Snohomish QUARTERLY
SUMMER 2024
PUBLIC SAFETY
City Hall
City of Snohomish 116 Union Avenue
Snohomish, WA 98290
Phone: 360-568-3115
Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Monday, Friday by appt. only
Please see the City’s website to report a concern or for additional information at www.SnohomishWA.gov.
Police
230 Maple Avenue
Snohomish, WA 98290
Phone: 360-568-0888
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergencies: 425-407-3999
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Patrol deputies are on duty 24 hours a day and can be reached by calling 911.
Department Contacts
Linda Redmon, Mayor
360-282-3154
redmon@SnohomishWA.gov
Heather Thomas, City Administrator
360-282-3194
thomas@SnohomishWA.gov
Brooke Eidem, Planning Director 360-282-3167
eidem@SnohomishWA.gov
Nova Heaton, Public Works Director 360-282-3187
heaton@SnohomishWA.gov
Alisha Hendren, Finance Director 360-282-3197
hendren@SnohomishWA.gov
Shari Ireton, Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives 360-282-3176
ireton@SnohomishWA.gov
Rebekah Park, Human Resources Director 360-282-3155
park@SnohomishWA.gov
Brandi Whitson, City Clerk 360-282-3181
whitson@SnohomishWA.gov
Nathan Alanis, Police Chief 360-568-0888
snohomishpd@SnohomishWA.gov
Keeping it Green
The City is one step closer to our Urban Forestry goals. On June 13, City staff and community members from the Snohomish Garden Club, Green Snohomish, and the City’s Parks and Forestry Board came together for a class on pruning made possible by a grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Statewide Recognition
In June, Mayor Linda Redmon, City Administrator Heather Thomas, and Planning Director Brooke Eidem were invited to speak at the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference in Vancouver. Their session highlighted the outreach and engagement done for the City's Comprehensive Plan, which will be featured in an upcoming AWC magazine.
Planning in Action
Our climate project with University of Washington Livable City Year was presented at the 2024 Washington Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference in Bellingham, Washington during a session about how higher education can change the climate conversation in smaller communities.
“This was a great opportunity to partner with the university for mutual benefit,” said Brooke Eidem, Planning Director. “The City got some excellent work using cutting edge data at a fraction of a consultant cost, and the students got to see city planning in action.”
Let's Play!
Members of the Averill Family joined Mayor Linda Redmon, the Snohomish Lions Club, Snohomish Kiwanis, and the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club for a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 10, 2024 at the new inclusive playground at Averill Field. The field is named after Snohomish native and major league baseball hall of famer Earl Averill. He was named to six All-Star teams during his career (1929-1941) and elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975. Thank you to Snohomish County & Councilmember Sam Low, the Snohomish Kiwanis, Snohomish community partners, and the Snohomish Parks and Forestry Board for making this project possible.
Members of the Averill Family
City Administrator Heather Thomas, Councilmember Judith Kuleta, Mayor Linda Redmon, and WA State Senator John Lovick at the AWC Conference
Public Safety is Our Priority
BY LINDA REDMON, MAYOR
Snohomish is a city that operates on input from the community, and we appreciate it when residents keep us informed of issues they care about. We are making great strides in being more proactive and preventing public safety problems, but we still rely on the community to alert us to emerging or ongoing issues.
One of the biggest concerns for city residents is speeding. This happens all over the city, but we are aware of specific times and locations that seem particularly problematic. To address these
problems, the Snohomish Police Department has stepped up speed enforcement and citation of offenders. The City’s Public Works team has worked with the Police Department to place radar speed signs in areas where we’ve been informed of significant issues. These signs remind drivers to watch their speed while recording data to help us monitor trends so we can act upon them.
Snohomish is a city that operates on input from the community, and we appreciate it when residents keep us informed of issues they care about.
