SPRING 2022 | FREE
in the
Finding delight in Issaquah Highlands’ outdoor art and trails 3 Directory
Inside This Issue
18-21 Homeowners Association
4-7 Feature: Art in the Wild
22 On the Blog
8-9 Special: Trails
23 Fiber Network
ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON
11 Community Engagement
25 School Spotlight
13 Highlands Youth
27 Civic Engagement
15 Volunteers of the Month
29 Get Involved
17 What's Happening
30 Green Homes
2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD
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Editor's Note
As the weather heats up, so do our calendars. Just as spring arrives, it seems like life gets busier. It’s easy to take some things for granted when we have so much on our to-do lists. This issue of Connections invites you to slow down and discover a new appreciation for two of our community’s unique features – our collection of outdoor public art and our miles of trails. We hope you’ll be curious enough to read on and maybe even get outside and see for yourself. Don’t miss our new “Art in the Wild Adventure” scavenger hunt (see page 5) for family fun at your own pace. You’ll definitely want to pace yourself as you read through this packed issue. The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) would like homeowners to review the 2022-2023 master budget ahead of the Budget Ratification Meeting later this month (pages 20-21). Consider if you’d like to run for the IHCA Board of Directors this year (if you live in Districts 2, 4, and 6 – see page 18). Don't miss important updates from the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, Highlands Fiber Network, the Issaquah School District, and more. After more than five years at Highlands Council, this is my last issue of Connections. Being a part of Highlands Council was a joy and a pleasure. It all started with a desire to connect more deeply with my community, walking into Blakely Hall to ask about volunteer opportunities. I was warmly welcomed and encouraged to share my talents; the rest is history. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in our community, don’t hesitate. Look online at issaquahhighlands.com/for-residents/get-involved or simply walk into Blakely Hall – you won’t regret it.
Vicki Grunewald | Highlands Council Media Editor
A Neighborly View Resident Photographer Richard Chung
Issaquah Highlands Neighborhood Dahlia Park About the Photo "On that evening, as I walked around the pond next to the Bark Park, the sky started turning light pink. After I walked one round, the sky quickly turned to brilliant red."
Community Management Directory More information available at issaquahhighlands.com
Issaquah Highlands Community Association
Our Dedicated Homeowners Association Executive Director: Sarah Hoey 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 425-427-9257 | 425-223-8887 (After Hours Only) asktheihca@ihcommunity.org payments@ihcommunity.org
Highlands Council
Highlands Fiber Network
Community-Owned Fiber to the Home General Manager: Jeremy Fallt 2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) Customer Service: 425-427-0999 support@hfnservices.com General Inquiries: 425-394-4184 jfallt@hfn.org highlandsfibernetwork.com
Issaquah Highlands Community Fund
A Community-Building Organization Acting Executive Director: Lindsey Pinkston
A Philanthropic Community Organization
2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) 425-507-1107 info@ihcouncil.org
425-507-1107 president@ihcommunityfund.org issaquahhighlandscommunityfund.org
Have questions or concerns? Visit issaquahhighlands.com/contact-us or contact the appropriate community organization directly. Get weekly Issaquah Highlands updates to your inbox! Text IHNEWS to 22828 to signup. Get social with us!
Share your "Neighborly View" with Issaquah Highlands media! Email your high-resolution photograph taken in Issaquah Highlands and first and last name to Katie Cannon at katie.c@ihcouncil.org. Highlands Council may share your photo in print Connections or on official Issaquah Highlands digital media channels.
By Community, For Community Connections is a nationally-recognized community publication produced mostly by Issaquah Highlands residents, including volunteer contributors, edited and published by Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship, and well-being. JOIN THE CONNECTIONS TEAM Interested in volunteering your skills or pitching a story? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council program manager, at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org. ADVERTISE IN CONNECTIONS Print ad sizes in every price range; digital advertising opportunities are also available. Contact Highlands Council at info@ihcouncil.org. SUBMIT A FREE ANNOUNCEMENT For Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at issaquahhighlands.com/news/connections/ announcements. MORE INFORMATION issquahhighlands.com/news/connections Opinions expressed by editorial or paid content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council. Highlands Council may refuse content that does not meet quality standards or reflect the organization's mission.
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2021 Volunteer of the Year
ALLEN Introduction by Amy Dukes Arts Program Administrator, City of Issaquah, and Roanoke Woods Resident Have you ever taken a walk or stopped at a traffic signal, noticed a piece of artwork placed nearby, and wondered, “How did that get there?” We live in a region filled with visual pops of art woven throughout our urban, suburban, and even rural landscape. Issaquah and King County have art ordinances that make this rich tapestry of public art possible. Most municipal construction projects in our area have a “set aside” for public art in their budgets, so art can enhance the project (in the city’s capital projects, it is 0.5%). Sometimes public art takes the form of a stand-alone art piece, like a sculpture, and sometimes it is an artistic element in a stair railing, an artistic gate or fence, or an artist-designed pattern in sidewalk or flooring. No matter what the form, public art helps build a sense of place and hopefully assures you that someone thoughtfully created the site or landscape, enhancing your overall experience. Or, maybe art just makes you go, “Hm, what is that?” That’s OK, too, because art can also be a catalyst for thought, wondering, and contemplation. Art can tell a story of a place or express ideas and emotions visually; it doesn’t always have to be pleasing or pretty, and sometimes it is all of these things at once — that’s the superpower of art. Issaquah Highlands is home to many public artworks "in the wild": in our parks, on public facilities, along trails, and adorning traffic signal utility boxes. This art was commissioned by the city, King County, regional agencies, and even private developers and created by professional public artists and community members. We are fortunate to have art in so many forms in our community, and there is always room for more. I hope you enjoy learning about some of the public artworks that call Issaquah Highlands home and appreciate them even more now as you walk, ride, and explore.
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The Under
By Jean Whitesavage “Understory” Artist
Story “Understory” artists Jean Whitesavage, left, and Nick Lyle
In 2001, when Sound Transit selected Nick Lyle and me to be the artists on the Sunset/I-90 project, the city of Issaquah was small, quaint, and rural with a few blocks of homes, one health food store, a small fishery, a funeral parlor, and a historic main street. We did not receive a proposed artwork site; the construction project was over 1.5 miles long. Our work is always site-specific; this project challenged us to find meaning in a body of work with a theme. For our research, we hiked Tiger Mountain and the Tradition Plateau trails. We found the plants in this Northern Cascade woodland interesting and beautiful. We felt a kinship with understory plants occurring in this imposing landscape of tall conifers and iconic mountains and decided to create oversized portraits of several species of these plants and place them along the proposed hiking/biking trail. They would act as signage for a personal journey along the trail. We also wished for some pieces to be seen from the road by vehicles, announcing the nearby trail. Perhaps when walking in the woods, people would notice the plant life that carpeted the ground. At that time, we had several helpers in our busy studio and completed the eight large sculptures ahead of the Washington Department of Transportation’s schedule. In 2002, we arranged to exhibit the work inside the beautiful space of Union Station in Seattle. Later, we stored it at Sound Transit headquarters until the completion of the road construction portion of the project. A year later, we determined which pieces would go where along the trail and highway. At this point, these large sculptures had personalities that helped determine their locations; they had taken on a life of their own and now would become integrated with this newly built environment.
Two decades later, the extensive planting along the trail and highway has filled in, and the sculptures have integrated with their surroundings and been repainted. The tough environment of road traffic and weather greatly impacts those more exposed to the highway. The extensive development of housing and commerce has changed the small-town Issaquah that we first encountered years ago. It is good to know the growing Issaquah Highlands community enjoys these sculptures and that they are everyday characters in this environment. As artists, we are infatuated with the beautiful life forms on this planet and use their images to make our sculptures. There is a cycle of nurturing that occurs when we focus on plants, study them, and live with them. Our public artworks interact with both rural and urban settings. Public art adds texture to the built environment. Public art can play a big role in place-making, creating a gathering space or a place for relaxation and tranquility. We need places to decompress from daily stresses and nurture our sense of wonder. We live on Whidbey Island in the woods, where we built our home and studio. We have a large metal fabrication shop with an adjoining forge for hot metalwork. There is also a painting studio for hand-finishing our sculptures. We have been working in forged steel for more than 30 years. We established our business partnership in 1992 and have created numerous public and private commissions in the U.S. We are working on several commissions in 2022. “Oso-Plum,” one of eight “Understory” sculptures, is located at the intersection of the Rainier and Issaquah-Preston trails.
Launching April 1!
Adventure
Embark on an exciting journey to explore Issaquah Highlands’ outdoor art using your smartphone. This fun, 10-stop adventure will lead you to solve puzzles while visiting and learning about the outdoor art pieces unique to this community, one location at a time. Complete the adventure by visiting all 10 stops to win prizes throughout the summer. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/art-adventure.
