The public PCs currently available in the library are in high demand by job seekers, as well as other customers. Making notebooks available for use in the library gives job seekers more computer time to seek job opportunities, complete online applications, file for unemployment benefits, prepare resumes and cover letters, and take advantage of other resources. There is no set time limit on the notebooks, but they must be returned before the library closes.

The notebook computers are funded through a grant from the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library, as a part of the Renew Washington Project, which is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Renew Washington grant program is helping 17 public libraries across the state meet needs in their local communities.

The $30,000 grant to Sno-Isle Libraries was used to purchase 30 notebook computers specifically for job seekers. The notebook computers are available for in-library checkout to adults with library cards in good standing at the following Sno-Isle libraries: Darrington, Granite Falls, Lynnwood, Marysville, Oak Harbor, Stanwood, and Sultan. These seven libraries were selected based on community need.

The computers provided by the Renew Washington grant are part of the Sno-Isle Libraries “Tools for Tough Times” campaign. The “Tools for Tough Times” campaign directs community members to free library resources for job hunting and surviving in a lean economic climate. To borrow a “Tools for Tough Times” notebook computer, or to locate other “Tools for Tough Times” resources, please ask a Sno-Isle Libraries staff member.

About Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno-Isle Libraries serves 664,000 residents in Snohomish and Island Counties. Sno-Isle has community libraries in Arlington, Brier, Camano Island, Clinton, Coupeville, Darrington, Edmonds, Freeland, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Langley, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, Stanwood, and Sultan, as well as bookmobile stops in communities and at senior centers. Services and materials include more than 1.3 million items, reference services, electronic databases and computer equipment, Internet access, outreach programs for the homebound and local daycares, and story times for children. For more information on library services in your area, please call the Sno-Isle Libraries Service Center at 360/651-7000 or 1-877-SNO-ISLE (1-877-766-4753), or visit the Web site at www.sno-isle.org.

For more information can be found in the Garbage Rate Study or contact Public Works Director, Connie Dunn at 360-793-2231.

"Sultan is updating its long-range plans as required by law," noted planning board chair, Frank Linth. "Changes to the city's long-range plan will affect property taxes and utility rates along with the fees paid to open a new business, future housing costs and where new roads and parks will be located," added Linth.

Small groups of Sultan community members and business owners have been meeting together twice a month to review the city's long range goals. Discussions at the small group meetings have been lively and respectful. Participants agree in their responses to the policy questions about 90 percent of the time. The other 10 percent of the time there are clear divisions. A number of themes are beginning to emerge: Reduce Regulations and Eliminate Development Constraints; Align Future Land Uses with the Floodplain; Encourage Development in "Centers"; Protect and Preserve Existing Assets. Future small group meetings are scheduled for 6:30PM on March 9 for parks and March 23 for utilities.

There are some differences of opinion. The planning board is seeking further community input on the following questions – should the city encourage large or small residential lots; should the city adopt and enforce property maintenance standards; should developers or taxpayers foot the bill for infrastructure to serve new development; should the city take an active or passive role in economic development?

It's important for residents and business owners to come and share their thoughts and ideas about Sultan's future. For more information on the comprehensive plan contact community development director, Bob Martin at 360-793-2231 or visit the city's Community Development Page.

We are required to update this plan every five years so since early 2009 staff from the City of Sultan, Sultan Schools, Fire and Police Departments have been working with the Snohomish County Natural Hazards Committee to update the plan, identify additional hazards and update the impacts of these disasters. We have identified the greatest risks to Sultan and our surrounding area as floods, Culmback Dam weakening or failure, earth quakes, wild land fires and hazardous materials leaks. The committee has developed a lot of information from many sources but now we have come to place were we need YOUR help.

We have developed an online survey that is attached and you can complete from the comfort of your home or office and submit to the committee. This survey will help us identify what your concerns are, what your level of knowledge and training is related to hazards and preparedness and help build a better plan. Would you please take a few minutes to complete and return the survey on line and pass this link on to everyone you can think of. It will give us better representation and really help.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/snocohazardmitigationsurvey

UPCOMING NATURAL HAZARDS OPEN HOUSE: On Wednesday, February 24th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM there will be an open house at the Sultan Middle School, 301 High Ave Sultan. You will be able to talk with members of the committee, see many displays and gather information about the hazards and impacts we will be reporting to the federal government later this year.

The Chamber and City are partnering in 2010 to co sponsor four (4) Business Roundtables. The second roundtable is for retail business owners. "Developing businesses in the Sky Valley is our goal and each roundtable is focused at specific types of businesses", said Mayor Carolyn Eslick.

