City of Snohomish Quarterly Magazine - Winter 2023

City Hall

City of Snohomish PO Box 1589

116 Union Avenue Snohomish, WA 98291-1589

Phone: 360-568-3115

Office Hours

Tuesday/Wednesday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday/Thursday/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

Scott James, Finance Director 360-282-3197 james@SnohomishWA.gov

Brooke Eidem, Planning Director 360-282-3173 eidem@SnohomishWA.gov

Rebekah Park, Human Resources Manager 360-282-3155 park@SnohomishWA.gov

Brandi Whitson, City Clerk 360-282-3181 whitson@SnohomishWA.gov

Nova Heaton, Public Works Director 360-282-3187 heaton@SnohomishWA.gov

Shari Ireton, Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives 360-282-3176 ireton@SnohomishWA.gov

Robert Palmer, Police Chief 360-568-0888 snohomishpd@SnohomishWA.gov

In This Issue

WINTER 2023

Latest City News

• Washington State Rep. Suzan DelBene secured $3.75 million for the City to help finish the last sections of its north sewer trunk line extension project. This project will expand the sewer system capacity and allow for development of buildable lands while eliminating two sewer pump stations. It was one of the largest earmarks in the $1.7 trillion federal budget passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden at the end of 2022.

• Congratulations to the Planning and Development Services Department for receiving an award from the Planning Association of Washington Midtown Planning District in the category of Comprehensive Plan: Small Cities & Counties. “I congratulate retired Planning Director Glen Pickus and the Planning Department on this award and thank the Midtown Planning District Task Force for all the work contributed to the final product. This award is meaningful because it recognizes projects that have shown outstanding use of planning principles, that reflect community values, and that demonstrate innovation and applicability to other projects,” said Mayor Linda Redmon. “Mr. Pickus and his team have provided guidelines that will allow Snohomish to adapt to inevitable growth and change in a thoughtful and proactive fashion, preventing haphazard development and negative impacts to our city.” The award was presented at the annual conference of the American Planning Association in Vancouver, Wash., in October 2022.

• Daniel Hotovitsky joined the City as the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Coordinator. Dan studied at Shoreline Community College in business administration. He has over 8 years of experience in stormwater and surface water coming from the City of Newcastle and the City of Bellevue. His position will provide coordination of the City’s NPDES, Western

Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater permit and Stormwater Management Programs (SWMP).

• We welcome Velvet Franz as the City’s new Community Navigator. She will lead efforts to build collaborative relationships with community partners and ensure equitable access to services for all residents, including the vulnerable and underrepresented, through outreach, community education, navigation, care coordination, social support, and advocacy. Velvet earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and brings 15 years of experience in the field of social work, having worked with victims of domestic violence, general crimes, child welfare, and homelessness.

• The City is working with Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 in a joint venture to create a public safety and city services campus to improve service and save taxpayer dollars. The shared campus would serve as new stations for both the Fire District and the Snohomish Police Department, as well as other City services. Locating fire suppression and police services in one area will improve public safety. Having city services share space is more cost- effective in serving the community. This campus would also include training rooms for emergency personnel, community meeting space, board/council chambers, and space for the agencies to better coordinate during emergencies and weather events. A list of FAQs can be found online: www. snohomishwa.gov/CivicCampusFAQs.

Investing in Our Future

BY LINDA REDMON, MAYOR

As you read this, the City is embarking on the goals laid out in the 2023-2024 budget (see pages 8-9). Our work plans reflect our overall objective of preserving and strengthening our community. They are the product of a year of discovery and thoughtful change, and a lot of work by City staff and City Council. We hope that through this work we will provide you – our community – with the best possible service while being careful stewards of resources.

In 2022, we took stock of our inventory of City equipment and facilities, staffing levels, and financial resources. Much of the equipment was determined to be at or near the end of its life cycle. We found that, consistent with a past facilities assessment, the City outgrew its facilities years ago. Gaps in staffing had been handicapping our ability to respond to community needs. We also reevaluated how we provide communication and services and found that the pandemic had radically shifted how community members expect to be able to communicate with and receive services from the City.

This examination determined that over the past few years we had fallen into a pattern of delaying slated infrastructure and transportation projects and necessary replacements and upgrades of equipment, facilities, and systems. Equipment and facilities repairs were happening when they rose to the level of an emergency, which costs more and leads to lower levels of service and slower response to the needs of our community. The

community’s accumulated financial resources were not being put to work for the use they were intended.

We also took stock in what we had accomplished in the previous 2021-2022 biennium (see page 7). From completing the long-awaited renovation to the Snohomish Carnegie Building to helping our community weather the pandemic, I’m proud of the hard work by City staff and Council these past two years.