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Art
Guide
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1
Title: Ashland Park Designer: Milenko Matanovic Year: 1996 Location: Intersection of 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Katsura Street. Description: Artist Milenko Matanovic designed Ashland Park, Issaquah Highlands’ first park, as a living example of the community’s guiding principles he helped to develop, including environmental stewardship and community building. Many of the materials used are local or reclaimed. Milenko incorporated a carved 65foot cedar totem pole to “celebrate” the focal point of the park where the surrounding four roads converged. Surrounding boulders and stones in the seating walls were recovered from the park itself or nearby construction sites. The park also includes a unique fountain and carved light posts. A grassy hillside provides a natural amphitheater to admire the park’s aesthetic and promote community gatherings. Ashland Park was designed to be art as a place rather than as an object. While the materials used require more regular maintenance, Milenko believes naturally occurring materials and hand-crafted designs create more local character.
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Title: Glacial Façade Artist: Ned Kahn Year: 2006 Location: Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride Description: Making up a significant portion of the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride exterior, this kinetic artwork is an abstract version of the Vashon Glacier that moved through Issaquah 15,000 years ago. Each steel square is uniquely textured and moves in its own distinct way in the natural wind. According to the Californiabased artist, “Glacial Façade’s surface undulates in the breeze as if made of cloud or water. Matching the drama of the site and marrying the inspiration to technical invention, Kahn’s artwork presents a constantly changing face to the daily commuter and one-time visitor alike, and transforms a simple concrete structure into a luminous presence…”
3 Title: Understory (includes eight individual artworks) Artist: Jean Whitesavage, Nick Lyle Year: 2003 Location: Trails alongside Highlands Drive Northeast Description: Commissioned by Sound Transit in 2002, the eight steel sculptures that make up the “Understory” collection were inspired by the understory plants that grow in our local forests. At the time of commission, the artists did not know exactly where their pieces would go as the entire site was under construction. In their research, the Whidbey Islandbased artists hiked Tiger Mountain and the Tradition Plateau trails and found themselves admiring the understory plants. “We felt a kinship with understory plants that occur in this imposing landscape of tall conifers and iconic mountains. We decided to create oversized portraits of several species of these plants and place them along the proposed hiking/biking trail. They would act as signage for a personal journey along the trail." Read the full story from artist Jean Whitesavage on page 5.
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Title: Community Pillars Designer: Hewitt Architects/ Dillon Works Year: 2014 Location: Grand Ridge Plaza, between Big Fish Grill and Regal Description: Master Developer Port Blakely commissioned this sculpture to “celebrate the collaborative vision of Port Blakely Communities, the City of Issaquah, and the Issaquah Community in creating the sustainable urban village of Issaquah Highlands.” The three steel pillars, ranging from 6 to 12 feet in height, each represent a different native tree — cedar, fir, and maple — and pay homage to Issaquah’s forested mountains and Port Blakely’s work as a forestry company.
Title: Multiple artworks Artist: Ed McCarthy Year: 2021 Location: High Street Linear Park, located in the Westridge neighborhood Description: While the newest Issaquah Highlands park is not yet open to the public, you can glimpse some of its artworks from the street outside the park. According to the artist, Westridge developer, Taylor Morrison, wanted some large sculptures for the park and selected these steel pieces from the artist’s existing portfolio (the artworks were previously displayed in Kirkland). The artist intended the collection to be welcoming and friendly,and described some individual pieces as “whimsical in shape.” According to the artist, “All the sculptures are based on city objects, and they take on the shape of a human form in one way or another.”
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Title: High Summer Artist: Fred Lisaius Year: 2018 Location: Intersection of Northeast Park Drive and 10th Avenue Northeast Description: Artist Fred Lisaius’s work “explores our relationship with nature and to each other.” “High Summer,” is part of the city of Issaquah’s utility box art program; the material used is graffiti- and weather-resistant and does not affect the utility box’s function. Four utility boxes in Issaquah Highlands are part of this program.
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Title: Miracle Grow Artist: Leon White Year: 2005 Location: On Park Drive Northeast, across from Fire Station #73 Description: According to the city, which originally purchased the piece, this artwork consists of four powdercoated steel sculptures, ranging from 8 to 14 feet in height. The artist was inspired by the flowers in his garden, particularly irises.
Guide
Title: Shadow Maker Artist: Michael Sweeney Year: 2004 Location: Central Park Description: Located on a traffic island in Central Park, the sculpture creates a focal point in the park. According to the artist, “the rectangular opening of the piece provides a framed vista, drawing the eye through the sculpture to the view beyond.” While the artist intended the sculpture to be kinetic, it never functioned properly, and the artist passed away before the piece could be reworked. According to Amy Dukes, “The [city] arts commission has looked at the possibility of making it truly kinetic and received estimates, but it is cost-prohibitive at this time.”
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Title: Wind Fence Artist: Lydia Aldredge Year: 2018 Location: Central Park Description: According to the city of Issaquah, the trail network linking the city with surrounding mountains and lakes inspired the artist to create this powder-coated aluminum and steel sculpture, its undulating form suggesting a hillside trail through the forest. The piece was dismantled in 2021 to address some welding issues and should be reinstalled this spring.
10 Title: Untitled Water Tower Sculpture Artist: Milenko Matanovic Year: Late 90s Location: 1907 NE Park Drive Description: Created to improve the view of the water tower as seen from homes across the street, the abstract sculpture alludes to the sun, clouds, and rain. The brushed stainless-steel material reflects light; the sculpture’s color evolves depending on how it catches the sunlight.
Grand Ridge Plaza
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Locator
Map
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Title: Untitled Artist: Denny Croston Year: 2012 Location: Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive Description: The Issaquah Highlands community honored Vicki Stier, Port Blakely vice president, and former executive director of the IHCA and Highlands Council, with this sculpture when she retired in 2012. Issaquah artist, Denny Croston, created the sculpture; he specializes in creating yard art made from scrap metal and discarded items.
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SPECIAL SECTION
CARING for Our
By Vicki Grunewald Highlands Council Media Editor & Harrison Street Resident From beautiful vista-filled trails in Grand View or Village Green Trail parks to the forested dirt paths of Grand Ridge Park, Issaquah Highlands trails are a well-known draw for homeowners and visitors alike. While we use our community’s trails this season, it’s important to remember these amenities require regular attention, care, and advocacy to stay safe and enjoyable for everyone. These organizations do critical work to maintain and preserve our trails; consider how you can do your part to help them protect our trails for current and future generations.
ISSAQUAHHIGHLANDS.COM
King County is responsible for the maintenance and management of Grand Ridge Park and its 12 miles of trail, a portion of which runs through Issaquah Highlands. The mixed-use trail is popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Cedars, sword ferns, nettles, and berries line the trail, and the surrounding habitat is home to various wildlife. To maintain such a popular, forested trail, King County does a variety of seasonal work, targets specific issues, and partners with the WTA as needed (the WTA built seven miles of the trail). Springtime means power-brushing trail shoulders to curb vegetation and improve sightlines. In the fall, parks employees remove fallen leaves from trails and drainage areas. Removing downed limbs and trees is year-round work, especially after big storms. King County regularly inspects signage, removes trash, and works with the King County Sheriff’s Office to address unauthorized or illegal activities.
Issaquah Parks and Community Services Department, Maintenance
Learn More
This spring, learn more about how each of these organizations helps to maintain our local trails at issaquahhighlands.com/news.
The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) landscape and maintenance teams work in conjunction with the city of Issaquah and King County parks and recreation departments to ensure the trails intersecting the community are free of debris and ready for public enjoyment. The IHCA (the Issaquah Highlands homeowners association) maintains multiple trails throughout the community, including the West Highlands Park loop, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Trail, and the Village Green Trail Park trail. General trail maintenance by the IHCA landscape and maintenance teams includes removing trash, clearing vegetation from pathways, and trimming overgrown vegetation. Learn about the IHCA’s recent trail improvement project on page 19.
Washington Trails Association The Washington Trails Association (WTA) has partnered with King County for more than 20 years to build, maintain, and preserve trails. The WTA has helped develop and maintain the Grand Ridge Park trail since 2000. The organization hosts year-round “work parties” where volunteers as young as age 10 work together to perform trail work. Between 2016 and 2020, WTA hosted 179 work parties on the Grand Ridge Park trail, involving more than 3,000 volunteers. Generally, WTA volunteers do a variety of trail work to keep trails in good condition for future hikers, bikers, and equestrians, including building bridges and rock walls, improving drainage, and cutting back brush. According to the WTA, volunteering on the trail “helps you understand what goes into caring for the trails. Trails aren’t just paths in the woods; they are intentional systems that require care and attention.”
Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Founded in 1979, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club was one of the original local conservation groups to favor the development of Issaquah Highlands, as master developer Port Blakely agreed to preserve four acres of open space for every one acre of developed property. IATC’s mission is to “preserve, protect, and promote the Issaquah Alps [including Grand Ridge] by leading hikes, maintaining trails, and advocating for land conservation.” According to the IATC, unfriendly development, logging, trail deterioration, and over-use make their mission more important than ever. They partner with local entities and conservation organizations to address these issues. This year, IATC hopes to host a series of hikes to “help young people connect with our amazing lands and find new ways to make the outdoors a natural part of their lives.”