The guest speakers on February 23rd will be Susan Greene, owner of the Flat Iron Gallery gift store in Sultan, and Adrian Taylor, owner of Ben Franklin Crafts in Monroe. "Our objective with this Business Roundtable is to help retail business owners identify new ways to promote and market their business" said Chamber President, Jeff Cofer.

There is limited space available. Business owners are encouraged to contact the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce at 360.793.0983 or email debbie@skyvalleyvic.net by January 20th.

The City of Sultan is working in partnership with Snohomish County Fire District 5 and Snohomish County Sheriffs offering "Community Emergency Response Team" (CERT) Training. CERT Training is a way for you to protect your family, friends and neighbors for the first 72 hours following a disaster.

The classes are free and will be held every Friday, beginning on February 12th. The same sessions will be held in the afternoon and evenings from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. "The course is very comprehensive, covering Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Medical, Search and Rescue, Psychology and Team Organization and even Disaster Simulation", commented Sultan Police Chief, Jeff Brand.

To register for CERT Training in Sultan, email Stephen.hagberg@snoco.org or call 425.754.4733.

For more information about this Press Release contact Donna Murphy at 360.793.2231 or 425.346.7077 or Email donna.murphy@ci.sultan.wa.us

The letter and post card provided by Allied Waste was confusing because it referenced changes to garbage, recycling and yard waste pick-up. Allied Waste contracts with the City of Sultan to pick-up recycling and yard-waste only for city residents and businesses.

Sultan residents should place their garbage cans at the curb on Thursday, Friday or Monday. A complete garbage pick-up schedule is available on the city's website here

In general, downtown Sultan south of High Street and west of Eighth Street is pick-up on Monday. East of Eighth Street and North of Fir Street and the areas east of Sultan Basin Road are picked-up on Thursday. Eagle Ridge and areas west of the Sultan Basin Road and the Dyer and Skywall neighborhoods are served on Friday. Garbage and recycling are mandatory services in Sultan.

Sultan residents can contact City Hall at 360-793-2231 for more information and an annual garbage pick-up schedule. Questions regarding recycling and yard-waste should be directed to Allied Waste customer service at (425) 778-0188 or 1-800-942-5965.

Many insurance companies will use these BCEGS grades, among other determinants, in their formulas to calculate insurance rates. Depending on the rating of the community and the type of coverage being calculated, discounts can range from 5% to 18%.

According to Sultan Community Development Director, Bob Martin, "Compared to many other municipalities in the state, Sultan's classification is very good." Martin said many factors go into calculating the grade, including looking at a city's existing building codes, number of plan reviews, number of certified building inspectors, ongoing departmental training, among other things. Sultan currently contracts with Snohomish County for building plan review and inspection.

"It's a fact – homes and businesses with superior construction experience far less damage. I am proud Sultan has maintained its high rating. We need to recognize Sultan employees and Snohomish County staff for their dedication in maintaining the city's high rating," added Martin.

Cities and counties in Washington are assigned a grade from 1 to 10 by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau using its Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS). Grade 1 represents exemplary commitment to building-code enforcement; Grade 10 indicates no recognizable enforcement. For more information, please contact Bob Martin at 360-793-2231.

"You work hard and you earn every dollar," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Taking advantage of the tax credit is the right thing to do for yourself and your family."

Thousands of working families and individuals in Washington each year fails to apply for the credit, missing out on their share of the money. Seniors, individuals with low incomes, and non-English speaking tax payers account for much of the unclaimed credits because they do not realize that they are eligible for it. Last year, 380,000 people applied for the credit, bringing about $696 million into the state's economy.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has teamed up with the IRS, AARP Tax Aide, Community Action agencies, United Way agencies, banks and credit unions across the state to remind eligible taxpayers that they must file a 2009 federal income tax return to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit – even if they owe no tax. Communities throughout Washington are taking part in the national Earned Income Tax Credit Day on Friday to promote the tax credit.

Groups promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) have a simple message: It's your money. Come get it. Any individual or couple who worked in 2009 should file for the EITC. The amount of the tax credit depends on family size and gross income. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) also provides a temporary increase in EITC for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. Following are eligibility requirements:

• With three or more qualifying children, income less than $43,279 or $48,279 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,657
• With two qualifying children, income less than $40,295 or $45,295 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,028
• With one qualifying child, income less than $35,463 or $40,463 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $3,043.
• With no children, income less than $13,440 or $18,440 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $457.

Free tax preparation services are available to low and moderate-income families now through April 15. A directory of site locations throughout the state is available by dialing 2-1-1, Washington's Information Network. Ask for "free tax preparation" and operators will provide free tax site locations and hours in your area.

Commerce is the lead state agency charged with growing and improving jobs in Washington State. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.