We have been working on changes to street and intersection design in multiple locations to provide for “traffic calming” through design elements that work to naturally slow drivers down. We are also evaluating the speed limits throughout
town for where it might be helpful to decrease the maximum allowable speed. We have heard community concerns about pedestrian, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and bicycle safety. In addition to enhancing lighting and visibility along streets and intersections, we are working to address deficiencies noted in our ADA Transition Plan and are creating a program to help property owners address sidewalk maintenance and repair concerns. We now have a Complete Streets plan in place that ensures to ensure that in the future our streets will include safe shared spaces for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. While these are the top community concerns, you will see in this issue many other elements of public safety that we at the City work to address on your behalf. Please let us know if we’ve overlooked something!
Linda Redmon, Mayor redmon@snohomishwa.gov 360-282-3154
Snohomish Quarterly is published by Scenic365 LLC for the City of Snohomish.
ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Coleman 360-739-0701 / jennifer@scenicwa.com
EDITOR Shari Ireton
DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jason Becker
Community Spotlight: Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management
The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) plays a crucial role as a public safety partner for the City of Snohomish. Since signing on to an interlocal agreement with the City, DEM is dedicated to assisting staff and leadership in preparing for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. Its comprehensive approach includes coordination with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure an effective and timely response and recovery.
For the City of Snohomish, this partnership means enhanced readiness for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and severe weather events. DEM provides vital resources, expertise, and support to local emergency services, ensuring that residents receive prompt and efficient assistance during crises. Through public education and community outreach, the DEM empowers residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their families and properties.
Snohomish County’s DEM is indispensable in fostering a resilient and prepared community, significantly bolstering public safety and enhancing the overall quality of life in Snohomish.
“When Disaster Strikes: Prepare, Act, Survive!”
October 5-6, 2024
Snohomish Carnegie Building.
Presented by Snohomish County DEM, this course is designed to teach and encourage community members to prepare for disasters, take preservation actions and perform, as appropriate, light search and rescue response to aid their family and other community members in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster or human-made incident.
This free class is 12 hours in length (8 AM – 5 PM on Saturday, and 8 AM – Noon on Sunday) and is open to those ages 13+ with parent/guardian consent.
Learn more and register: https://www.snohomishwa.gov/834/ Emergency-and-Disaster-Preparedness
Council Spotlight: David Flynn
Greetings Snohomish Residents,
As we embrace the warmth of the summer months, I find myself reflecting on the honor it is to serve on the city council and represent each of you, whilst considering each one of you. The past quarter has been filled with dynamic developments, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our community members and the dedication of our city team, from initiatives promoting safe transportation through our complete streets, the establishment of long-term affordable housing options, grant funded sewer connections,
sidewalk/ADA status, as well as working toward tree city establishment. Our collective endeavors have been nothing short of inspiring. Moreover, the vibrant art community encouraging the art, design and culture of our community. This is part of our communities common ground where we see each other, appreciate each other and celebrate each other. I’m thankful that we get to share community in such a beautiful place.
we strive to create a safer environment for all.
As we delve into this issue of the Snohomish Quarterly, I wish to underscore the paramount importance of public safety. Topics such as the redevelopment of First and Second Streets, the implementation of universal city speed limits, and enhancements to sidewalk infrastructure are at the forefront of my safety agenda and goals. Your insights and input on these matters are invaluable as
While we celebrate our achievements, it is imperative to acknowledge the ongoing work needed to ensure the well-being of our community. I am committed to open dialogue and collaboration to address any concerns or issues that you my neighbors may have. This message serves as an invitation to engage with me on matters concerning our city’s safety and beyond. Your active participation is instrumental in shaping the future of Snohomish. As we embark on the summer season, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with each of you and continue our journey towards a thriving and inclusive community.
Warm regards, Councilmember David Flynn flynn@snohomishwa.gov
I wish to underscore the paramount importance of public safety. Topics such as the redevelopment of First and Second Streets, the implementation of universal city speed limits, and enhancements to sidewalk infrastructure are at the forefront of my safety agenda and goals.
Improve Our Community: Share Your Feedback!
We value your voice in shaping the future of our neighborhoods! The City of Snohomish is committed to enhancing our community’s quality of life, and we need your feedback to make informed decisions. We invite you to participate in these two surveys to share your thoughts on neighborhood, sidewalk
conditions, tree management, budget priorities and more. Your insights are crucial in helping us understand what matters most to you and how we can improve our shared spaces. By participating, you’ll be directly contributing to initiatives that aim to create safer, more beautiful, and a more functional community for everyone.
