Council Approves Dreamlifter Operations Center

On Monday, February 13^th the County Council took action to support aerospace jobs in Snohomish County when it approved a contract for the design of a Dreamlifter Operations Center and an exclusive option to lease land at the Snohomish County Airport.

"Having the Dreamlifter Operations Center at Paine Field is a real coup," said County Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Not only does it provide jobs now, but it is a strong indicator of future jobs growth."

The Dreamlifter Operations Center (DOC) is projected to include a warehouse facility that will be used for storage and maintenance, office space, three individual ramps sized to accommodate Dreamlifter aircraft, and an on-site fueling system.

Paine Field Airport staff will manage the design contract using a competitive Request For Proposal process. Boeing will be responsible for funding all DOC design work. Boeing has the option to terminate the predevelopment contract at any time during design of the DOC or if the final DOC construction bid exceeds the contractor's estimate by ten percent (10%). The company will remain responsible for full payment of any design costs incurred prior to any termination.

"The design contract is just the first step," noted Gossett. "We anticipate that following the design phase Boeing and Snohomish County will enter into a land and building lease that will fully reimburse the airport for all DOC construction expenses."

The airport will construct the Dreamlifter Operations Center. All construction will be financed by county General Obligation Bonds. The debt service on the bonds will be fully funded with building and land lease revenues from the Dreamlifter Operations Center.

"Having the Dreamlifter Operations Center located at the airport will provide unique operational efficiencies for Boeing in producing the 787," said Gossett. "This is another important step to retain and create family wage jobs in Snohomish County."

Health District Recognizes Winners of Food Safety Awards

Snohomish County's top public health officials recognized six local food establishments for excelling in food safety practices in 2011. The county's Health Officer and Health Board presented Excellence Award plaques to the winners in a ceremony on Tuesday, February 14^th.

The Snohomish Health District created the Excellence Awards program in 1989 as a positive reinforcement of its restaurant and food service inspection program. The public health agency's 10 food facility inspectors work with more than 3,300 food service establishments in the county-from espresso stands and taco wagons to sit-down restaurants. Inspectors also monitor food preparation at 25 local fairs and festivals during the summer months. Each operation must meet strict health standards for sanitation to maintain its permit.

"It's important to all of us that we can be confident that when we eat out the food is safely prepared," said County Councilmember Dave Gossett. "The Health District's health inspectors do a great job of making sure that happens. This awards ceremony is a chance to recognize some of the local food establishments that are truly outstanding."

A 24 member food advisory panel of industry peers considered 36 food service establishments nominated by health district inspectors. The panel includes restaurant owners, operators, and chefs.

2011 Excellence Award categories and winners:

Full Menu Establishment

The Cellar Restaurant; Cheryl Price, food & beverage manager;

Smokey Point Properties, owner; 16710 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223

Fast Service Establishment

Taqueria El Rinconsito; Jose Guzman, owner;

607 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208

Limited Menu Establishment

Starbucks Coffee Company #2809; Nicole Stoddard, manager;

Starbucks Corporation, owner; 3000 184^th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Grocery Store

QFC #850; Pamela Franklin, store manager;

QFC, owner; 22833 Bothell Way SE, Bothell, WA 98021

School/Industry/Institution

Frank Love Elementary; Pam Kline, kitchen manager; Linda Hoel, manager of food and nutrition services;

Northshore School District; 303 224^th St SW, Bothell, WA 98021

Temporary Food Establishment

Lights of Christmas; Scott Rossiter, manager;

Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center, owner; 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, 98292

"I want to congratulate all the owners and staff who won awards," said Gossett. "I also think we need to recognize the great job Health District staff and all our restaurants do in making sure we have safe eating conditions."

The Snohomish Health District offers important information on food safety risks and how to control them to establishments countywide. For more information on this and other health issues go to www.snohd.org.