All meetings begin at 6:30PM (unless otherwise noted) at City Hall located at  319 Main St

Come to one or more meetings

When:

• Tuesday, January 12, 2010—Economic Development
• Tuesday, Jan 19, 2010— Joint City Council/Planning Board meeting (7:00PM)
• Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - Shoreline & Critical Areas
• Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010—Public Open House on proposed changes (4:30pm)
• Tuesday, March 9, 2010—Parks and Open Space
• Tuesday, March 23, 2010—Utilities including water, sewer and stormwater
• Tuesday, April 13, 2010—Capital Facilities including roads, parks, water, etc
• Tuesday, April 27, 2010— Public Open House on proposed changes (4:30pm)
• Tuesday, April 27, 2010—Joint City Council/Planning Board meeting (7:00pm)

Why;The City is updating its long-range plans as required by state law.  The long-range plan will affect property taxes and utility rates; the fees paid to open a new business;      future housing costs; and where new roads and parks will be located.  

We need your help to make a plan that reflects your values.

Board members approved holding workshop or study sessions on the first Tuesday of every other month from 3:00pm to 5:00pm beginning in February In order to provide adequate time for discussion of general planning issues.  Workshops or study sessions are planned for February 2, April 6, June 1, August 3, October 5 and December 7.  The planning board will determine the agenda items for discussion in advance of the meeting.  No action will be taken by the board at workshops. 

"I proposed adding the study sessions to give planning board  members an opportunity to discuss upcoming issues in-depth in a more informal atmosphere," noted planning board member Robert Knuckey.  Knuckey added, "Since this is the first time many of the board members, including myself ,have served on the planning board, the learning curve is very steep.  It is important that we have time to really discuss issue as a board and understand all the details before making final decisions."

The planning board and city council will meet together at the next planning board meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:00pm to discuss planning board roles and responsibilities, on-line permitting and efforts to update the city’s long-range land use plan.  For more information contact Robert Martin, community development director at 360-793-2231 or Robert.martin@ci.sultan.wa.us

Officials will hear the results of the October telephone survey the city did through Seattle, WA.-based consultant EMC Research. The statistically valid telephone survey sought the opinions of 300 randomly selected residents to get their views on city services, future growth, parks facilities and economic development.

"The results were fascinating," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick.  Eslick didn't want to unveil specific results until the meeting, but stressed that the survey was objective and scientific.  "The survey looked at public views on long-range planning, what qualities people found attractive about the area and some of the tradeoffs associated with planning, among other things.  The information will be used in 2010 to help with revising the goals and policies in the city's long-range growth plan," added Eslick.

After the survey results are publicized they will be used at the small-group public meetings where residents get to share their ideas of what Sultan will look like in the future.  The next small group meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30PM in the Sultan council chambers.   For more information contact Bob Martin, Community Development Director at 360-793-2231 or Robert.martin@ci.sultan.wa.us

Water and sewer utility rate changes were approved by the Sultan city council earlier in the year, but the city council delayed implementing the new fees until 2010. Rates for garbage and recycling will not change.

"Approving utility rate increases during these tough economic times was a very difficult decision to make," stated Councilmember Kristina Blair. "The city council spent six months reviewing the financial analysis and looking at different rate alternatives before approving the water rate increase earlier this year," she explained.

"People mistakenly believe that utility rates can be co-mingled with other city funds to balance the budget. This is not true. The city is required by state law to run utility services like independent businesses. Unfortunately, the current rates were not covering expenses even after cutting expenses. We are required to meet increasingly expensive state standards," added Blair.

For more information contact city administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The Special Meeting is to discuss the Role of the Planning Board. Public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

ADA Notice: Accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance request. Please make arrangements one week prior to the hearing by calling City Hall at (360) 793-223

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

"We are very fortunate to have two well qualified young people appointed to fill the position of student representative," said  Mayor Caroline Eslick.  "Both Nic and Stephanie attended the last council meeting.  Nic shared information on an upcoming student film festival in Everett and Stephanie mentioned Rici Morrill, her twin sister placed seventh in the 2A state cross country championships.  Their presence at the meeting is already being felt," added Eslick.

In her application, Stephanie Morrill wrote she is interested in serving as a student representative because she cares about the [Sultan] school and its relationship with the Sultan community.  Nic Gregg wrote he is interested in serving because there is a need to have a strong connection between the city council and the youth of the valley.

The next student representatives will be selected in May 2010 to serve for the 2010/2011 school year.  For more information on the student representatives, contact Donna Murphy at 360-793-2231.

Go to the City utility page to make your utility payment online. Pay Your Bill Here Have available the account holder’s first and last name and the account number found on the most recent statement. If a recent statement is not available, call 360-793-2231 for more information.

Under state law, the city cannot pay the transaction fees, to cover these costs, a $2.00 online convenience fee is applied to checking and savings payments and a 4.167% online convenience fee is applied to debit and credit card payments.