Scan the QR codes below to go to the survey or use the following URLs:
As your community-owned hospital, we strive to provide you and your entire family with exceptional care – close to home.
Learn more about your care team at evergreenhealth.com/monroe.
Budget and Policy Options Survey: polco.us/s7af9n Coalition of Neighborhoods Survey: polco.us/svne2d
24/7 Emergency Room Care
Urgent Care in Monroe
Primary Car e in Monroe & Sultan
Anticoagu lation Management Clinic
Chemical a n d Alcohol Dependency & Recovery Center
Outpatient Ad diction Medicine Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Gastrointestinal Services
Heart Care
3-D Mammography & DXA
Midwifery Care
Nutrition Counseling
OB/GYN Care
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Pain Management
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Podiatry
Respiratory Care
Surgical Services – General, Orthopedic, Gastrointestinal & Gynecological
Vascular Care
Pedestrian Safety: A Shared Responsibility for Everyone
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Together, walkers and drivers can make our streets safer for everyone. One moment of inattention can change lives forever. Let’s “walk” the talk on pedestrian safety!
For walkers:
• Awareness: Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones.
• Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Ensure drivers can see you.
• Crosswalks: Use designated crosswalks and pedestrian signals when available. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Education: Teach children about pedestrian safety, including looking both ways before crossing the street.
For drivers:
• Stay Alert: Always look out for pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
• Slow down: Reduce speeds in areas with high foot traffic, school zones, and in poor visibility situations, such as snow, rain, fog, or sun glare.
• Yield to Pedestrians: Give priority to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop.
• Never Pass at a Crosswalk: Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks as they may be allowing pedestrians to cross.
• Use Headlights: Ensure headlights and signals are used to communicate with pedestrians.
Walking is a fundamental mode of transportation, recreation, and exercise, but it comes with risks. Please help Snohomish become a pedestrian safe community!
Meet our Building Safety and Code Enforcement Team
Have you ever wondered how the City is kept safe? Public safety is the primary responsibility of several departments in the City, including the Police Department, Snohomish Fire District 4, Public Works and Planning. Staff who oversee building safety and code enforcement do a lot of heavy lifting.
Koi Simpson, Building Official, and Cedric Atkins, Code Enforcement Officer, prioritize public safety in their daily work by by ensuring businesses comply with building codes, fire codes, and municipal code. Their recently added Ground Exploration and Observation Facilitator (GEOF for short) helps them do that by being able to squeeze into tight or dark spaces that would be difficult for them to examine.
GEOF is a remote-control off-road vehicle with LED lights and a camera, so staff can conduct inspections in crawlspaces, under rotten decks, and in confined spaces. GEOF, who sports a set of googly eyes and a traffic cone hat, is also part of the City’s emergency response program. So, if you see Koi or Cedric out and about, say hi and ask to meet GEOF!
GEOF (the City’s Ground Exploration and Observation Facilitator), with Cedric Atkins (l) and Koi Simpson (r).
Our Public Safety Partners
In addition to the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (see p. 5), the City works with other partners to help keep our community safe.
Snohomish Police Department
The City of Snohomish has contracted with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office for police services since 2012. The City has its own police department uniform, patch, and vehicle graphics to maintain the identity of a local police department. As a proud part of our community, Snohomish Police Department (PD) engages with the public at events such as National Night Out and Coffee With a Cop.
Snohomish PD tracks a variety of statistics to keep the public informed about its work. During its annual report to City Council earlier this year, PD shared the following yearover-year trends:
*These numbers include traffic incidents on SR9, including the 2023 fatality which occured in the County and not on a City street.
Snohomish County Fire District #4
The City of Snohomish is served by Snohomish County Fire District #4, which includes the City as well as its immediate surroundings. The District encompasses approximately 60 square miles and a population of around 32,000 residents. Fire District #4 also has a cooperative relationship with its neighbor departments to mutually help each other in times of need.