Report Concerns IHCA trails
Call 425-427-9257 (or 425-223-8887 for afterhours emergencies) Email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org Online at issaquahhighlands.com/contact-us
Get Involved
City of Issaquah trails
King County trails
Washington Trails Association
Issaquah Alps Trails Club issaquahalps.org
Call Issaquah Parks and Community Services Department: 425-837-3300 Online using RequestTracker: issaquahwa.gov/requesttracker.aspx
wta.org/get-involved
More
The city of Issaquah manages trails inside Issaquah Highlands’ city parks, including Central, Black Nugget, and Grand View parks, and two additional multi-use trails. The Falls Drive trail goes between Central Park and Northeast Falls Drive, and Cathy’s Trail (sometimes spelled “Kathy’s”) takes you from the Issaquah Highlands Community Association maintenance building to Lakeside Montessori on 15th Avenue Northeast. Both trails act as connectors between the upper and lower portions of the community. Much of the trail maintenance work done by city employees is seasonal, with most work done in the fall. The Falls Drive trail requires regular leaf blowing and debris removal during leaf season (typically every Friday, October through December). Park trails require less maintenance with leaf cleanup and fresh gravel as needed. According to Matt Mechler, the city’s parks operations supervisor, regular trail maintenance helps maintain a “safe connection between neighborhoods.”
Issaquah Highlands Community Association
Email Gary Brown, King County parks district manager: gary.brown@kingcounty.gov Online using See.Click.Fix: kingcounty.gov/ services/parks-recreation/parks/seeclickfix.aspx
Resources &
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
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VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Global Grub & Groove Returns in 2022!
The Issaquah Highlands Cross-Cultural Committee announces the 2022 series Highlands Council is excited to plan another summer of Global Grub & Groove events at the Village Green Park. Last summer’s series was so much fun; the community came out to celebrate Juneteenth, Indian Independence Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival with live entertainment, food, art, and activities.
LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Community Program Manager & Wisteria Park Resident
This summer’s series will again kick off with a celebration of Juneteenth on Friday, June 17. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us on the green for live music from Michael Powers, delicious food, and more! The Issaquah Highlands Cross-Cultural Committee started planning this summer’s Global Grub & Groove lineup earlier this year. The tentative schedule includes celebrations of French, Mexican, and Indonesian cultures. If you have additional ideas or would like to help with planning, please email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
Enjoy photos from last year's Global Grub & Groove series!
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Surgical excellence. Personalized and collaborative care close to home. For more than a decade, Swedish Surgical Specialists have been providing high quality surgical care using advanced technologies and focusing on minimally invasive techniques for the greater Eastside community. Our surgeons recognize that any surgery, whether elective or emergent, is a personal process with each patient taking their own medical path. We believe that a collaborative treatment plan that combines individual goals with our clinical experience will achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
We provide elective and emergent surgical treatment on an array of conditions including: • Breast disease • Abdominal wall hernias • Gallbladder disease • Intestinal and colon disease • Benign and malignant skin conditions • Endocrine disease (adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid) • Stomach disease • Diseases of the spleen To schedule a consultation, please call Swedish Surgical Specialists at 425-313-7124 or visit swedish.org/issaquah
“I definitely feel very comfortable with and confident that my surgeon will always give me the information that I need to make the best decisions about my health care going forward .” — Swedish Surgical Specialist patient
Michelle Eden, M.D.
Eric Heinberg, M.D.
SWEDISH ISSAQUAH 751 NE Blakely Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
Aileen Hwang, M.D.
Matthew Johnston, M.D.
Christine Lee, M.D.
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HIGHLANDS YOUTH
Creating Meaningful Experiences & Lasting Memories The Highlands Youth Advisory Board is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year
LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Community Program Manager, & Wisteria Park Resident
Established in 2013, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board assists with the community-building work of Highlands Council, providing youth a voice in community matters. The mission of the HY Board is to unify Issaquah Highlands youth through meaningful and fun social experiences, create lasting memories, and build pride in our community.
HY 2022 Grads: In Their Own Words Sage Cowan I have learned so much about working with a team, organizing events, working with kids, and presenting to crowds... I feel much more prepared to head to college now that I have been able to get such beneficial experiences through the HY Board... I will always be grateful for what this board has done for me."
While the HY could not return to full-scale in-person youth events last year due to continued pandemic restrictions, the 2021-22 HY Board accomplished a lot: • HY Board members hosted a series of six “Art of Adulting” workshops designed to help high school students learn critical life skills not taught in school. • Last summer, the HY Board played a valuable role in our Global Grub & Groove series, both in planning and working at the events. • The HY Board supported holiday programming, including the Santa Letters program and the pumpkin carving/decorating contest for kids, led by the middle school HY Board members, in conjunction with Highlands Council’s annual Fall-O-Ween contest. • HY Board members volunteered at a variety of community events, including last summer’s Grand Ridge Plaza “Pianos in the Park” event, our monthly Eco-Market, and January’s Blakely Hall Open House. As we look forward to more in-person engagement in the coming year, we congratulate our 2022 HY Board graduating seniors, Anika Mehta, Sage Cowan, and Sophia Hashmey; each contributed to this community by sharing their leadership and passion.
Apply Now!
The HY Board is now accepting applications for 202223 Board positions. Ideal candidates are motivated, passionate, creative, and dedicated to making our community better. Candidates must live in Issaquah Highlands and enter seventh through 12th grade in Fall 2022. The deadline for application submissions is May 1. Highlands Council will invite top applicants to a personal interview for final consideration. Download the HY Board application online at issaquahhighlands.com/ highlands-youth.
Sage sings karaoke at the HY's 2016 Back-to-School Social.
Sophia Hashmey The HY taught me I have nothing to fear when it comes to participating in new opportunities and staying involved. I now understand my strengths and weaknesses, and (thanks to the HY) I know how to use them to benefit myself and those around me. I know my enthusiasm for taking the next step forward in life is because I feel well-equipped knowing what my past experiences have taught me." Sophia helps with a community art project at the 2018 Highlands Day festival.
Anika Mehta Being a part of the HY Board was a fantastic way to foster my self-confidence, including learning how to communicate effectively with team members and adults in the community, delegating jobs to my peers, speaking in front of crowds, and presenting my own thoughts and ideas. From growing as a leader to developing interpersonal skills, I’ve grown so much as a person, student, and team member over the past five years." Anika throws confetti at the "Happy Birthday, Issaquah Highlands" pre-Highlands Day event in 2018.
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Find connection and joy IN EVERDAY LIVING
University House Issaquah helps you stay engaged and connected—while covering the cooking, cleaning, care if you need it, and more. Schedule a tour or learn more (425) 200-0331 | eraliving.com Ask about special benefits for
members.
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VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Volunteers of the Month February, March, & April 2022
Congratulations and thank you to our Volunteers of the Month for February-April 2022, who represent unique volunteer opportunities with the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA), Highlands Fiber Network (HFN), and the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. Read their personal volunteer stories in full at issaquahhighlands.com/tag/volunteer-of-the-month. You just may be inspired to start volunteering yourself!
February 2022
Akshadha Seshamani
Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board The HY Board has provided an environment where I can express my ideas and bring out the best in me. The members and advisors are incredibly kind, passionate, and supportive. The community they have created is truly astounding to be part of." March 2022
Larry Norton
Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) [Volunteering] allows you to meet and interact with your neighbors and stay involved in the life of the community. Issaquah Highlands is a special place to live; our organizations... have developed a very strong fabric of community that fosters a sense of pride and wellbeing."
April 2022
Tom Pucci
IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Over the years, I have served on several nonprofit boards, finding volunteer service a good use of my skills and knowledge... The ARC Committee has proven to be a good way to become more involved in the Highlands community, and I look forward to continuing that service."
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community? Opportunities are available! Visit issaquahhighlands.com/for-residents/get-involved to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees and urgent needs at local nonprofits. Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Program Manager, at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING
Community Groups
ADHD Caregivers Group
First and Third Thursdays, 10 a.m. Blakely Hall
If you care for someone with ADD/ADHD, you are welcome to join us to chat, share experiences, and get support. Caregivers and parents with kids of all ages are welcome!
Book Club
Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Blakely Hall
Book club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize, and explore a variety of books. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.
Chess Club
Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Blakely Hall
Love to play chess? Miss playing over-the-board (OTB) games live with real people? Come join us for fun and (chess) games! All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please bring your chess set if you have one; otherwise, there will be plenty to share.
IH Business Networking Group Monday, May 2, 9:30 a.m.
Join other small business owners for a new spin on the standard practice of networking based on knowing the more we connect and share, the more we all grow! This group is inclusive, connection-based, and valuable to all members. No obligations, just genuine connections! Meets quarterly.
Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group
The Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group is open to all ages to connect with other hiking enthusiasts and go on planned hikes in the beautiful Northwest. For more information and details on our next scheduled hike, join our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ nwhiking.
Meditation Group Fridays, 2 p.m.
Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practices exercises that promote balance, strength, and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with the stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all! Questions? Contact ih.meditation@ gmail.com.
Photography Group
Third Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Questions? Contact ihpc@outlook.com. Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Poker Night
Thursdays, May 26 & June 23, 7 p.m. Blakely Hall
Poker Night is back in May! Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly Texas Hold’em tournament! Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com for more information.
Tai Chi Fitness Class
Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m., Blakely Hall
Free Chen-style Tai Chi for all who are interested in learning and practicing together. This ancient Chinese martial art promotes health by reducing bodily tension and stress, improving balance and coordination, increasing joint flexibility, calming the breath, and clearing the mind.
Yarns & Threads Group Fridays, 10 a.m.
All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com. Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Get Involved
Apply Now for the HY Board April 1-May 1
Calling all teens: would you like the opportunity to unify Issaquah Highlands youth through meaningful and fun social experiences, create lasting memories, and build community pride? The Highlands Youth Advisory Board is now accepting applications for 2022-23 board positions from students entering grades 7-12. Learn more about the HY board and download the application at issaquahhighlands.com/ highlands-youth.
Cross-Cultural Committee Thursday, April 7, 7 p.m.
We invite anyone passionate about celebrating the diverse cultures which make up Issaquah Highlands to join our Cross-Cultural Committee. We’ll come together to learn from each other and help shape the direction of Highlands Council, as well as plan upcoming events, including this summer's Global Grub & Groove series! Contact Lindsey at lindsey.p@ ihcouncil.org or visit issaquahhighlands.com/forresidents/get-involved/boards-committees/crosscultural-committee.
IHCA Board of Directors Statement of Interest Forms Available May 1-13
Starting May 1, statement of interest forms for Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Director's candidacy for Districts 2, 4, and 6, will be available online at issaquahhighlands.com/ ihca, or by emailing asktheihca@ihcommunity.org. Interested candidates in these districts must submit statement of interest forms by May 13, 2022, to be considered for the official ballot.
Vote for the IHCA Board of Directors (Districts 2, 4, 6) Early June (voting closes June 17)
The IHCA will use Votegrity this year as its online voting platform. Homeowners in IHCA Districts 2, 4, and 6 should keep an eye out for additional voting information in June when the official ballots go live. Voting will open the first week of June and close on June 17. Candidate bios will be available on the IHCA mobile app and on issaquahhighlands.com to assist you in the voting process. Your vote counts!
Don't Miss This
Art in the Wild Adventure Launching April 1
Embark on an exciting journey to explore Issaquah Highlands' outdoor art using your smartphone. This fun, 10-stop adventure will lead you to solve puzzles while visiting and learning about the outdoor art pieces unique to this community, one location at a time. Complete the adventure by visiting all 10 stops to win prizes throughout the summer. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/art-adventure.
Eco-Market At Blakely Hall Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. At Village Green Park* Thursdays, May 12 & June 9, 4-7 p.m. Live greener with the Issaquah Highlands Eco-Market! Shop from a variety of small ecofriendly vendors, farmers, and artisans and enjoy French treats from L’Experience Paris. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/events for updates on each month’s vendors, special features, and programs. *New Summer Series! The Eco-Market moves outside to Village Green Park for the summer, on second Thursdays, from May through September. In case of bad weather, the Eco-Market will be inside Blakely Hall. Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Global Grub & Groove Friday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. Village Green Park
Join friends and neighbors at Village Green for fun, food, and free entertainment to celebrate culture and community! This year's series starts with a celebration of Juneteenth to honor our African American neighbors. Free to attend (food available for purchase). Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Community-Wide Garage Sale Saturday, June 18
Whether it’s a yard sale or a garage sale, it’s a summer tradition! Sell or shop throughout the community at the semi-annual Issaquah Highlands Community-Wide Garage Sale.
Governance Mtgs
Highlands Council Board of Trustees April 5 & June 7, 12 p.m.
IHCA Architectural Review Committee First Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
IHCA Finance Committee Second Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Third Mondays, 5 p.m.
IHCA Board of Directors
Fourth Mondays, 5:30 p.m. 2022-23 Budget Ratification Meeting Monday, April 25 Annual Homeowners Meeting Monday, June 27
Bonus! Don't miss the ongoing, 12-stop "Coexisting with Carnivores Adventure" scavenger hunt, created in partnership with the Woodland Park Zoo. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/carnivoresadventure.
Indicates this group/event occurs online. Some groups and meetings may pivot between virtual and in-person. Please check issaquahhighlands.com/events for the latest event details. All events are FREE unless otherwise noted.
18
CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2022
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
2022 IHCA Board of Directors Election Information Candidate statement of interest forms for Districts 2, 4, and 6 are available starting May 1 Starting May 1, statement of interest forms for Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Director's candidacy for Districts 2, 4, and 6 will be available online at issaquahhighlands.com/ihca or by emailing asktheihca@ ihcommunity.org. To be considered for the official ballot, interested candidates from these districts must submit a statement of interest form by May 13, 2022. The IHCA will use Votegrity this year as its online voting platform. Homeowners from IHCA Districts 2, 4, and 6 should SARAH HOEY IHCA Executive Director look for additional voting information in June when the official ballots go live. Voting will open the first week of June and close on June 17. Candidate bios will be available on the IHCA mobile app and on issaquahhighlands.com to assist you in the voting process. Your vote counts! The IHCA will announce the election results at the IHCA Annual Community Meeting on June 27 (see issaquahhighlands.com/events for details). Interested in running for your district? Please contact the IHCA for more information, either by email at asktheihca@ihcommunity.org or call 425-427-9257. See the board district map to determine your board district, based on where you own property in the community.
Important IHCA Board of Directors Election Dates May 1 Candidate Statement of Interest forms go live May 13 Candidate Statement of Interest forms due First week of June Board election opens via Votegrity (Districts 2, 4, & 6) June 17 Election closes June 27 Election results announced at the IHCA's Annual Community Meeting
The 2022 IHCA Board of Directors election is only for homeowners in Districts 2 (green on the map), 4 (blue), and 6 (purple). Alternating districts will vote in the 2023 Board election.
ISSAQUAHHIGHLANDS.COM
19
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARC TIP OF THE MONTH
Exterior Painting
No Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC) application or review is required for repainting any part of the house with its original or existing color scheme. Prior ARC approval is required for new colors and any exterior color changes to houses, fences, decks, trim, and doors. If a homeowner requests a house color change, the ARC Committee may require a sample of the color to be painted on a small area of the home and reviewed by a committee member before approval.
The IHCA recently installed a new bench with a scenic view on the Village Green Trail Park trail. Photo by Vicki Grunewald.
Keeping Our Trails Beautiful, Together Issaquah Highlands has miles of dedicated trails throughout the community, with different entities collaborating to maintain and preserve these trails for public use. The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) landscape and JORDAN ROUSU IHCA CARC Coordinator & maintenance teams work in conjunction with the Administrative Assistant, and Ashland Park Resident city and county parks and recreation departments to ensure the trails intersecting our community are free of debris and ready for pedestrian usability. The IHCA maintains multiple trails throughout the community, including the West Highlands Park loop, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) trail, the Village
Green Trail Park trail, among others. The general trail maintenance done by IHCA landscape and maintenance teams includes removing trash, clearing vegetation that may interfere with pathways, and trimming overgrown vegetation. In January 2022, the IHCA landscape team refurbished the Village Green Trail Park trail to improve the overall aesthetics and navigation of this section of our community. The team worked tirelessly to remove invasive blackberry bushes, replant existing vegetation, add a beautiful lookout point, and some much-needed pathway lighting. The IHCA is very grateful for our hardworking landscape and maintenance teams for their dedication to our community, including its trails, and appreciate the work and support the city of Issaquah and King County provide. Issaquah Highlands remains a beautiful community thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration from community partners.
When applying for exterior paint approval, homeowners must clearly state on the ARC application which paint sheen will be used. Color chips (samples) must be submitted with the application, along with a detailed description of where the colors will be applied (trim, body, doors, etc.) along with a photo of the home. The ARC Committee will consider the color schemes of surrounding homes in the immediate neighborhood to determine the consistency of the selected colors.
RULES REMINDER
Trash Cans Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors, inside a garage, or Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee-approved enclosure during nonpickup hours. Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours before and 12 hours after pickup time. Don’t encourage bears and other wildlife to look for their next meal in your trash can.
CHECK THIS OUT
Download the IHCA Mobile App Have the IHCA at your fingertips with the IHCA mobile app. The app is free and is available in the iOS and Android app stores. See QR codes below to download.