Laura Koenig, Deputy Finance Director noted, "We are glad to finally be able to offer this service to our customers.  For the past few years, the city’s finance department has been looking for a vendor to provide online payment services.  We are pleased to provide a more convenient way for Sultan utility customers to pay their bill and meet the state’s requirements."

Customers who normally have garbage pick-up on Thursday should place their garbage out for pick-up on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

Customers who normally have garbage pick-up on Friday should place their garbage out for pick-up on Wednesday, November 25, 2009.

For questions, contact Sultan City Hall at 360-793-2231 or go here for more information on garbage pick-up: Garage Pick-up Information

Applications are available online here: Planning Board Application.  The application deadline is 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2009.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit your application to the Sultan City Clerk’s Office, City of Sultan, PO BOX 1199, Sultan, or call 360.793.2231.

The Sultan Planning Board consists of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Board members are expected to attend regular Planning Board meetings held at 7:00 P.M. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Special meetings are held occasionally to meet with the City Council or cover other business.  The Planning Board advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on all matters relating to the future physical development of the city with respect to land use and development zoning and subdivision regulations, and the city's Comprehensive Plan.

The Mayor will request Council confirmation of her appointment at the Council’s December 10, 2009 meeting.  The appointment would be effective immediately.  For further information, please contact Robert Martin, Community Development Director at 360-793-2231.     

This Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket Application has been filed by Terra-ex Land Group, owner of the property. The Public Hearing is set to undertake Amendment Procedures leading to Amendment of the Comprehensive Plan Map, requesting to change the Plan Designation at the intersection of Hwy 2 and Sultan Basin Road from Economic Development (ED) and Moderate Density (MD) Residential, to Highway Oriented Development (HOD) a retail commercial designation.

This is a Level IV Amendment Process in the City of Sultan Public Participation Policy document.  The Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing, take public testimony on the Application, and make a recommendation to the City Council.  The Council may act on the proposed Amendment without further Public Hearing.

Copies of the proposed Amendments may be viewed at City Hall.  Written comments may be sent to the Community Development Director at PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA  98294-1199.

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

The November 10, 2009 Meeting will be in two parts.  The portion of the meeting from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM will be in Work-Group Session with citizens groups for Development of the 2011 Comprehensive Plan.  Starting at 8:00pm, the Planning Board will convene to conduct regular business.  This will include a Public Hearing on a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment by Terra-Ex Land Group.

Written comments may be sent to the Community Development Director at PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA  98294-1199.

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

"This budget continues the efforts of the city to get its fiscal house in order," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick.  "Despite the most severe economic downturn in 29 years, the City of Sultan is able to balance the 2010 budget without cuts to city programs.  Volunteers have been a very big part of Sultan’s success in 2009 and we will continue to need active community support next year", added Eslick.

The 2010 general fund budget anticipates only very modest changes in revenues.  Overall revenues in the general fund are used to support police services, street and park maintenance and economic development efforts.  General fund revenues have decreased from $1,989,000 to $1,961,000 a 1.4% decrease.  Expenses in the general fund are held at last year’s levels. 

The focus in 2010 is planning for Sultan’s future. The city will begin the effort to update the Comprehensive Plan, Water System Plan, General Sewer Plan and Park and Recreation Plan.  The city has set aside $300,000 to support these mandated planning efforts and to maintain eligibility for grant programs.   Other projects planned in 2010 include streamlining the city's permit process to support economic development ($15,000); overlay 8th Street from Main Street to High Street ($30,000), extend the water line on 6th Street between Alder and Date to improve fire flow ($110,000); acquire new park land ($30,000); and make safety repairs to the post office and Boys and Girls Club ($50,000). 

The largest impact to the 2010 budget has been the loss of fees paid by new development.  The city secured a $1,000,000 low interest state loan to make improvements to the sewer plant.  A new centrifuge was installed in the plant in October as part of the project to increase plant capacity.  The city planned to make the loan payments using new development fees.  Currently, the $350,000 loan payment is coming from a combination of user fees and reserves.  There are three years left on the loan.  The city is negotiating with the state to extend the payments for two additional years. 

During the budget hearing on October 22, 2009 Mayor Eslick noted, “This budget provides important city services.   I’m proud that our taxpayers trust us with their money and support the city with their time and talents.  I look forward to working together in 2010 to plan a better future for the Sultan community.”

For more information on the 2010 budget contact Laura Koenig, Deputy Finance Director at 360-793-2231 or e-mail laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us

The small group meetings are part of the city’s effort to update its long-range plan as required by state law.  The city plans to add 6,500 people to Sultan over the next two decades.  The community needs to revisit how housing, jobs, roads and parks will be built to serve more than 11,000 Sultan residents.   “We need help to make a plan that reflects the values of Sultan residents,” noted Mayor Carolyn Eslick.  “Changes to the long-range plan will affect property taxes and utility rates paid by residents and fees paid to open a new business in Sultan.  We encourage people to come and share their views.”