Fire District #4 responds to a variety of incidents, including fire alarms, fires, hazardous conditions, medical emergencies, rescue operations, vehicle accidents, and more. With summer upon us, here are some important safety reminders regarding fire and water: Wildfire season is here. There have already been numerous fires in Eastern Washington, and Western Washington is drying out for the season. Be careful with any outdoor burns and have water available near any outdoor fires. Be mindful of any campfires and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving them.
As summer heats up, it’s also important to keep water safety in mind. Even when it’s hot outside, the water can still be very cold. According to Washington State Parks, you should treat any water temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit with caution – and many Washington waterways stay under 60 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year. Cold water immersion is dangerous when you’re in an accident and have a physiological response you cannot control due to shock. Always wear a life jacket!
City Transportation Master Plan to Enhance Public Safety
City staff and elected officials are working on plans that will make getting around town easier and safer. We are updating the Transportation Master Plan with new ideas to help people walk, bike, and use other ways to get around Snohomish without requiring a car. We are making sure this plan matches with the City budget and other important plans.
One of the main goals we are working towards, is to make it safer and easier to walk around town. Council recently approved a Complete Streets Policy which ensures our streets are made for everyone—people walking, biking, and driving cars. This helps reduce traffic and accidents, and improves the quality of life in Snohomish.
The City’s Local Road Safety Plan helps find dangerous areas and fix them using data to make smart decisions. This will also help reduce accidents.
The City’s Transportation Master Plan also focuses on having many ways to get around Snohomish, like public transportation, bike lanes, and paths for walking. This approach supports our efforts to become a greener and more inclusive City.
As we plan for the future, we aim to create a connected, efficient, and safe environment. This will improve life for everyone in the community by providing a well-planned and easy-to-use transportation system.
Learn more about the Transportation Master Plan: www.snohomishwa.gov/822/Transportation-Master-Plan
Proposed Pedestrian Network
Proposed Bicycle Network
PREPARE IN A YEAR
Being prepared for a disaster or emergency can be daunting. No one really wants to think about an emergency or disaster happening and there is so much to do! The US Department of Homeland Security has created “Prepare in a Year,” an easy and comprehensive guide to prepare for emergencies or disasters in just one hour a month for a year. A little bit of preparation goes a long way toward reducing stress and anxiety. Here is the best way to prepare for an emergency or disaster—one small task at a time.
JANUARY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
If you are separated from your loved ones when a disaster happens, the first thoughts may be about your family, their location and condition. Every household member should have an out-of-area contact card in a wallet, purse, or backpack at all times. Facebook has a “safety check” that can be implemented after a disaster.
FEBRUARY ACTION PLAN
Get familiar with the types of disasters this area is prone to. Information is available online or by attending a preparedness fair to learn about local hazards. Gather your family and create a family/household communication and reunification plan. Discuss the types of disasters that are likely to happen and write down a plan for each type. The response to an earthquake may be different than the response to a flood or the response to a fire. Practice your plan, discuss what each plan looks like, and discuss when to call 9-1-1. Post emergency numbers in a visible location that is easy for everyone to access.
A Grab and Go kit should have enough supplies to last 2-3 days and should be lightweight and easy to carry such as a backpack, tub, or suitcase. Place items in plastic bags to protect against water, depending on the circumstances, these can later be repurposed for waste disposal. Keep the Grab and Go kit as close to the most used entrance/exit as possible, such as the garage, mud room or front door. Everyone – including petsshould have their own kit, although some supplies will be
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Gather and make copies of (or print out) the following documents:
MARCH WATER
Keep as much safely treated drinking water in the household plumbing system as possible. Be sure everyone in the household knows where the main water valve to the house is located and practices turning the water off and back on. The standard amount to have on hand is one gallon per person per day.
Property insurance (home, auto, renters, boat, etc.)
Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, pet, life, disability, long-term care, etc.)
Financial (bank, investment, retirement, etc.)
Estate papers (wills, powers of attorney, medical proxy, minor guardianship, etc.)
Take photographs or videos of all valuables as documentation for insurance claims. Keep physical copies of these documents, photographs, or videos in a safe deposit box, or fireproof box.