Looking to 2023 and beyond (see page 11), we are creating long-term plans to ensure we meet our responsibilities to care for our community assets and safeguard their performance for current and future generations. Modernization of our systems, including communications channels between the community and the City, is a top priority.

We have filled gaps in our staffing to better provide support for our community needs. We are building on our partnerships with the Snohomish School District and the Sno-Isle library system, as well as other community organizations such as the senior center and the food bank, to ensure that services are more accessible to our whole community. We have been working closely with our business community and regional partners to support a vibrant economic outlook.

We continue to enhance our working

relationships with our public safety partners so that we continue to address the needs and concerns of our community. The plans to create a public safety and civic services campus (see page 3) will provide ample space to ensure all of our staff can work side-by-side daily, strengthening communications and emergency response capabilities. Our Public Works Department has laid out an ambitious Capital Improvement Plan for the next two years (see page 10), including a connector road for 22nd Street and Terrace Ave and completing the north sewer trunk line.

Lastly, we will be working more closely with community members focused on the issues of housing affordability, inclusivity, and environmental protection. As we work our way through the upcoming comprehensive planning process, we will ensure that we are connecting with and listening to a broad range of community representatives, taking care to include those groups who are often left out, such as families with young children and our young people. Learn how you can be involved (see pages 14-15) – your input helps us to better serve you! I would love to hear from you: redmon@snohomishwa. gov or (360) 282-3154.

Linda Redmon, Mayor redmon@snohomishwa.gov 360-282-3154

Fired Up: Snohomish Fire District #4 Hard at Work Expanding Capabilities

Winters in Snohomish are cold, dark, and dreary. When the rain lets up, you might think about gathering around an outdoor fire with family and friends. After all, who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows (or chestnuts) on an open fire? Just make sure that your fire is no larger than three feet wide, three feet deep, and two feet high. It can only be used for cooking or recreational purposes, and must make use of dry, seasoned firewood only.

And no, your yard debris doesn’t count.

If your fire gets out of hand, you’ll find yourself calling 911 and you might get to meet some of the amazing men and women with Snohomish County Fire District #4. They provide service to 60 square miles stretching from Fobes Hill to Cathcart to Lord Hill to Dutch Hill toward Machias.

Depending on where you call from, though, it might not be Fire District #4 that gets to you first. “We call it a borderless system, or automatic aid,” said Chief Don Waller. This regionalization provides the best services at the lowest costs, and Fire District #4 is a frequent collaborator with neighboring fire departments. For example, the district is part of a training consortium that takes advantage of the Ray Lee Brown Training Facility on South Machias Road. Indeed, training is critical to maximizing the district’s capabilities. While most Fire District #4 personnel are full-time staff, there are also eight part-time firefighters. These firefighters receive the same training to ensure there is no discrepancy in preparation between full-time and part-time staff. The district has also emphasized advanced emergency medical services (EMS). “We now guarantee that two of our stations provide advanced life support,” said Waller, who added that they hope to eventually have a third station with the same capabilities. It’s

also important to have fully trained water technicians, whose specialized training allows them to enter bodies of water. In the past, the district had to wait for someone from a neighboring agency when responding to an emergency in the water.

“Nothing is better than real life experience,” Waller stressed. The district’s new, more capable wildland vehicle not only increases firefighting capabilities, it also allows them to help respond to wildfires in other parts of the states, providing critical on-the-job training that District #4 firefighters bring home with them. Recent years have seen wildfires make more of an impact in Western Washington, as illustrated by the Bolt Creek Fire last summer. “It’s happening at a pretty steep curve,” said Waller, which demands that both the district and the public improve wildfire preparation.

Fire District #4 provides a variety of public programs and resources to teach fire safety and disaster preparedness. Their newsletter, which is printed quarterly in addition to monthly digital versions, is a great place to start – sign up at snohomishfire.org. You can also follow the district on social media or catch them at community events such as Kla Ha Ya Days and National Night Out. Reach out for more information about CPR classes and other trainings.

That fire you started to roast marshmallows? That probably doesn’t require a permit. But any other kind of burning does, so please visit the district’s website to learn more and apply for a burn permit. Understanding who does what can be a challenge in Snohomish. While the City of Snohomish was annexed into the fire district in 2004, city government is still responsible for fire code enforcement and investigations.

Snohomish County Fire District #4 is responsible for fire, rescue, EMS, and burn permits – so if you’ll be roasting something other than marshmallows, make sure to give them a call. It just might save you a 911 call down the road.