Small Group Meeting Schedule
All meetings begin at 6:30PM at City Hall located at 319 Main Street.

• Tuesday, October 27, 2009
• Tuesday, November 10, 2009
• Tuesday, November 24, 2009
• Tuesday, December 8, 2009

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or e-mail deborah.knight@ci.sultan.wa.us.

The premise behind the “Coffee with the Mayor” program is to make the elected officials more accessible to residents and business owners in the community and to promote one-on-one communications. This program allows community members an informal and comfortable forum in which to meet with the Mayor to talk about issues, ask questions, discuss concerns and offer comments or suggestions.

"This is another communication tool," said Mayor Eslick. "It’s a chance for our citizens to get to know me and ask questions in an informal setting." The next meeting will be at the Dutch Cup on Friday, October 23, 2009.

For more information contact Mayor Eslick at 425-327-2093 or City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or e-mail deborah.knight@ci.sultan.wa.us

I-1033 proposes to limit spending for state, county and local governments to the previous year's revenue plus local population growth and the national inflation index. Receipts over the limit would be used to cut property taxes the following year. No provision is made for government to save for a rainy day.

The limits established by I-1033 would apply to all city general fund revenues. In 2010 with the limit set at 2009 revenues. The spending limit would start in 2010, setting down as the base line revenues based on the worst recession in 29 years.

Sultan’s 2009 general fund budget is approximately $1,938,000 (including $116,000 in police grants). Per capita, the city’s general fund budget has fallen from $562 in 2000 to $400 in 2009 a 28% decrease. The levy rate has fallen from $2.00 in 2005 to $1.38 in 2009 a 31% decrease.

City general fund revenues include property taxes (limited to 1% plus growth), sales taxes, utility taxes, building and land use permit fees, interest earned on city funds, and grants (grants are exempt from the I-1033 limits).

The average $270,000 home in Sultan pays approximately $2,400 in property taxes. The city receives 15% of the property taxes paid ($373). The remaining property taxes are divided between the fire districts, school district, library district, hospital district and county and state governments. Since property taxes paid to the city are limited by law to a 1% increase, next year, property taxes paid to the city on a $270,000 home will increase by only $3.73 regardless of the increase in assessed values.

After reviewing the initiative and city sources of revenues, there are two concerns. Variable revenues such as building permit revenues are used to provide services to customers when demand increases. Under I-1033, if building permit revenues collected exceed the limit, the fees could not be used to serve customers instead the funds would be set aside in the "Lower Property Taxes Account".

Second, under Initiative 1033, sales tax revenues generated by new commercial development above the established limit would be set aside to lower property taxes for current residents. As new commercial development occurs in Sultan, voters would need to approve an increase to property taxes to maintain police services and continue park and road maintenance efforts.

Initiative 1033 doesn’t make sense. It discourages investment in economic development and takes fees for services and reallocates the money to lower property taxes. The Sultan City Council and I urge you to vote NO on Initiative 1033.

This event is funded by the Friends of the Sultan Library.  For more information contact the Sultan Library at 360-793-1695

Information can also be found at the Sno Isle Library System website

Following the meeting, there will be an opportunity for people to work together in small groups to review the city’s goals and policies for where future development will take place, where roads and parks should be built to serve new development, and how climate change requirements will be met.   Ideas adopted in the 20-year plan are implemented though building and permit regulations.  These regulations can affect current residential and commercial property owners. 

The meeting will provide one of several opportunities to understand Sultan’s current long-term plans regarding future residential and commercial growth and proposed changes to the City’s 20-year plan.  The city is required by state law to update its 20-year plan every 7 years.  The last plan was adopted in 2004.  Changes to the plan must be adopted in 2011. 

Contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360.793.2231 or deborah.knight@ci.sultan.wa.us for additional details.

This year the focus of National Preparedness Month is on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. National Preparedness Month Coalition members have agreed to distribute emergency preparedness information and sponsor activities across the country that will promote emergency preparedness. Membership is open to all public and private sector organizations.

FEMA's Citizen Corps is also an important partner in this campaign. Citizen Corps is FEMA's grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience.

To see a list of national, regional, tribal, state, local businesses and organizations which have pledged their support and joined the 2009 National Preparedness Month Coalition please visit.

For more information on the Ready Campaign and NPM, please visit www.Ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Information is also available by phone at 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO. For information on Citizen Corps please visit www.citizencorps.gov.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The planning board's primary responsibility is reviewing and monitoring the city's comprehensive plan and development regulations. Over the next six months, the planning board will work on finalizing a public institution or public lands and uses zone for publicly owned properties; revising the planned unit development regulations; and updating the comprehensive plan as required by State law. The Planning Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm in the Sultan Community Center located at 319 Main Street.