IHCA Graduation Signage Variance Extended Through 2022 The Issaquah Highlands Community Association’s (IHCA) Booster Club Signage Variance extends through 2022. Normally, an IHCA rule on acceptable yard signage does not allow booster club or graduation signs. Given our worldwide situation, the IHCA Board of Directors granted an emergency variance to this rule to support all students graduating this spring who reside in our community. Additionally, this rule is under review by the IHCA Board for future permanent amendments. Approved Signage Guidelines: Yard signs only (18 inches by 24 inches) with stakes, single or double-sided; signs can display student’s name, school logo, and colors. Limit three per household. Please do not install signs
on other's property, in IHCA common areas, or in areas that would hinder the line of sight of roads or alleyways. Owners are responsible for removing signs within 10 days after graduation. Congrats to all graduates this coming year. We understand it has been a challenging time for students. You are all rock stars in our book!
Learn how you can submit your free grad announcment in this summer's issue of Connections on page 10.
Download iOS app
Learn More!
Download Android app
These tips and rules reminders are only a subset of IHCA guidelines and regulations. For complete standards, visit issaquahhighlands.com. Questions? Call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257 or email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.
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CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2022
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
IHCA 2022-23 Master Budget Review the 2022-23 master budget approved by the Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board of Directors ahead of April's Budget Ratification Meeting
Dear Issaquah Highlands Homeowners:
2022-23 IHCA BUDGET
After ratification, the 2022-23 Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) master annual assessment will increase $12 per year to $960 as of July 1, 2022. The IHCA Finance Committee and IHCA Board of Directors reviewed the 2022-23 budget prepared by the IHCA staff. The IHCA is a nonprofit organization and develops the budget according to Washington state law and the IHCA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s). The Finance Committee works throughout the year analyzing monthly financials, including a yearly forecast. The committee started preparing and reviewing the 2022-23 operating budget at its meeting in January. The final 2022-23 operating and reserve budgets were presented to and approved by the IHCA Board of Directors at the Feb. 28, 2022 board meeting.
Annual
Semi-Annual
Monthly
2021-22 Assessment
$948
$474
$79
2022-23 Assessment
$960
$480
$80
Income includes annual base assessments, late fees, shared-costs income, non-member income, interest, and other income. The unit count estimated for the 2022-23 budget is 3,618, including the Westridge North and Block 4 (affordable housing) communities, the latest Taylor Morrison residential developments. The operating expenses increased by $62,000 (2%) over last year’s budget, partially offset by an increase in base assessment revenue from additional unit absorption of the new Westridge Block 4 neighborhood. The reserve contribution increased slightly and continues to provide the community with a strong financial position to fund future major projects.
Professional Services 2%
Bad Dept .1%
Contingency .2%
Insurance 2% Legal 1%
Office Rent 2% Taxes 2%
Landscape & Utilities 46%
Administration 18%
Reserve Contribution 10%
Accounting 6%
Landscape & Utilities Accounting Community Management
Repairs & Maintenance 13%
Repairs & Maintenance Reserve Contribution Contingency
2022-23 Budget Overview Income: $ 3,777,001 Expenses: Landscape, Utilities, and Operations $ 2,248,344 Community Management and Administration $ 903,523 Accounting $ 233,135 Total Expenses $ 3,385,001 Capital Reserves Contribution
$
392,000
Notable Expenses Increases • Landscape Contracts: Vendor rate increases and the addition of the Westridge neighborhood, including its parks. • Landscape Irrigation: Increased water required for hotter summers. • IHCA Payroll/Benefits: Two additional employees and overall wage increases to meet industry standards. • Pet Waste Stations: More stations added.
IHCA 2022-23 Budget Ratification Meeting Monday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom See issaquahhighlands.com/events for details
The IHCA 2022-23 Budget Ratification Meeting will be held via Zoom on April 25, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. Please check the community website at issaquahhighlands.com/events for the Zoom meeting link. Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the IHCA governing documents, a quorum is not required at the meeting for the budget to be ratified. The budget will be ratified unless 75% of the entire membership (not just homeowners present at the meeting or by proxy) votes to reject the IHCA budget approved by the Board of Directors. If you do not plan to attend the meeting, you may cast your vote in two alternative ways:
Notable Expenses Decreases • Contingency (emergency, unbudgeted items): Lower projected needs for the community. • Professional Services: No longer need Custom Architectural Review training. • Bad Debt Expense/Legal Collection Services: Reduction in delinquencies/ collections. • Postage/Mailings: Increased use of electronic correspondence.
Email: Send an email with your vote to budget@ihcommunity.org. Email must contain your full name and street address. By Mail: Send your vote with your full name, street address, and signature to: IHCA – Budget 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B Issaquah, WA 98029 All votes (by email and by mail) must be received no later than April 24, 2022, by 5 p.m.
Medical Insurance - Operations 401K Expense - Operations Ops Travel, Meals, & Training Maint - Communications,Computer,Misc Contra-Dedicated Operations TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
25,500 24,536 31,208 10,000 6,403 6,900 3,100 2,550 3,100 1,100 1,100 1,000 ISSAQUAHHIGHLANDS.COM (28,000) (28,000) (28,000) 454,700 450,858 496,458
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HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
ACCOUNTING Dedicated Staff Wages-Accounting 218,100 214,049 Payroll Taxes - Accounting 18,500 16,719 Worker's Comp - Accounting 950 782 Issaquah Highlands 2022-23 Approved Budget Medical Insurance - Accounting 41,000 38,386 401K Expense - Accounting For the Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 - June 12,900 9,365 30, 2023 Contra-Dedicated Accounting (66,540) 28, 2022(66,540) IHCA Board of Directors Approved February TOTAL ACCOUNTING 224,910 212,760
Issaquah Highlands 2022-23 Approved Budget
Issaquah Highlands 2022-23 Approved Budget For the Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 IHCA Board of Directors Approved February 28, 2022
For Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023, IHCA Board of Directors Approved on Feb. 28, 2022 OPERATING FUND INCOME Late Fees / NSF Fee & Fine Income Escrow & Resale Cert Fees Collection Legal Fee Income Interest Income Owner Base Assessments Management Fees - High Street Center Operations Income - Non-members Other Income Cost Reimbursement - High Street Center Shared Costs Agreements Income TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME EXPENSES LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Utilities - Storm Water Fees Garbage Electric - Streetlights, Feature Electric Landscape - Contract Monthly Landscape - Non-contract (goats) Irrigation-Water Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps Irrig Maint & Repairs Landscape Supplies Landscape Equipment Safety Equip & Supplies Equipment Rental Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt Dedicated Staff Wages - Landscape Payroll Taxes - Landscape Worker's Comp - Landscape Medical Insurance - Landscape 401K Expense - Landscape Landscape Travel, Meals, & Training Staff Uniforms & Equip Landscape Communications,Computer,Misc Contra-Dedicated Landscape TOTAL LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Pet Waste Service Supplies Pedestrian Safety Holiday Lighting - Contract Signs Expense, Maint. & Repair Maintenance & Repair Professional Services-Park Inspections Parks/Trails Lighting Maint. & Repair Maintenance Supplies Landscape - Fleet Equip, Repair & Maint Landscape Shop Utilities & Other Drain Line Cleaning Dedicated Staff Wages - Operations Payroll Taxes - Operation Worker's Comp - Operations Medical Insurance - Operations 401K Expense - Operations Ops Travel, Meals, & Training 22-23 Master for Connections MaintBUDGET - Communications,Computer,Misc Contra-Dedicated Operations TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