Council Feature: Karen Guzak

First elected to City Council in 2007 and serving as Mayor from 2010-17, Councilmember Karen Guzak has served the City for more than 13 years. As Mayor Linda Redmon provides a look to the future, we sat down with Councilmember Guzak to provide some perspective on how far the City has come.

You’ve seen a lot of changes during your time serving the City. What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of?

I think we accomplished a lot over those many years under the former Council/Manager government. One of our early decisions, based on our Strategic Planning process, was to hire the City’s first Economic Development Director. That position has been critical in how we

created a more stable sales tax base, and more community vitality as we partnered with other organizations, such as the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association.

Another thoughtful and proactive action we took was to create a Transportation Benefit District. The voter-approved increase in sales tax has helped fund many important transportation projects, including the Avenue D roundabout. It’s also helped with preservation and renovation of our City streets. The TBD dollars are a powerful match of federal and state dollars that have helped pay for many

of our larger projects, and will continue to help us in our ongoing list of needed street improvements. We also were able to reduce sewer and water rates. A major effort was the work done to improve our wastewater treatment.

At the time, we were dealing with sewage and wastewater spillages into the Snohomish River, but replacing the entire treatment plant would have been too costly. City staff came forward with a new idea: we worked with the Department of Ecology and created “bacteria hotels” in our sewage treatment lagoons. Not only did this approach save money (reducing rates for residents) and reduce spillage, our Wastewater Treatment Plant has been recognized by the state for outstanding performance.

I’m also proud of the cooperative action we took with the Tulalip Tribes to remove the Pilchuck River Dam for salmon restoration. This enabled us to decommission our old and outdated water treatment plant and transition to much less expensive quality water as part of Everett’s Spada Lake system.

Where do we go from here?

I am very enthusiastic about this carefully crafted biennial budget, and very supportive of our expenditures for the future of the city, which will improve our quality of life. I have a high degree of confidence in Linda (Redmon) as our Mayor and CEO and staff leadership at the city. This team, along with Council, is the highest quality I’ve seen in my many years.

Our City is working well and we have enough revenue to do the necessary projects to restore and improve infrastructure. I am grateful for these halcyon days, and all the work of so many that brings us to this positive place today.

I am very supportive of our expenditures for the future of the city, which will improve our quality of life.

2021–2022 Highlights and Accomplishments

• The Transportation Benefit District Program was awarded $1.6 million from the state and approximately 2 miles of street pavement preservation projects were completed.

PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS

FLEET & FACILITIES

• Upgrades to the Senior Center HVAC units, eliminating the natural gas HVAC units.

• Completed roof and seismic upgrades at City Hall and the Engineering Building.

PARKS

CITY COUNCIL

• Updated the missions of and reauthorized the Public Safety Commission and Design Review Board.

• Approved the award-winning Midtown Planning District (see page 3) design standards and zoning, laying the groundwork for more housing options and strategic development within this area.

MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR

• Convened a group of community members to identify and prioritize elements for the Veteran’s Memorial to be located at the Carnegie Building site.

• Began evaluating what modes of communication with the community are needed in a postCOVID environment, including asynchronous meeting platforms and service request modules.

CITY CLERK & HUMAN RESOURCES

• Successfully negotiated three-year collective bargaining agreements with both City union bargaining units.

• Received the WellCity award from the Association of Washington Cities to foster a healthy workforce and save 2% on medical premiums.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DEPARTMENT

• Provided community event support and small business training and

resources to enhance recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and support business resiliency.

• Established an Emergency Preparedness & Response Task Force to review and update the City of Snohomish Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

• Received clean audits from the Washington State Auditor’s Office for 2020 and 2021 annual financial reports.

• Earned $375,000 in investment earnings for the biennium and served as the fiscal oversight for receipt of more than $2.8 million in ARPA funding.

INFORMATION SERVICES

• Upgraded the enterprise firewall appliance in an on-going effort to improve City’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

• Migrated to Microsoft 365.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

• Implementation of a paperless permitting system.

• Updated several municipal codes, including Land Use Tables.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ENGINEERING DIVISION

• Worked with federal delegation on funding for the North Sewer Trunkline Project (see page 3).

• Completing landscape and irrigation for the new Carnegie grounds.

• Ongoing response to graffiti and vandalism throughout the parks system.

STREETS

• Installation of new rapid flashing beacon at crosswalk location of 22nd and Park Avenue.

• Upgrades to crosswalks throughout the City and partnering with property owners repairing or replacing their sidewalks.

PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY OPERATIONS

SEWER COLLECTIONS

• Removal of the Kla Ha Ya Lift Station.

• Purchased new CCTV van with high-resolution camera that includes a hoist system for accessing via manholes.