JUNE GET TWO WEEKS READY
When a disaster happens, it may take up to two weeks for resources to arrive. Plan for alternative ways to do the following to care for you and your family’s needs:
• Cooking
• Lighting
• Shelter
• Protecting food during power outage
• Sanitation
SEPTEMBER UNDER THE BED
One way to be sure you are ready to respond is to keep important items under your bed. Knowing where to go to get the essentials will make your response more effective and efficient. Keep these emergency supplies under the bed: sturdy shoes, work gloves, flashlight and/or light sticks.
JULY FIRE SAFETY
Home fires can occur anytime and are most often caused by cooking accidents, smoking indoors, fireworks or unsafe use of woodstoves or space heaters. Practice what to do in case of a home fire with your family. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
OCTOBER
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON
AUGUST
UTILITY SAFETY NATURAL GAS
•
•
• Don’t shut off the gas if there isn’t a leak
• Attach a wrench to the meter or to the wall directly behind the meter.
• Make sure all responsible household members know when and how to shut off gas at the meter ELECTRICITY
• Check the cords, plugs, and connectors
• Locate your electricity circuit box
• Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house
PROPANE
• Have your home’s propane tank properly installed by a qualified professional and serviced on a regular basis.
• Propane tanks are extremely flammable.
• Never use or store a propane tank indoors
• Do not use portable propane heaters, stoves, or lanterns in tents, campers, truck caps, RVs, or other unventilated enclosures, especially while sleeping.
Practice “Drop – Cover – Hold On” with your family. Safety comes from stopping quickly or moving to a place of safety. Drop, Cover and Hold On is the national standard for earthquake safety.
• Drop – Where you are, onto your hands and knees. This prevents you from being knocked over or thrown to the ground.
• Cover – Your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby crawl underneath.
• Hold On – Until shaking stops. If under a table or desk hold on with one hand and be ready to move with your shelter. If not under a table or desk hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
NOVEMBER
SHELTER IN PLACE
Practice sheltering in place as a family – this is different from “staying inside”. In the event of a Shelter in Place Order:
• Go inside immediately
• Tightly close and lock all doors and windows
• Shut off fans and devices that circulate air
• Get into your pre-selected room and seal it tightly
• Listen to the news for instruction
• Thoroughly air out the home once the emergency is over
DECEMBER HOME HAZARD HUNT
Take the time to identify and fix potential household hazards. Take 30 minutes to walk through your home. Imagine the ground movement of a significant earthquake. Identify potential hazards, make a list and then a plan to start fixing them.
Cut and keep this page in a visible place to stay prepared all year long!
Community Events
Snohomish Farmers Market
• Thursdays through September
• 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
National Night Out
• Tuesday, August 6
• 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Averill Field
Snohomish Fire District 4
Fill the Boot for MDA
• Saturday, August 17
• Second St and Avenue D
River’s Edge Brewfest
• Saturday, August 17
• Stocker Fields
Snohomish Youth Art Gallery
• Thursday, August 22
• 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
Snohomish Block Party
• Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24
• Downtown Snohomish and Snohomish Carnegie Building
RSVP Bicycle Ride
• Saturday, August 24, 2024
• Downtown Snohomish
Mental Wellness Summit
• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
For more community events, go to www.snohomishwa.gov or snap the QR code at right.
Pilchuck District
Community Celebration
• Friday, September 27
• 4 to 7 PM
• Averill Field
Snohomish Classic Car and Hot Rod Display
• Sunday, September 29
• Downtown First Street, Snohomish
When Disaster Strikes
Emergency Preparedness Training
• Saturday, October 5 –Sunday, October 6
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
Snohomish High School Serpentine
• Friday, October 11
• Downtown Snohomish
Snohomish River Run
• Sunday, October 13
• Downtown Snohomish
Snohomish CROP Walk
• Sunday, October 13
• Multiple locations around town
Fall Into Snohomish with Zombie Walk
• Saturday, October 26
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
Wonderland Woods Walk
• Saturday, October 26
• Ferguson Park
Downtown Trick or Treating
• Thursday, October 31
• Downtown First Street
Snohomish Sparkles Tree Lighting
• Saturday, November 30
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
Winterfest
• Friday, December 13 –Sunday, December 15
• Snohomish Carnegie Building
