MI Weekly

    A weekly update from the City of Mercer Island


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(For event details, visit the City's online calendar or click on a specific event)

MAYOR
Bruce Bassett
 
DEPUTY MAYOR 

Debbie Bertlin  

 

COUNCILMEMBERS 

Dan Grausz 

City of Mercer Island Website

Volunteer Opportunities 

Address
9611 SE 36th Street
Mercer Island, WA 98040

Phone
206.275.7600


Fax
206.275.7663


Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am to 5:00pm


Donations Requested 

The Mercer Island Food Pantry relies on your non-perishable food donations to keep the shelves stocked year-round.
Click for more info.
June 29, 2016 | Vol. 11 | No. 26
BurglariesMIPD Update on Recent Residential Burglaries
Burglary
Click to learn more about crime prevention
Over the past few weeks, there has been an increased level of residential burglaries on the Island, while the homes were occupied by the homeowner. This is certainly an upsetting situation for any resident, and can be frightening for neighbors too. No one wants to think their home is at risk, particularly if they are asleep.

However, according to MIPD, it appears that
each of these burglaries was preventable. Entry was made into the homes through an unlocked window or door, sometimes via the garage.
 
The MIPD reminds all residents about the City's LOCK IT or LOSE IT campaign, which employs various educational tools and outreach opportunities to help residents remember to lock doors and windows, even on upper floors. More than any other single behavior, this simple action dramatically decreases the risk of a home burglary attempt. There are many other easy crime prevention measures (such as outdoor lighting) that residents should consider - learn more here.
 
Now for some good news: thanks to some swift detective work by the MIPD, one of the suspects has been arrested with the help of surveillance footage, and identifiable stolen items were found in the Mercer Island condo where he lives. As is often the case during temporary crime surges of this nature, the same perpetrator may be responsible for several recent incidents. 
 
The MIPD asks that residents stay vigilant, and call 9-1-1 if there is suspicious activity in their neighborhood. 
FireworksFireworks Safety 2016
fireworks
Click for full information about fireworks rules on Mercer Island
As we edge closer to the Fourth of July, the City of Mercer Island wishes everyone a happy Independence Day; City facilities will be closed Monday July 4.  
 
This year the June weather has been much wetter than 2015: there's no drought emergency, and the upcoming holiday weekend may be cool and cloudy.
 
Residents are invited to attend the City's own big fireworks show at Summer Celebration on Saturday, July 9, at 10:15pm, in Luther Burbank Park.
 
Residents who do wish to use personal fireworks should know these important guidelines from the MI Fire and Police Departments to keep you, your family, and your friends safe... 
  • Only purchase fireworks from LEGAL consumer firework establishments.
  • Fireworks may be purchased on Mercer Island only between the dates of June 28 and July 4 (MICC 8.35).
  • The discharge of legal fireworks on Mercer Island is allowed on only ONE DAY: July 4, from 11am to 11pm (MICC 8.35).
  • Fireworks are PROHIBITED in public parks except as part of a duly authorized public firework display (MICC 9.30.070).
  • Fireworks are NOT ALLOWED on school property or at school sponsored events (MISD Policy #5114).
  • Visually inspect every firework you possess. Make sure fireworks look "safe and sane" to use. If fireworks look altered/illegal/unsafe, call 9-1-1 and have the Fire Department or Police Department inspect your fireworks.
  • Be responsible: you must clean up all debris when finished.
Click here for full information about fireworks safety, and Mercer Island regulations.
Summer_CelebrationSummer Celebration Only Ten Days Away
Click for detailed information
The City's annual two-day  Summer Celebration! Festival is next weekend, July 9 and 10, at Mercerdale and Luther Burbank Parks, offering activities for all ages and interests. This year's theme, Symphony of Summer, will offer a number of musical activities as well as all the usual crowd favorites.

Some events require registration ahead of time: we'll have narrated boat tours around the Island on Saturday July 9. Don't wait, all three sailings always sell out!

Plan ahead to avoid the lines at the ever-popular Children's Fun Zone inflatables by  purchasing a wristband in advance; sales begin July 1 at various price levels. 
   
Other Festival highlights include:
  • Community Parade
  • Live Music and Entertainment
  • Community Karaoke
  • Arts and Crafts Fair
  • Obliteride Kids Bike Ride
  • Boat Tours Around the Island
  • Children's Fun Zone
  • Saturday Fireworks 
  • Non-profit and Community Booths
  • Food Vendors
  • Carshow 
  • Swedish Pancake Breakfast
For a full printable (8x11") festival schedule, click here.
Click here for a map of the parade route and street closures.

One final note: due to some work delays this spring, the Washington State Department of Transportation will be implementing an eastbound I-90 lane closure from 11:00pm on Friday, July 8, to 5:00am Monday, July 11, for light rail preparations.
This means that all eastbound I-90 traffic from Seattle will be reduced to one lane near Rainier Avenue South, then rerouted to the express lanes. Mercer Island traffic will be able to exit at Island Crest Way or East Mercer Way. Depending on the time of day, some delays may be expected - learn more here
Mercer Island Goes Green
WateringHow to Water Gardens Efficiently
Click to learn more about
water conservation
Although this June hasn't been that hot, in our region, water use typically doubles from May through September, mostly for lawns and gardens.  Yet up to fifty percent of that water goes to waste due to runoff, over-watering, and simple evaporation.

Poor watering practices are also among the most common causes of plant problems: watering either too much or not enough produces weak plants that are susceptible to pests and diseases. Efficient irrigation can save this precious water for people, salmon and other wildlife; and using only what you need saves you a lot of money. Every drop counts.

Four central principles can help residents save water:
  • Group plants according to their water needs and sun tolerance
  • Build absorbent soil with compost and mulch
  • Water lawns separately from other plants
  • Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation on trees, shrubs, and planting beds (even a bucket with a small hole drilled in the bottom can serve as a simple solution) 
For more information, visit the City's water conservation webpage or call (206) 684-7283.

 

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

[email protected] or 206.275.7662.