STORMWATER

• Completed utility improvements on 4th Street, separating storm and sewer from Avenue J to Avenue E.

• Worked with Snohomish School District to clean up a pond behind the Snohomish Aquatic Center to improve drainage.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

• Received a 2021 Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

• Began installation of air gaps to protect drinking water from potential backflow of process water.

Renovation of the historic Snohomish Carnegie Building was completed in 2021.

Budget Overview

The 2023-2024 Biennial Budget is comprised of 20 funds with a total budgeted revenue of $63 million and budgeted expenditures of $81 million (which includes starting the biennium with a beginning fund balance of $48 million). The 2023-2024 budget maintains fund balances as required by the City’s Financial Management Policies, but also puts more dollars into play to benefit the community and the City’s infrastructure.

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM

Retail Sales and Use Tax – Sales and retail tax continues to be one of the largest revenue sources for the City, totaling more than 20% of City revenue.

Utility & Excise Taxes – Utility taxes based on the gross revenues of the local natural gas, telephone, electric, garbage, and cable companies and revenues collected following real estate transactions or assessed based on a designated purpose, like gas and hotel/motel taxes.

Fines & Forfeits – Fees associated with late payments or fines resulting from code enforcement activities.

Totals may not equal exactly 100% due to rounding.

Licenses & Permits – Fees for business licenses for those businesses owned or operating within City limits, as well as fees associated with issuing land use and building permits.

Miscellaneous – Largely interest income, as well as some rental income that the City receives through lease agreements.

Intergovernmental – Revenues received from Snohomish County, the State of Washington, or other grants at the local, state, or federal level

General Property Tax – The City property tax rate is a small part of the total taxes paid by City of Snohomish property owners – around 4.3%.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

HOW THE CITY OF SNOHOMISH PUTS YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO WORK AT WWW.SNOHOMISHWA.GOV/BUDGET

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

$24,141,142

$23,189,740

$18,158,886

$9,918,917

$3,965,083

Service $1,715,620 TOTAL $81,089,388 The 2023-2024 Biennium Budget includes more than $1.3 million for parks, almost $4 million for transportation, and over $14 million for sewer, stormwater, and wastewater.

Totals may not equal exactly 100% due to rounding.

Capital Improvement Projects

The following capital projects were included in the biennial budget, ensuring the City continues to address infrastructure needs for today and tomorrow.

22ND STREET & TERRACE AVENUE CONNECTOR ROAD

To improve traffic circulation, provide a pedestrian connection, include utility improvements, and relieve traffic concerns raised by residents due to development in the area.

Design: 2023-2024 / Construction: 2026-2027

AVERILL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS – PHASE I

Replace old playground equipment and increase recreational activities at Averill Field. Phase 1 consists of playground expansion, playground equipment replacement, walkways, utilities, and landscaping. Sports court construction is dependent on the bid amount.

Design: 2022-2023 / Construction: 2023

NORTH SEWER TRUNK LINE

Approximately 3,100 linear feet of 18-inch sewer pipe will be installed from Lakemount Drive south along Avenue D then west to Bonneville Avenue to 16th Street. Approximately 750 linear feet of 12-inch sewer pipe will be installed along Bonneville Avenue from 14th Street to 16th Street.

Design and permitting: 2022-2023 / Construction: 2024

NORTH ZONE RESERVOIR COATING

Recoating the North Zone Reservoir in order to replace the coating that was done in 2011 that is now failing and has become a maintenance issue.

Design: 2023 / Construction: 2024

PILCHUCK PARK BANK STABILIZATION

Construct a vegetated reinforced slope by placing rock in a geogrid reinforcement material to help create layers. The upper layers will have topsoil with a seed mix, with large woody debris or root wads anchored at the bottom of the slope.

Design and permitting: 2022-2023 / Construction: 2024

RAINIER STREET UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Replacement of approximately 1,800 linear feet of the Rainier Lift Station’s force main along Rainier Street from Willow Avenue to Second Street and along Second Street to Avenue A. Approximately 500 linear feet of water pipe will be replaced, along with sewer and storm improvements.

Design: 2022 / Construction: 2023

VETERANS MEMORIAL

Create a Veterans Memorial next to the Carnegie Building, as well as returning the original plinth from the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Cemetery to the Carnegie site.

Design: 2022 / Construction: 2023

GroundFrog Day

Saturday, January 28,2023

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Snohomish Aquatic Center, 516 Maple Avenue Snohomish, WA 98290

Snohomish Wine Festival

Saturday, March 4th, 2023

11:30 am to 8:00 pm

Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Road Snohomish, WA 98290

Easter Parade

Saturday, April 8, 2023

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Downtown Snohomish, Historic Downtown First Street

FOR MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS, GO TO WWW.SNOHOMISHWA.GOV OR SNAP THE QR CODE.

