News from Snohomish County Council

The County Council approved the use of federally subsidized bonds to stimulate the economy on Wednesday, March 31^st. $13 million will be available for county projects. Another $20 million will be made available to the private sector.

"The $13 million in county projects will build important infrastructure projects while reducing costs for Snohomish County residents," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "We need these jobs now."

Snohomish County plans to complete capital improvements including several at the Snohomish County Fairgrounds and public-safety roads projects. Both will provide temporary and permanent jobs while stimulating growth throughout the county.

"Most of these projects will be constructed by private sector firms, creating private sector jobs," noted Gossett. "By making $20 million more available for private sector projects even more jobs will be created."

The county's Economic Development Division will solicit proposals through a competitive bid process for distributing the $20 million. Private-sector businesses assume full responsibility for payment of this bond debt, but funds will be available for capital improvements in different sectors including the aerospace and biotech industries as well agricultural improvements and renewable energy projects.

Since the ARRA was approved by Congress, Snohomish County has received more than $41 million in grants for projects including transportation improvements, public safety services and human services offered to residents. More than 500 part-time and full-time jobs have been created in Snohomish County from federal recovery funding.

Cascadian Walkway Improvements Completed

The walkway project on Cascadian Way between 164^th St SW and Meridian Ave S. has recently been completed. The county is continuing to work on expanding the network of walkways and sidewalks in neighborhoods along the 164^th corridor.

"During 2008 and 2009 walkways and sidewalks were constructed along East Shore Drive, 155^th St SE/SW, and 2^nd Ave W," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Completing the Cascadian Way walkway creates a network that allows persons to safely walk to Martha Lake Park, McCollum Park, and the soon to be opened Martha Lake Airport Park."

Martha Lake Airport Park is scheduled to open in summer of 2010. The park will include soccer and baseball fields, picnic facilities, a skateboard park, and play area.

"Similar walkway improvements are planned for 2011-12 for Meadow Road between 148^th St and Meridian," noted Gossett. "This walkway will connect to the Martha Lake Airport Park and the rest of the system."

Before and after photos of the Cascadian improvements are shown below.

Citizens Honored by DUI Task Force

The Snohomish County DUI and Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Force recently recognized local citizens for their contributions toward traffic safety in 2009. Categories and award recipients include:

Community Champions

Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnik; Central Welding Manager Ken Berge; R & R Star Towing Owner Dan Kelleher & employees Robert Staggs, Kori Payne, and Tom Payne; Top Notch Towing Owner Bill Blackburn; SNOPAC Dispatcher Michelle Moore; and South District Court Legal Assistant Shirley McWayne.

Traffic Safety Innovation and Dedication

Lynnwood Police Sergeant Wayne Davis and Officer Mark Brinkman; Tulalip Tribal Police Sergeant Ken Johnson; Everett Police Department Lieutenant Mike Francowiak and Sergeant Ken Dorn; Washington State Patrol NEET Team: Sergeant Kris Schweigert and Troopers Derek Anderson, Joel Anderson, Jason Bart, Will Collier, Sean Templeton, and Mark Ward.

Voices of Victims

DUI Victim Panel Speakers: Jan Schemenauer, Adrian Paytayon, Aida Stump, Becky Banghart, Dawn Bruce, Dee Lawrence, Detective Craig Davis, Emily & Fred Zylstra, Grant Fosheim, Jim Swearengin, John & Karen Elliott, Kathy Davis, Lynda Pichler, Mary Olson, Rick Griffin, and Terri Deffries.

Youth Traffic Safety

SCSO "Drive It Home" Program: Detectives Al Baker, Scot Fenter, Joe Goffin, Doug Gold, George Metcalf, Deputy John Cummings, Medical Examiner Shannon Impett and special moms (Sue Crolley, Kathy Davis, Jenny Lutz and Aida Stump).

SCSO Explorer Post #207: Captain Cassandra Kazcka, Lieutenant Dimitri Rondorf and parent advisors Cherie Kazcka and Brenda Rondorf.

Snohomish High School Driver's Education Program teacher: Sherry Weatherby.

Leaders in Law Enforcement

Arlington Police Officer Mike McQuoid; Edmonds Police Department Officers Linda Mack and Steve Harbinson; Everett Police Detective Craig Davis; Lake Stevens Officer Wayne Aukerman; Lynnwood Police Officers Chris Breault and Dennis Molloy; and Marysville Police Officer James Maples; Mill Creek Sergeant Mike Reidt; Monroe Police Officers Javier Patton and Michael Young; Mountlake Terrace Officer Brian Osborne; Mukilteo Police Officer Alicia Quindt; Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Deputy John Cummings; Snohomish Police Officer Carl Whalen; and Troopers Debra Shearer and Jeffrey Leonard.

Task Force Ambassadors

Officer Darryl Stamey - Monroe Police; Joie Worthen - Mountlake Terrace Police; Jim Swearengin - Snohomish County Public Works; Conrad Thompson - DUI & Target Zero Task Force Chair; Jan Schemenauer - DUI Victim Panel Coordinator.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lynn McCormick: Former Cascade District Court probation officer for 15 years from 1994-2009, DUI Task Force coordinator from 1992-1994 and former alcohol and drug treatment counselor from 1977 to present.

Gayle Whitsell Award

Janice Ellis: Former Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney, for being a huge traffic safety and victim advocate. Ellis supported all traffic safety activities and events including the DUI Victims Memorial Wall.

Norma Thompson Award

Washington State Patrol Trooper Sean Templeton: For removing 264 impaired drivers in 2009 on 164 night shifts.

"Congratulations to all the winners," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Their hard work has made all of us and our families safer."

For more information, contact Tracy McMillan, Snohomish County DUI and Target Zero Task Force Coordinator, at Tracy.McMillan@co.snohomish.wa.us.

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