In late October, Mayor Bruce Bassett began outreach to other Lake Washington mayors to garner support for decisive outcomes from Governor Inslee's climate planning process. The Governor's bi-partisan Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup (CLEW), is scheduled to make recommendations this month on actions to meet state climate commitments.

As a result of coalition-building by Mayor Bassett and Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride, and with extensive support from King County Executive Dow Constantine's office, a total of 9 regional leaders signed a December 5 letter endorsing an approach to greenhouse gas reduction that is bold, comprehensive, and that uses a market-based solution (i.e. cap-and-trade or carbon tax).

Click here to read the entire letter.
Click here to read the joint press release.

This effort is part of the City's expanding commitment to use a variety of tools to address the impacts of climate change through local action and programs on the Island, and regionally through influence in policy arenas. Learn more about the City's sustainability programs here.

Earthquake Awareness Seminar Tomorrow

Click to view the Mercer Island seismic hazard map

The Seattle Times recently published a story about new research from the University Of Washington revealing a much greater possibility of "earthquake-triggered landslides" in the region, including on Mercer Island.

On Thursday night December 19, building official Don Cole, the City's staff expert on these matters, will be discussing this subject and the hazards Mercer Island residents will face when an earthquake happens here.

The free presentation is from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at City Hall Council Chambers. To see the City's existing online seismic hazard map, click here.

A Canine Christmas Story

Betty says she plans to celebrate Christmas indoors this year

On December 9, MIPD Officer Anna Ormsby received a phone call from resident Jan Noone, reporting a missing five year-old Boston terrier (Betty) with a seizure condition. Given the unusually cold weather, and the dog's minimal fur coat, time was of the essence.

The Noone family printed flyers, and Officer Ormsby joined them, along with friends and neighbors, to launch a search. A pet tracker found a scent, but only for a few blocks. As darkness fell, concern grew, and the family continued searching throughout the night, with no success.

Later the following day, a nearby neighbor arrived holding Betty in his arms. He explained that his neighbors' daughter had been checking up on her parents' house while they were away, and had found Betty sheltering under the porch. Unaware of the search effort, she was preparing to take the dog to the vet for help, when she learned of the whole story. Betty was dirty, scratched up, and too weak to walk, but has been nursed back to health over the last few days, and according to a follow-up report by Officer Ormsby, made a full recovery.

The Noone's would like to thank the entire community and MIPD for their support and help with publicity and searching for Betty. What a great Christmas present ...and that's one very lucky dog!

Holiday Tree Recycling Options

The City will chip your tree for free

As the holiday season winds down, many Islanders are left with the task of disposing of holiday trees. The City encourages Island residents to recycle their trees and suggests choosing one of the following options:

Tree Chipping

The City's annual holiday tree chipping service is offered through Monday, January 6 for MI Residents only. Undecorated holiday trees can be brought to the City Maintenance Shop at 9601 SE 36th Street during daylight hours where staff will chip the tree (free of charge) and re-purpose it for use in City parks, trails, and open spaces. For safety, leave your tree in the designated location only. When dropping off your holiday tree for chipping:

Remove tree stands
Remove all ornaments and lights
Deliver your tree only during daylight hours
Note: No flocked or artificial trees will be accepted
Note: No garbage or other yard waste will be accepted

Tree Collection

All curbside yard waste customers can set holiday trees out on their regularly scheduled collection day. Trees must be free of flocking, tinsel, ornaments, and metal hangers, cut to 4-foot lengths, and tied into bundles less than 2 feet by 3 feet. Use biodegradable string or twine to secure bundles instead of nylon, plastic, or other synthetic materials. (Note: Flocked trees are not recyclable and will not be accepted; put flocked trees in the garbage.)

For more information about holiday tree services, contact the Maintenance Department at (206) 275-7608.

City Permit Fees to Increase

Permit fees to change

Effective January 1, 2014 as set by Resolution Number 1474, The City's Development Services Group will be increasing some fees for certain permits.

To refer to the Development and Construction Permit Fee Schedule, click here.

For questions and comments on the MI Weekly, contact
Sustainability & Communications Manager Ross Freeman at

ross.freeman@mercergov.org or 206.275.7662.