ACCOUNTING Dedicated Staff Wages-Accounting Payroll Taxes - Accounting Worker's Comp - Accounting Medical Insurance - Accounting 401K Expense - Accounting Contra-Dedicated Accounting TOTAL ACCOUNTING COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Occupational & Technical Training Company & Management Training Other Admin - Dues/Subs., Computer, Misc Dedicated Staff Wages - Community Admin Payroll Taxes - Community Admin Worker's Comp - Community Admin Medical Insurance - Community Admin 401K Expense - Community Admin Mileage/Parking Reimbursement Legal Services Legal Collection Services Audit & Tax Services HR/Payroll Services Computer/Professional Services Reserve Study
1,475 16,004 32,700 15,000 21,778 3,403,320 30,825 0 6,732 6,300 170,724 3,704,857
2022-23 Approved Budget $960 3,000 13,000 32,500 12,000 25,000 3,473,280 32,366 0 1,255 7,600 177,000 3,777,001
27,600 22,000 35,000 528,150 98,000 164,800 27,000 25,000 115,000 11,000 10,000 12,000 6,000 435,000 38,000 21,500 87,000 6,900 6,100 10,000 2,715 (43,000) 1,645,765
27,600 34,046 32,240 499,407 98,000 212,541 26,279 25,000 115,000 11,000 10,000 13,648 6,000 402,229 35,846 19,021 76,247 2,880 6,100 10,000 2,715 (43,000) 1,622,800
27,600 22,000 35,000 544,071 98,000 195,000 27,000 25,000 115,000 11,000 10,000 12,000 6,000 492,000 42,400 23,000 84,500 6,500 6,100 10,000 2,715 (43,000) 1,751,886
50,000 10,000 30,000 4,000 40,000 4,600 6,000 33,000 40,000 19,100 15,000 169,500 15,000 2021-22 6,800 25,500 10,000 3,100 1 1,100 (28,000) 454,700
50,000 10,000 25,981 4,000 40,000 4,600 6,000 33,000 40,000 19,100 15,000 176,327 14,583 2021-22 5,680 24,536 6,403 2,550 1,100 (28,000) 450,858
55,000 10,000 30,000 4,000 40,000 4,600 6,000 33,000 40,000 22,000 10,000 202,000 17,450 2022-23 8,200 31,208 6,900 3,100 1,000 (28,000) 496,458
2021-22 Ratified Budget $948 3,000 13,000 31,278 15,000 36,000 3,385,308 29,355 0 1,255 6,700 167,269 3,688,165
218,100 18,500 950 41,000 12,900 (66,540) 224,910
28,500 7,000 3,200 360,000 26,000 1,200 82,000 20,300 500 30,000 15,000 10,300 26,360 43,500 2,340
2021-22 Year-End Forecast
214,049 16,719 782 38,386 9,365 (66,540) 212,760
25,270 6,290 2,581 351,594 25,410 1,042 68,809 14,358 250 30,000 15,000 11,000 25,235 43,304 2,340
226,000 18,800 1,075 42,500 11,300 (66,540) 233,135
24,000 7,000 3,000 355,000 26,300 1,350 76,900 17,500 100 30,000 12,000 11,000 26,360 28,000 3,121
226,000 18,800 1,075 42,500 11,300 (66,540) 233,135
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OccupationalFUND & Technical Training OPERATING Company & Management Training INCOME Other Admin - Dues/Subs., Computer, Misc Late Fees /Staff NSF Wages - Community Admin Dedicated Fee & Fine Income Payroll Taxes - Community Admin Escrow & Comp Resale-Cert Fees Admin Worker's Community Collection Legal Fee- Community Income Medical Insurance Admin Interest Income 401K Expense - Community Admin Owner Base Assessments Mileage/Parking Reimbursement Management Legal ServicesFees - High Street Center Operations Income - Non-members Legal Collection Services Other Income Audit & Tax Services Cost Reimbursement HR/Payroll Services - High Street Center Shared Costs Agreements Income Computer/Professional Services TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME Reserve Study
2021-22 Ratified 28,500 Budget7,000 $948 3,200 3,000 360,000 13,000 26,000 31,278 1,200 15,000 82,000 36,000 20,300 3,385,308 500 29,355 30,000 0 15,000 1,255 10,300 6,700 26,360 167,269 43,500 3,688,165 2,340
2021-22 Year-End 25,270 Forecast 6,290 2,581 1,475 351,594 16,004 25,410 32,700 1,042 15,000 68,809 21,778 14,358 3,403,320 250 30,825 30,000 0 15,000 6,732 11,000 6,300 25,235 170,724 43,304 3,704,857 2,340
2022-23 Approved 24,000 Budget7,000 $960 3,000 3,000 355,000 13,000 26,300 32,500 1,350 12,000 76,900 25,000 17,500 3,473,280 100 32,366 30,000 0 12,000 1,255 11,000 7,600 26,360 177,000 28,000 3,777,001 3,121
Contra-Dedicated Staff Comm Assn EXPENSES Committee / BOD Expense LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Public (Community) Relations Utilities - Storm Water Fees Computer Expense (Hardware) Garbage Software Licensing Electric Supplies- Streetlights, Feature Electric Landscape - Contract Monthly Photocopies Landscape Postage - Non-contract (goats) Irrigation-Water Office Electric, Etc. Irrig ParkOffice & Supply Pumps Rent,Elec CAMs, & Storage Irrig Maint & Repairs Communications Landscape B & O TaxesSupplies Landscape Equipment Property Tax Safety Equip & Supplies Bad Debt Expense Equipment Directors &Rental Officers Insurance Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt General Liability, Property, Auto Insurance Dedicated Bank Fees Staff - NSFWages - Landscape Payroll - Landscape FederalTaxes Income Tax Worker's Comp - Landscape Contingency Expense Medical Insurance - Landscape TOTAL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT 401K Expense - Landscape Landscape Travel, Meals, & Training TOTAL EXPENSES Staff Uniforms & Equip Landscape Communications,Computer,Misc NET INCOME BEFORE RESERVE CONTRIBUTION Contra-Dedicated Landscape TOTAL LANDSCAPE RESERVE FUND & UTILITIES
(54,120) 5,500 10,200 27,600 5,000 22,000 34,800 35,000 19,500 528,150 16,000 98,000 12,000 164,800 10,000 27,000 83,400 25,000 20,000 115,000 150 11,000 11,000 10,000 7,200 12,000 7,000 6,000 78,658 435,000 700 38,000 20,000 21,500 54,602 87,000 997,790 6,900 6,100 3,323,165 10,000 2,715 365,000 (43,000) 2021-22 1,645,765
(54,120) 3,699 10,195 27,600 5,988 34,046 34,800 32,240 19,500 499,407 16,000 98,000 11,799 212,541 8,000 26,279 82,745 25,000 18,000 115,0000 11,000 11,000 10,000 7,200 13,648 8,119 6,000 73,620 402,229 520 35,846 20,000 19,021 54,602 76,247 954,150 2,880 6,100 3,240,569 10,000 2,715 464,289 (43,000) 2021-22 1,622,800
(60,827) 5,500 8,000 27,600 7,000 22,000 35,390 35,000 19,500 544,071 16,000 98,000 10,000 195,000 10,000 27,000 86,279 25,000 10,000 115,000 150 11,000 11,000 10,000 5,000 12,000 9,000 6,000 79,500 492,000 400 42,400 20,000 23,000 10,000 84,500 903,523 6,500 6,100 3,385,001 10,000 2,715 392,000 (43,000) 2022-23 1,751,886
365,000 50,000 25,000 10,0000 30,000 390,000 4,000 2 40,000 4,600 6,000 1,855 33,000 8,550 40,000 4,585 19,100 15,550 15,000 24,150 169,500 11,250 15,000
300,000 50,000 30,315 10,000 5,616 25,981 335,931 4,000 40,000 4,600 6,000 33,000 40,000 19,100 15,000 176,327 14,583
392,000 55,000 25,000 10,0000 30,000 417,000 4,000 40,000 4,600 55,000 6,000 33,000 40,000 22,000 10,000 202,000 12,350 17,450 4,930
RESERVE INCOME REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Reserve Contribution Pet Waste Service Supplies Interest Income - Reserves Pedestrian Safety Capital Assessment Holiday Lighting -INCOME Contract TOTAL RESERVE Signs Expense, Maint. & 22-23 BUDGET Master forRepair Connections Maintenance & Repair RESERVE EXPENSES Professional Services-Park 2008 Ford F-150 - Replace Inspections Parks/Trails Lighting & Repair Asphalt Dahlia Park -Maint. Repair/Sealcoat Maintenance Asphalt SouthSupplies Pond - Repair/Sealcoat Landscape - Fleet Repair & Maint Asphalt WHP TrailEquip, - Repair/Sealcoat Landscape Utilities & Other Bark Park - Shop Refurbish Drain Line Fence Cleaning Bark Park - Replace Dedicated StaffSignage Wages -- Operations Common Area Replace Payroll Taxes- Refurbish - Operation Dahlia Park Dahlia Park Irrigation - Rpr/Rplc Drain Line - Maintenance Fence Vault Farm - Replace Gravel Trails - Rehabilitate 22-23 BUDGET Master for Connections Handrails Replace 30th Ave. (North) 20-21 3/2/2022 IHCA Common Area Lights Irrigation Controls Kirk Park Fence paint Light Pole Repair/Replace Logan Park Irrigation - Rpr/Replace NE Jonquil Ln Cement Road - Repair NE Jonquil Ln Light Posts - Paint Park Dr. Sport Court Deck - Replace So Pond Non-Potable Control - Rplc So Pond Syst Field Devices - Replace Sport Court Deck - Replace Stairway Lights Park to Iris - Repl Street Trees Rotational Replacement The Terraces - Rpr/Rplc Valais/Hudson Park - Refurbish Varenna/Div. 97 Common - Rpr/Rplc Village Green Irrigation - Repair/Replace Village Green Park - Refurbish Village Trail Park - Refurbish Wood Rail / Log Fence - Replace TOTAL RESERVE EXPENSES CASH FLOW - RESERVE FUND
22,950 24,050 10,850 24,050
21,850 9,875 1 2,520
56,900 7,760 7,480 2,380 50,000 18,800 7,990 81,950 11,335 69,000
66,950 9,425 12,070 12,605 22,950
20,850 8,450 64,650 345,085
66,950
373,875
44,915
268,981
43,125
Reserve projects may not occur in fiscal year as they are prioritized by safety, needs of the community and access to materials and contractors.
