Logo
Councilmember Dave Gossett April 23, 2009
QUICK LINKS
Dave Gossett's eNews
Branch2
 
 
Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
 
Office: 8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
 

Automated Field Reporting System Helps Deputies Fight Crime 
 

During last fall's budget deliberations the Sheriff's office presented a proposal for an Automated Field Reporting (AFR) system to the Council.  AFR connects computers in deputy's squad cars to the central records system.  The result: deputies have instant access to information and the ability to file reports directly from their vehicles.

"Having access to this information increases public and officer safety," said Councilmember Dave Gossett.  "Deputies will know if there is a history of violence or other prior offenses tied the call they're responding to."

Direct filing of reports, without making multiple paper copies, will allow Deputies to focus on apprehending criminals and crime prevention instead of paperwork.

"In testimony before the County Council individual deputies recounted all the ways it would help them do their jobs," noted Gossett.  "But the $1.5 million price tag, at a time of budget cuts, was a problem.  As a way of moving forward I sponsored a budget note to have the Sheriff and Finance Department work on a long range financing plan and bring it back to the Council."

SNOPAC, the dispatching agency for 911 calls for the Sheriff's Office, City of Everett, and most north and east cities, needed a replacement for its old Records Management System (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatching System (CAD).  SNOPAC has come forward with a true win-win solution.

SNOPAC Communications is currently in contract negotiations with New World Systems for an RMS/AFR/JMS system (records management/automated field reporting/jail management system).  This provides an opportunity to solve multiple issues at the same time for the agencies they serve.

"This system will not only address SNOPAC's needs for RMS and CAD, but also provides the automated field reporting system our deputies need," said Gossett.  "Needed replacement of the aging jail management system is also included."

The new system will be purchased by SNOPAC.  In preparation for this technology investment SNOPAC has been setting aside funds in conjunction with their capital improvement program.  As a result, the project will not cost Snohomish County anything more than current SNOPAC assessments. 

 
 

Brier Dedicates New Skate Park

 
Officials from Snohomish County and the cities of Brier and Mountlake Terrace were on hand April 19 to dedicate the skate park, the newest recreational amenity at Brier Park.  The county's growing youth population was the impetus for providing additional parks and recreation opportunities

"We're excited to have been able to contribute dollars toward this skate park," said Councilmember Dave Gossett.  "Our families and youth need recreational opportunities and this is one of many other parks improvements this year to meet that need."

The county joined with the cities of Brier and Mountlake Terrace in funding the project.  County funds came from impact fees collected from development that are designated specifically to be used for regional parks improvements.  The County Council approved the funding for the project in June 2008.

"Impact fees allow new residential construction to pay for a share of infrastructure in order to lessen the effect of growth on existing residents," said Gossett.  "Joining forces with Mountlake Terrace and Brier really allowed us to leverage those dollars."

The Skate Park is a 16,800 square foot above ground ramp design.  The park includes a series of ramps of varying heights and platforms along with curb railings. 

BRIER PARK, 2901 228th Street SW, Brier WA

 

 
 

Snohomish County and Bothell Partner on Centennial Park

 
In 1997 the Snohomish County Council awarded Bothell a Conservation Futures Grant in the amount of 2.9 million dollars to purchase the 54-acre park located along 208th Street SE and 9th Avenue SE.  The Conservation Futures program is an effort to preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive properties. 

"Last Saturday's dedication of Centennial Park was twelve years in the making," said Councilmember Dave Gossett.  "The County was instrumental in protecting this open space resource for passive recreation."

In accordance with the requirements of the Conservation Futures Grant the park features natural greenery, wetlands and wildlife habitat.  In 2008 the 106-year-old North Creek Schoolhouse, one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses in Snohomish County, was relocated to Centennial Park.  The North Creek Schoolhouse will be the site of an interpretive center for visitors.  Current plans also include a meeting room in the Schoolhouse.
  
"Centennial Park represents the long standing commitment of Snohomish County to provide parks and open spaces for our citizens," said Gossett.  "It would not have been possible without the county and City of Bothell working together to pool resources."

The City of Bothell intends to construct the park in several phases.  The first phase, now complete, includes a paved parking lot, trails, utilities, picnic tables and shelter, and restrooms.  Next phases include additional trails, wetland restoration, boardwalks, bridges, overlooks, shelters, and the restoration of the North Creek Schoolhouse.  The City estimates cost for full build out is $3 million over a six-year period.

CENTENNIAL PARK, 1129 208th St. SE, Bothell, WA

 
I hope you found this eNEWSLETTER informative and useful. You can make it even more valuable by suggesting topics and issues for future newsletters. Please contact me at 425-388-3494, or e-mail Dave.Gossett@snoco.org. If you would like to share this newsletter, select the Forward email link below.
Sincerely,
 
Dave Gossett
Snohomish County Council