For more information contact community development director, Bob Martin at 360-793-2231.

"We hope to bring families from throughout the community together to celebrate the benefits of riding a bike," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "Sultan is a bike friendly community and we want to ensure families can ride together safely." Families are encouraged to bring their bikes and join the fun.

Other safety activities include child identification finger printing and a 911 simulator to give kids a chance to learn the correct way to call 911.

For more information contact Sultan Police Chief, Jeff Brand at (425) 388-6262.

Teresa and Bob Knuckey are especially proud that their program has attracted over 50 kids from the Boys and Girls club, and Cub Scout pack 52. Several families are also involved with their children as well as 44 hard working volunteer firefighters from Sultan Fire District 5. Last but certainly not least there are several seniors helping to keep their streets clean.

The Knuckeys believe that for the city to attract new businesses and residences the city must present a nice clean well kept environment on city streets and parks. "We get comments almost every day about how much better the city looks," says volunteer captain, Teresa Knuckey.

If you are interested in keeping Sultan streets clean, please call Bob and Teresa Knuckey at 793-0622 or by e-mail r.knuckey@verizon.net.

Through the Annual Docket Process, the Comprehensive Plan text will be amended to provide for the P/I Zone as an overlay zone in all Plan Designations. This will allow for placement of the P/I Zone through amendment of the Official Zoning Map without docketing a change in the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map on the Annual Docket.

The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map will be amended through the 2009 Annual Docket Process to change the two City properties (north portion of Reese Park and the Water Treatment Plant property) from "Unzoned" to "Low-Moderate Density plan designation".

At this time, public comments will be taken on a proposal to undertake Comprehensive Plan Amendment Procedures leading to adoption and implementation of the proposed Public & Institutional (P/I) Zone

This is a Level IV Amendment Process in the City of Sultan Public Participation Policy document. The Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council may adopt the proposed amendment without further Public Hearing.

Copies of the proposed Amendments may be viewed at City Hall. Written comments may be sent to the Community Development Director at PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA 98294-1199.

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

The Industrial Park Master Plan (IPMP) is a Subarea Plan component of the Sultan Comprehensive Plan. The Subarea Plan was adopted as an element of the Comprehensive Plan by Ordinance 781-02 on June 5, 2002. As a Subarea Plan, it provides policies and standards at a more specific level for the area of the city that is subject to the Subarea Plan. The Binding Site Plan (BSP) procedure is one of those Development Standards called for in policies of the Industrial Park Subarea Plan.

At this time, public comments will be taken on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Procedures leading to Amendment of Industrial Park Master Plan to remove policy requiring that all projects within Industrial Park Master Plan designation are approved through the Binding Site Plan process.

This is a Level IV Amendment Process in the City of Sultan Public Participation Policy document. The Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council may adopt the proposed amendment without further Public Hearing.

Copies of the proposed Amendments may be viewed at City Hall. Written comments may be sent to the Community Development Director at PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA 98294-1199.

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

The 2008 revisions of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan provided Street Functional Classifications for the City's Street network. The proposed Amendment changes the classification names in the Plan to coincide with the Federal Rural Functional Classification System so that the City can apply for Grants.

At this time, public comments will be taken on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Procedures leading to Amendment of the Transportation Element of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan regarding Functional Classification of City Road System.

This is a Level IV Amendment Process in the City of Sultan Public Participation Policy document. The Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council may adopt the proposed amendment without further Public Hearing.

Copies of the proposed Amendments may be viewed at City Hall. Written comments may be sent to the Community Development Director at PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA 98294-1199.

For further information please call City Hall at 360-793-2231.

For further information please contact Donna Murphy, Grants and Economic Development Coordinator at 360.793.1811.

The public works director may enact a level two emergency when water use may exceed the rate of re-supply. On Monday, July 27, the city experienced a 70% increase in water usage and delivered more than one million gallons of treated water to customers. The city’s water supply is estimated to have a capacity of 1.36 million gallons per day. The city has a contract with the city of Everett to access additional water in periods of peak demand but Everett water is more expensive to purchase than the city’s own water supply. Voluntary conservation will ensure needed supply and keep water rates lower.

If the extreme warm and dry weather continues and the voluntary conservation program is not effective, the City of Sultan may declare a level three water emergency in accordance with SMC 13.13.040. During a level three water conservation emergency, the public works director may request the Sultan city council to invoke mandatory restrictions. For more information contact public works director, Connie Dunn at 360-793-2231

The change is anticipated to save the city approximately $500 per month in long-distance phone charges and improve Internet connection speeds. The change should be smooth and transparent to the city’s customers. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-1164.