IH C A B u d g e t R at if ic at ion M e e t in g Monday, 4/25, 5:30 pm, IHCA Zoom Meeting
22
CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2022
ON THE BLOG
This Month on the Blog Trails
Home Maintenance
Read these upcoming stories from your Issaquah Highlands neighbors at issaquahhighlands.com/news. Highlands Youth
Trails
Adventures in Geocaching in Issaquah Highlands
Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Ready for Spring!
Reflections, Memories, and Lessons Learned for the Future
Remembering the IH Parks & Trails Committee
BELLA MITCHELL 11th-Grader and Central Park Resident
ZOE RAMIREZ Real Estate Broker and Ashland Park Resident
HIGHLANDS YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD GRADUATING SENIORS Sage Cowan, Sophia Hashmey, and Anika Mehta
MARC STEINGREBE Sorrento Resident and Former IH Parks & Trails Committee Member
"Geocaching is a fun adventure that can take you to some of the craziest and most beautiful places in the world. It appeals to all kinds of people since geocaches come in a range of difficulties... If geocaching sounds like an activity you would enjoy, just download the free app, pick a cache, and walk out your door." Issaquah High School junior Bella Mitchell shares how geocaching can be fun and informative in Issaquah Highlands.
"Go beyond window-washing this spring and look deeper into home maintenance to ensure you can enjoy the warmer months ahead. Lower your stress and minimize unexpected issues by following this checklist designed for the upcoming season." Ashland Park resident Zoe Ramirez offers a handy checklist to get your home ready for spring so you can get the most out of this season.
The Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board's graduating seniors reflect on their meaningful experiences on the Board and how the HY has prepared them for a successful future in college and beyond. The soon-to-be grads also offer tips and advice for existing (and new) HY members. Learn more about joining the HY on page 13 or at issaquahhighlands. com/highlands-youth.
"The committee did a lot...we helped plan, build, and maintain the trails. We added trail signs...developed informational and educational kiosks in the neighborhood, and we led neighborhood hikes on the local trails." Issaquah Highlands resident and former member of the Issaquah Highlands Parks & Trails Committee Marc Steingrebe recounts the group's lasting impact on the community's parks and trails.
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FIBER NETWORK
HFN Continues Infrastructure Upgrades
Recent investments in HFN's network help meet increasing demand and growth Over 20 years ago, master developer Port Blakely designed Highlands Fiber Network's (HFN) network architecture to create an open network where users could see their neighbor's devices and participate in online gatherings, like LAN parties. Over time, by JEREMY FALLT this architecture has proven HFN General Manager increasingly problematic as and Central Park Resident it exposes many residents to problems created by misconfigured or malfunctioning equipment on the network. HFN monitors the network to identify common signatures of these problems and attempts to isolate (turn off) the offending resident or device until we resolve the issue. We continue to investigate rearchitecting the network to eliminate these issues; however, the solutions are costly and inconvenient to customers as these solutions require in-home
equipment upgrades. Meanwhile, HFN continues working to mitigate these challenges and provide the best internet experience possible. Over the last two decades, we have made significant investments to upgrade key infrastructure while building the network as our community grows. Upgrades made at the beginning of the pandemic allowed HFN to meet the increased demands of the last two years when most of us attended school or worked from home. More recently, there was an additional investment in new data center equipment to help isolate and prevent network events that degrade the resident experience. These upgrades help in the prevention of network events and with additional bandwidth capacity. Upgrades will continue with deploying additional core network electronics that (once deployed and configured) will have better isolation capabilities and strengthen the user experience. Building on these upgrades, HFN is also investing in the fiber network itself, with planned upgrades to fiber cabling throughout the community. We also plan to
deploy faster, scalable, and more resilient network equipment in our data centers, enabling stronger and more consistent network speeds. These steps will open opportunities for speeds faster than a gig and provide more bandwidth for additional services. HFN is owned and managed by the Issaquah Highlands community, focused on providing the very best internet experience possible. As we plan for the future, HFN works daily to address every resident concern and resolve every issue. If you ever feel your HFN connection is not working as expected, please contact HFN customer support anytime at 425-427-0999 or email support@hfnservices.com. HFN has been here since the earliest days of the community and will continue to expand with new capabilities, scaling to meet community needs far into the future.
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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
APRIL TRACIE JONES Wisteria Park Resident
About School Spotlight
Be sure to check Issaquah School District (ISD) and school websites to confirm details and dates. Find the ISD event calendar at issaquah.wednet.edu/district/calendars/ upcomingEvents. Specific school calendars can be found on each school's website.
Notable updates from the Issaquah School District (ISD) and educational partner organizations. 10th Annual Influence the Choice Video Contest
Register for "Lunch for the Break" by April 4
The Influence the Choice Drug Prevention Alliance for Youth sponsors a video contest positively inspiring youth to influence others by producing a two-minute public service announcement. Winning videos are eligible for cash prizes (the grand prize is $1,000) and will be viewed throughout ISD, on city TV stations, and at civic events. For information, rules, and regulations, please visit influencethechoice.org. The deadline to enter is April 17.
The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank is pleased to offer "Lunch for the Break" shopping inside the food bank. Families can choose from a variety of produce, dairy, proteins, snacks, and other kid-friendly breakfast/lunch nonperishable items. Register online before April 4; shopping will take place on April 8, 1-7 p.m. Registration is required; register online at issaquahfoodbank.org/lunchforthebreak.
IHS PTSA and Booster Club Senior Scholarships
Issaquah PTSA Council Volunteer Awards
Did you know the Issaquah High School (IHS) PTSA awards multiple scholarships to 2022 graduating seniors who have displayed strong personal and academic growth throughout their high school careers? Scholarships are available for tech/vocational schools, as well as community colleges and traditional universities. For information and applications, visit issaquahhighptsa.org. The IHS Booster Club also awards senior scholarships. Every spring, the Booster Club awards scholarships valued at $1,000 or more to selected IHS graduating seniors. Find applications and requirements on the IHS Booster Club website, ihsboosters.org.
It’s time to honor and celebrate Issaquah PTSA volunteers, educators, and advocates. Take a few minutes to nominate those individuals working hard for the betterment of our students. Check local PTSA websites for nomination applications and deadlines (find PTSA websites linked at isd411.org/get-involved/ptsa). Questions? Send an email to secretary@issaquahptsa.org. Find "School Spotlight" updates posted monthly to the official Issaquah Highlands website at issaquahhighlands.com/news.
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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
2022 SPECIAL ELECTION
Why Voting for School Levies Matters Even if You Don't Have Kids in the School District
TONI HUNTER Issaquah Highlands Resident
On April 26, 2022, King County will hold a special election; the ballot will include three levy measures for the Issaquah School District (ISD). I was fortunate to serve on the ISD Levy Development Committee, which had representatives from each school, local business representatives, and community members.
The committee met over two months and discussed the levy springboards presented at length. There were many difficult discussions, knowing we all wanted to do the best for our students and staff and our taxpayers. Ultimately, these springboards were approved to be placed on the ballot by all necessary groups. It is now up to you, registered voters, to cast your vote. As with any election, making an educated vote is important. Register to vote or check your voter registration record at kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/register-tovote.aspx. Return ballots by mail (there is no postage cost for mailed ballots in King County) or at any ballot drop box by April 26. Tracie Jones contributed to this article.
ISD Levy FAQs What are these levies, and what do they cover? Renewal EP&O Replacement Levy Four-year measure
The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy accounts for just over 15% of the district’s operating budget and allows for continued funding for day-to-day operations of our schools, some of which are mandated but not fully funded by the state. Examples of these day-to-day operations covered under this levy are school nurses and mental health supports; academic programs such as special education, dual language immersion, highly capable, and English language learner; and support services that enable student learning, such as school safety, bus driver salaries, and maintenance and repair of buildings and buses.
Renewal Capital Levy Four-year measure
The Capital (Technology and Construction) Levy allows for 1-to-1 student laptops in grades three through 12 (grades six through 12 students would take laptops to and from school each day, while grades three to five would access them in school only). The levy also provides laptops at a 1-to-2 or 1-to-3 ratio based on grade level for kindergarten through grade two. It also allows for technology to be updated equitably for all schools and classrooms. Additionally, the Capital Levy would allow for the finalization of the fourth comprehensive high school as well as funds to maintain our existing school buildings, including critical safety repairs.
Transportation (School Bus) Levy One-year measure
The Transportation Levy allows for the purchase of 64 buses when combined with state reimbursement dollars, keeping the current bus fleet aligned with state safety standards and maximizing efficiency to preserve operational dollars. For more information on the levy measures, visit the ISD website at isd411.org/about-us/initiatives/levy-2022.
Why should all voters care about voting for these levies, regardless of whether they have students in the school district? These levies not only have an impact on your taxes but also on ISD students and staff. Funding for public education is very complex, and it doesn’t cover everything our students need or that our community wants for our schools. How well we educate our students impacts society as students grow up and become community members, employees, or even our employers. How well we treat and pay our district staff, including providing them with necessary tools and professional development opportunities, impacts our ability to attract and retain high-quality staff. Regardless of how you vote, please be sure you do. Every voice matters, and every vote counts!
