work Session Regular Meeting Work Session Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Hearing Exam. Civil Service Fire Board MLK Jr. Day Offi ces closed Fire District Board, 7 p.m., Station #62 - Shoultes Recreation Programs Some meetings are subject to change, rescheduling or cancel- lation. For the most current information, contact the City Clerk’s Offi ce at (360) 363-8077, email [EMAIL REDACTED], or visit us on the web at marysvillewa.gov. Planning Comm. for the Holidays, Comeford Park 6:30pm Tour of Lights, Golf Course, 6-9pm Tour of Lights, Golf Course, 6-9pm Tour of Lights, Golf Course, 6-9pm Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Tour of Lights Coffee w/Mayor 10:30am HomeStreet Bank Marysville U class, 6:30pm City Hall Community Events Community Events ---PAGE BREAK--- Find it Fast Phone Directory City Services Mayor’s Offi ce City Council Executive City Clerk’s Offi ce Community Center Community Development Community Information Finance Fire District Golf Course (Cedarcrest) Human Resources Police & Public Safety (business calls) Public Library (Marysville Sno-Isle) Public Works/Engineering Parks & Recreation Business Information Business Licenses Chamber of Commerce - Marysville Chamber of Commerce - Arlington School Districts Marysville School District Lakewood School District Lake Stevens School District Marysville Area Utilities Water, Sewer, Garbage/Recycling Waste Management NW Comcast (cable, phone, broadband) Frontier (cable, phone, broadband) Wave Broadband (cable, ph., broadb.) Puget Sound Energy (natural gas) Electricity - PUD #1 of Sno. County 24-Hour Hotlines Emergency Alert Water/Sewer Emergencies (After Hours) City of Marysville * 1049 State Avenue Marysville, WA 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * marysvillewa.gov 363-8000 363-8000 363-8091 363-8000 363-8450 363-8100 363-8086 363-8000 363-8500 363-8460 363-8000 363-8300 651-5000 363-8100 363-8400 363-8202 659-7700 659-5453 653-7058 652-4500 (425) 659-5453 (360) 363-8001 (800) 592-9995 (800) 934-6489 (800) 921-8101 (866) 928-3123 (888) 225-5773 (425) 783-1000 363-8118 363-8100 911 Over the past decade, cities across Washington state have struggled to provide adequate funding for area roadways. Cities relied on motor vehicle excise taxes (MVET) to provide for street overlays and other road improvements. However, voter-approved initiatives cut or greatly reduced MVET, and historical funding sources have dried up. Combined with overall economic shrink- age, roadway maintenance has been largely discontinued or greatly reduced in cities across the state. Marysville is not alone in dealing with this challenge. One idea rolled out by Marysville govern- ment this year to help address deteriorat- ing roadways is the practice of “skim- ming.” Regular roadway overlays can cost $300,000-$400,000 per mile. Due to the high cost and limited city budget, overlays have not occurred for the past three years. Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen worried that continuing to deter needed maintenance would have dire fi nancial consequences in the years ahead, since ignored roadways could need major overlay or reconstruction if allowed to deteriorate beyond simple repair and maintenance. He proposed “skimming” as an interim solution, a process that uses the City’s paver to lay 1-1/2 inches of asphalt over travel lanes to fi ll potholes and protect the roadway from water. The practice can protect the road for 5 years. Mayor Nehring championed the proposal and the City Council authorized funds to complete work this summer. The Street Department completed 1.96 miles in skimming while staying under the Council’s budget of $100,000. When repaving a road’s too pricey, ‘skimming’ buys time City Public Works crews completed shoulder improvements along 67th Avenue NE and Sunnyside Boulevard this fall. The work was part of a Mayor-Council initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the Marysville area. Despite a diffi cult and constrained budget, the Council okayed funds to identify and improve walking/biking corridors along existing roadways. City staff identifi ed corridors where sidewalk gaps impeded safe walking, or a lack of shoulders forced pedestrians or bicyclists into the vehicle lane to avoid a ditch or gravel slope. With limited funds, city public works crews and engineering staff iden- tifi ed sections where re-striping, fi lling in sidewalk gaps, and paving shoulders could improve walking conditions. Improvements were completed south along 67th Avenue from SR528 south to 52nd Street, a highly traveled walking and biking area between the IGA/Thriftway Shopping Center and nearby neighborhoods. Another area targeted for minor improvements was Sunnyside Boulevard between 47th Avenue and 52nd Street. More improvements are ahead in 2013. Shoulder improvements on 67th, Sunnyside Blvd. offer safer travel Published by the City of Marysville, CityScene is new community newsletter that contains information on City issues, policies, events and programs. Every effort is made to ensure that the information printed in this publication is correct. Links to our social media sites are provided on the City website at marysvillewa.gov. To share your comments on this publication, contact Public Information Officer Doug Buell at (360) 363-8086 or email [EMAIL REDACTED]. 67th Avenue NE 47th Avenue by Public Safety Bldg.