The task force will include two Sultan business owners, two land developers, three  Sultan residents, one Planning Board member and one Council member.  

The city council will review the applications at its July 23, 2009 meeting.  Task force members may be appointed at that meeting. 

Task force members will meet at least twice per month in August and September.  The panel may make recommendations to the Council in October during the Council's 2010 budget deliberations. 

For more information contact Deborah Knight, City Administrator at (360) 793-2231.

The award was presented to the City of Sultan at the council meeting on June 25, 2009.  Treatment plant staff members, John Harris and Todd Strom were recognized for the extraordinary level of effort achieved in 2008.  Ken Ziebart and Karen Burgess from the Department of Ecology noted the Sultan wastewater treatment plant is run by dedicated operators whose efforts complement one another to ensure outstanding compliance and protection of our state’s water quality. 

The City of Sultan is currently replacing the aging solids handling equipment at the treatment plan with a centrifuge system.  The new centrifuge system will lower operating costs and improve efficiency.  The centrifuge is the first phase in upgrading the waste water treatment plant to accommodate future growth.

For more information contact Public Works Director, Connie Dunn at 360-793-2231 or e-mail connie.dunn@ci.sultan.wa.us.

That does not happen now.  It appears that we just moved the problem to a less visible area.

I believe the problem lies much deeper in our families and society.

Several years ago, the community and Volunteers of America formed a partnership to open a family support center.  It didn’t come too soon.  My husband and I were operating a restaurant with 40 employees at the time.  There were problems with each of them.  The one that comes to mind that triggered my involvement with the Family Support Center was a single mother of five.  She was an alcoholic and had tried to commit suicide for the third time.  My skills in dealing with these kinds of problems were very limited.  I saw the Family Support Center as a solution to the problem, and it was for several years. 

Because of circumstances and losing interest in the direction the center was going, I stepped back from participating in the program at the Center.  But now things have evolved to where I believe the Family Support Center could again be the center of our community.

The tragic death of a sixteen year old has brought the community together in a huge and positive way.  The community meeting that we held shortly after the incident, brought 250 of us together to look for solutions.  The questions asked were thought provoking, and many of the professionals didn’t have the answers   I believe the answers lie within ourselves as a whole. I have asked them to return on Monday, July 20 to continue our discussion and expand our conversation. The hope will be to begin the discussions of how we change how our youth think and perceive themselves and our community.

How do we become better parents, neighbors and mentors to be able to live in a community where we value each other and our youth?

If we could all remember to be tolerant and honor each of us for who we are, we will be on the first step of this journey.  To learn more about Healthy Communities. Healthy Youth, go to Search Institute www.search-institute.org  and check out the 40 Developmental Assets to help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible.

Please consider joining me and other caring members of the Sultan community on July 20.

Sincerely,
Mayor Carolyn Eslick

Mayor Carolyn Eslick is seeking feedback from community members on other steps the city can take to provide safe activities for young people.  Representatives from the Sultan Police Department, Volunteers of America and Boys and Girls Club will be on-hand to hear comments and share ideas on expanding positive activities for Sultan’s children, teens and young adults.  Sheriff Officers will share information on gangs and gang violence in Snohomish County.

"The City, Volunteers of America, Boys and Girls Club and others have worked hard to make sure kids have safe places to be, especially on Friday and Saturday nights", notes Mayor Eslick. She added, "Kids can hang out at the Boys and Girls Club, compete in video game tournaments at the library or attend dances and other activities at Safe Stop, a program for teens on Saturday nights at the middle school. However, with the help of Sultan residents and surrounding communities we can do more."

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231. 

For further information regarding the meeting cancellations, please contact City Hall at 360-793-2231 - PO Box 1199, Sultan, WA  98294-1199 or e-mail Robert Martin at robert.martin@ci.sultan.wa.us  

The purpose of this Meeting is to begin the process to update the 2004 Comprehensive Plan by December 1, 2011 in accordance with RCW 36.70.130(4).  For further information regarding this Joint Meeting or to review the proposed plan, please call City Hall at (360)-793-2231.  The above documents are also available for review at the Sultan Branch of the Sno-Isle Library.

ADA Notice:  Accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance request.  Please make arrangements one week prior to the Meeting by calling City Hall at (360) 793-2231.

"The new rules give City residents and business owners the ability to host special events on public or private property and encourage tourism and economic development in Sultan," explained Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "A group of community members developed the new rules together with the City to ensure events will be fun, safe, and considerate of surrounding property owners," added Eslick.