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KALIYAN SHNIDER Kaliyan, a Firehouse Park resident, graduated from eighth grade at Eastside Catholic Middle School in June 2021. Submitted by Satnam Purewal
JASLEEN SHNIDER Jasleen, a Firehouse Park resident, graduated summa cum laude from Issaquah High School in June 2021. She played tennis for the IHS team, was captain of the junior varsity team in freshman year, and captain of the varsity team as a senior. She was honored to receive the Scholar Athlete Award her senior year. She plans to continue playing tennis while pursuing an engineering degree. Submitted by Satnam Purewal
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GET INVOLVED
Supporting Refugees with a "Circle" of Love and Support
How a group of Issaquah Highlands residents is helping an Afghan refugee family start life in the U.S. "from scratch"
The U.S. has evacuated thousands of Afghans needing safety from their home country; many of these individuals have been at military bases across the U.S. since late August, awaiting placement in welcoming communities. For the first time since 1980, the ELIZABETH GREGG U.S. government is allowing IHCA Board of Directors civilians to sponsor refugee Vice President, and families waiting to resettle; Wisteria Park Resident groups of five individuals can apply as a “sponsor circle.” Groups are responsible for securing housing and financial assistance for a refugee family, accessing benefits available through the federal government (including medical services), helping to enroll children in school, and other responsibilities. I had been trying to find a way to help with the crisis in Afghanistan when I saw a Facebook post by Issaquah Highlands neighbor, Kristen Smith Daley. Kristen and her husband, Marlowe, were looking for people interested in joining them in sponsoring an Afghan refugee family. After learning more and taking the required training, I was on board with two other Issaquah Highlands residents, Darcy Perea and Elisa Tehero. We started preparing for our sponsored family before we knew anything about them. The biggest initial hurdle was finding housing. Not only are we experiencing a housing shortage, but most places I reached out to were not willing to partner with us. Securing an apartment for a family who
you don’t know anything about is even harder than it sounds, especially when we wanted the location to be within walking distance to a grocery store, schools, and a mosque. Luckily, we found a great complex willing to support us, and our wonderful community helped us obtain all the necessities to furnish an empty apartment. Finally, in January, the day came; we got an e-mail that we were matched with a family staying at a U.S. military base in Minnesota. They were two adults and two young children, and they would arrive in a week. My first encounter with our sponsored family was picking them up late at night from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. With great excitement and an equal amount of nervousness, I arrived around 11 p.m. to pick up our sponsored refugee family. Many weeks prior, we reached out to a friend of our sponsored family who served in the Afghan military and resides locally. Only hours before our family’s arrival, this friend reached out to say he would also be at the airport to greet the family. When I arrived at the airport, two men approached me with limited English, and one indicated he was the previously mentioned friend of the family. Then, two more men appeared, and then some more. In total, there were 10 Afghan men, recent refugees, who wanted to welcome our family to Washington. Except for the one friend, none of the other men knew this family; they just wanted to show their support. One man spoke English and translated for me – a huge relief. One man only arrived hours before from another military base but wanted to stay in solidarity. After traveling all day with two young children, our sponsored family arrived exhausted; their only belongings were tarps sewn into two crude bags. Despite their exhaustion, they expressed their appreciation and thanks. The children got to experience something new: car seats (neither one was a huge fan).
After our sponsored family rested for a few days in an Airbnb donated by a local family, our sponsorship circle moved the family into their new home. In many ways, this is starting life “from scratch”: learning a new language and new customs, obtaining social security cards, learning how to use a bank and a computer, getting a driver’s license and a phone, finding a job – even furnishing an empty apartment. It’s very overwhelming. Our sponsored family’s daughter started preschool in February. The happiness in her eyes from being around children her age and learning through play is heartwarming, as is watching her parent’s pride and sheer joy seeing their child safe and happy. Every day brings new experiences and new firsts for all of them. This has been one of the most rewarding, inspiring, and humble experiences. The bravery this family and other refugee families have is inspiring. They had no idea who was picking them up from the airport or where I was taking them. They came here for the safety of their family and to give their children a better life. It was very humbling to meet other Afghan refugees who have so little and have family in danger back in Afghanistan, offering us continued praise and thanks. Some people call our family “one of the lucky ones,” as they receive a great deal of support from our sponsor circle; most refugee resettlement organizations, already short-staffed and underfunded, only work with refugee families for 90 days. Many families fall through the cracks, and refugees must provide for their families while navigating a foreign and complex system. The Issaquah Highlands community has been incredibly supportive; furniture, clothes, household goods, and financial donations made this process a true community effort. The adult male member of the family interviewed and accepted a job with the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) on the landscaping team. While his expertise and background are in construction and iron working, this position is a great opportunity to gain work experience and improve English proficiency. Seeing how so many people came together to help others is incredible, and we, alongside our sponsored family, are so grateful. Working alongside three incredible women (Darcy, Kristen, and Elisa) has been nothing short of inspirational. Their passion for helping others is incredible. If you are interested in following our sponsored family’s journey or want to offer support, please visit our GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/sponsoring-an-afghan-family-inissaquah, or contact me at esp46@live.com. You can learn more about the Sponsor Circle program at sponsorcircles.org.
From left to right: Issaquah Highlands residents Elisa Tehero, Darcy Perea, Elizabeth Gregg, and Kristen Smith Daley formed a sponsor circle to assist an Afghan refugee family to resettle in our area.
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GREEN HOMES
Aging Homes Offer Opportunities to Make Greener Decisions When updating your home, consider eco-friendly solutions to reduce your family's carbon footprint
Last summer, our region suffered through weeks of heatwaves, with temperatures topping 116 degrees Fahrenheit in Issaquah. For Issaquah Highlands residents, many of whom have homes built without air conditioning, summer generated a flurry of CHRISTIN PELGRUM calls to HVAC companies to Dahlia Park Resident install air conditioning and deliver some comfort. The truth is our home improvement choices are not trivial, and an uninformed, hasty decision can mean committed emissions for the next 20 years, exacerbating the climate change problem from which we are trying to gain relief. As we experience the effects of global warming and our homes reach a certain age, Issaquah Highlands residents can do more to live up to our community’s value of sustainability, be good stewards of our beautiful land, and secure a carbonzero and healthy future for our community and children. How do we do that as individuals and a community? We educate ourselves, get creative with potential solutions, and incrementally electrify everything. According to scientific online publication, Our World in Data, 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from the U.S. Of our U.S. emissions, 42% come from houses and machines we use to power our lives (according to “Electrify” by Saul Griffith), meaning there is a huge opportunity to affect the change we want to see in the decisions we make
sitting around the kitchen table. As our roofs, hot water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and dryers start to age and need replacement, we can (and frankly, must) replace all fossil fuel-burning machines with electric ones. While fighting climate change does not rest solely on our shoulders, it is valuable to identify our individual household’s biggest emitters and create a guide for making smart, high-impact decisions when our water heater bites the dust, we take on a kitchen renovation, or just want to insulate ourselves from energy bill volatility. According to the nonprofit, Rewiring America, 50% of household emissions come from vehicles. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter in Issaquah Highlands, a gasolinepowered vehicle purchased today will emit CO2 for another 20-25 years. Another 25% of our household emissions come from the way we heat and cool our homes. With a lifespan of around 15-20 years, renters and homeowners should be aware of heat pump options, as well as Puget Sound Energy (PSE) conversion rebates (see pse.com/rebates). Your home’s water heater accounts for 10% of household emissions; you can expect to replace it every 10-15 years. Much less involved and costly than installing a heat pump for cooling and heating, water heaters are a great appliance to target to reduce your home’s emissions. Five percent of household emissions are attributable to cooking. Not only does electric cooking save your family from harmful pollutants that come with gas cooking, doing so with an affordable induction stovetop means faster more efficient cooking with less chance of getting burned.
Finally, drying clothes makes up 3% of household emissions. A ventless heat pump dryer is the most efficient way apart from hang-drying (note that outdoor clotheslines are prohibited in Issaquah Highlands). You can reduce your overall household emissions by installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. As our roofs need replacement, neighbors may band together for bulk discounts on those replacements; it is worth looking into similar discounts from solar installers. A bulk discount coupled with the 26% federal solar tax credit (that will fall to 22% after this year, visit energy.gov/eere/solar/homeownersguide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics) and the state sales tax exemption for solar energy systems could lead to creative solutions and savings. Although the cost of rooftop solar continues to decrease, it is one of the more challenging options to electrify. The great news is Washington’s electrical grid is the second cleanest in the country (according to the Washington Business Alliance), and PSE gives us the option to have our electricity supplied by renewable energy sources, a switch you can make today (pse.com/green-options/ Renewable-Energy-Programs/renewables-home). In future columns, you will hear from neighbors who have gone electric in their homes and businesses. I hope these stories can provide valuable insights and help you plan for updates to your Issaquah Highlands home.
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