Get toKnow Snohomish!

81.2% White 0.7% Black/African American 0.7% American Indian/Alaska Native 2.4% Asian 0.5% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 5.0% Other 9.5% Two or more races 18.7% Educational, health care or social assistance 16.0% Manufacturing 12.4% Professional, scientific, and management 11.1% Retail trade 10.8% Construction 9.6% Arts, entertainment, recreation, and hospitality 4.9% Finance, insurance, and real estate 4.7% Other services, except public administration 3.6% Transportation, warehousing, and utilities 3.2% Public administration 2.7% Information 1.4% Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining 0.9% Wholesale trade

Wednesday-Sunday: Noon - 5 pm Monday and Tuesday: Closed 1024 First Street, Suite #104, Snohomish

SUBAREAS DESIGN WORKSHOPS

Date: Second half of 2023

What to expect: Community meetings in impacted areas

Purpose: To guide the future growth of Snohomish in the direction the community wants to see

HOUSING ASSESSMENT & GAP ANALYSIS

Date: First half of 2023

What to expect: Community workshop with City Council and City Planning Commission

Purpose: Begin policy discussion with the community regarding housing options

TREE PROGRAM

Date: Middle of 2023

What to expect: Interactive map of the City’s trees and educational materials will be available at public events such as the Farmers Market and Kla Ha Ya Days; open house to discuss tree policy

Purpose: To provide resources and educational materials for tree care, and discuss policy options for a future code update to meet eligibility requirements for Tree City USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation

CIVIC AMBASSADORS

Date: Throughout 2023

What to expect: Community engagement opportunities with well-informed community members.

Purpose: To broaden the City’s reach, solicit input, hold meaningful discussions, and answer questions for a Comprehensive Plan that is more inclusive and representative of the community

Our Future Snohomish

City staff and leadership are always busy on planning for our future, and we want to hear from you! Join us on our journey to seek community perspectives, tap into the collective experience, and enhance collaboration and communication between residents and City government. Here’s how you can get involved:

CLIMATE GROUP

Date: Throughout 2023

What to expect: Ad hoc committee meetings to review technical information and provide feedback and direction on mitigation and adaption

Purpose: To collaborate with technical experts, interested parties, and affected residents about local climate hazards and impacts, assess assets and vulnerabilities, and discuss mitigation and resilience policy measures for the Comprehensive Plan

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OPEN HOUSES

Date: Second half of 2023

What to expect: Community open house to review and discuss the Comprehensive Plan Purpose: To engage with the community and gain input and feedback about vision, values, preferences, and ideas for future growth scenarios, goals, and policies

KIDS DESIGN SNOHOMISH

Date: Throughout 2023

What to expect: Opportunities at community events for kids to design their future Snohomish.

Purpose: To engage with the future residents of Snohomish about what they want to see in their city

Contact info@snohomishwa.gov to get involved.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Date: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

What to expect: Public Comment: where residents can speak on any city-related topic.

Public hearings: opportunities for residents to comment on important issues such as new ordinances, City budget, comprehensive plan amendments or adoption, and interlocal agreements.

Purpose: City Council meetings provide an opportunity for residents to provide public comment and learn more about City Government

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Date: Vary; see www.snohomishwa.gov/108/Boards-Commissions for meeting dates and times

What to expect: Serve your community by volunteering to be on a City Board or Commission.

Purpose: Design Review Board: created for the purpose of protecting investment in rehabilitation and restoration of historic structures and to encourage better design and site planning.

Park and Recreation Board: advises and recommends to the City Council rules and regulations for the government and management of all parks and shall advise the appointing power on policy and fiscal matters relating to parks and recreation programs within the City of Snohomish.

Planning Commission: created for the purpose of considering land use, regional and comprehensive plan issues, and making recommendations to the City Council.

Public Safety Commission: focuses on public safety issues related to neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, traffic calming measures, pedestrian safety, and seasonal and emergent public safety issues.

Youth Council: provides a vital link between the youth of Snohomish and the greater community by initiating communication with local government, schools, and community organizations

Where happy & healthy start

As your community-owned hospital, we provide the personalized care you want with the convenience you need, at every stage of life. With our comprehensive services and clinical expertise, we’re here to be your health partner, no matter what comes your way. Learn more at evergreenhealthmonroe.com or call our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline — a free service connecting you and your family with the right level of care and a doctor who meets your personal needs at 360.794.1111.