Under the new rules, residents and business owners hosting special events must contact the City and fill out an application. The application describes the type of event and potential impacts to the neighborhood. There is no fee to pay, but the City may charge if additional police or other city services are needed. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The Council has made significant cuts in the water operating budget over the last two-years in an effort to balance the budget without rate increases. The water rate increases are needed to make $200,000 annual debt service payments on past improvements to the water system including a water storage tank constructed in 2000. The new rates are also necessary to fund repairs and maintenance to the existing facilities including over 25 miles of piping. Sultan gets its water from a privately owned city watershed and processes water through its own water treatment plant.

Under one alternative, residential customers who use less water could decrease their water bills by $1.87 per month from $25.25 per month to $23.38 per month. Residential customers who use more water would pay increasing rates. If approved by the City Council the water rates under consideration will be effective on December 1, 2009.

Other items on the agenda for the special meeting include alternatives for funding improvements to the city's waste water treatment plant and changes to fees charged to new development to pay for improvements to the City's roads and parks to serve new growth.

For more information contact Laura Koenig, City Clerk at 360-793-2231 or e-mail laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us

There are four Sparkle Stations to volunteer at:

• Weeding and planting
• Overall Cleanup – Windows/sweeping sidewalks/pick up litter
• Painting crosswalks, no parking zones and parking spaces
• Pressure Washing

To volunteer at this fun event, please contact the City of Sultan Volunteer Coordinator, Donna Murphy at 360.793.1811 or by email at mailto:donna.murphy@ci.sultan.wa.us

The city council can either establish an annual vehicle fee up to $20 or consider several options subject to voter approval. The council is seeking feed back from the community on the idea of funding road maintenance through a transportation benefit district. "A recent state review of city streets shows failure of the city’s street system due to deferred maintenance. The city continues to look for opportunities to maintain its roadway system to ensure city streets will continue to serve their purpose of safely moving residents and encouraging quality economic investment in Sultan," noted Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "The city is seeking feedback from the community on whether fixing streets is a priority," added Eslick.

The city is currently using all available resources to provide basic levels of city services to the Sultan community. Over the past decade, the City has deferred maintenance on its streets as traditional revenue sources have declined. Several City streets including Alder, Eight, Fourth, Main, East Main, Foundry Drive, Marcus, 140th Ave, 10th Street and others are beginning to seriously fail in spots. Local access streets have not been regularly maintained in over a decade.

A transportation benefit district (TBD) is a separate taxing district created for the sole purpose of acquiring constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district. Transportation Benefit Districts are quasi-municipal corporations and independent taxing districts. Although a TBD has similar powers to a city, e.g. impose taxes, eminent domain powers, contracting, etc., it is a separate taxing district.

The city council is considering a street maintenance program using funds from the TBD to help prolong the life of city streets. If a TBD is approved, city streets would be surveyed and prioritized based on pavement condition. A maintenance schedule would be created to resurface streets on a 7-year cycle. Several cities have already created transportation benefit districts including Sequim, Prosser, Liberty Lake, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, and Des Moines. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight.

"This is part of a pilot project to make city hall more accessible to people who live in Sultan but work away from the city," stated Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "We hope to provide more ways for the community to connect and interact with the city in the future," added Eslick. As a part of this effort, the City Council has approved a contract to offer utility customers the option of making their monthly payments on-line through the City’s website. For more information or call (360) 793-2231.

"The Sultan community was very fortunate to have two highly qualified candidates interested in serving their community," stated Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "The Council had a very difficult choice to make," she added. Following the appointment, all the council members urged Knuckey to seek one of the five vacant council seats which will be up for election in November. "We need good people to seek public office and serve on the City Council," noted Councilmember Jim Flower.

During his interview, Jeffrey Beeler stated he has been a Sultan resident for nine years. He is interested in providing a voice for the Sultan Basin area of the city. He actively participates in city issues and attends council meetings regularly. In 2007 he served as the chair of the city's budget advisory panel. In 2008 he was a member of the stormwater stakeholders group which worked with the city to reduce the city proposed stormwater utility fee.

Jeffrey's top priorities are increasing police services, helping the city create an identity and ensuring the city does not neglect its infrastructure and plans for new growth. In addition to running his own small business for the last 20 years, Jeffrey serves as treasurer of the US 2 Safety Coalition and is vice-president for a non-profit organization.

In accordance with Washington State law, the Council appoints replacements to vacant positions. Beeler will serve until the position is filled by election in November 2009. The newly elected Councilmember filling Doornek's position will take office immediately following certification of the election in November. Four other Council positions are up for reelection in November 2009. The filing deadline for the November election is June 5, 2009.

For more information contact City Clerk, Laura Koenig at 360-793-2231 or by e-mail at laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us.

The preferred alternative under consideration revises the water rate structure by lowering the base rate charged for water from $25.25 to $23.38. The amount of water included in the base rate would decrease from 600 cubic feet of water (6ccf) per month to 300 cubic feet (3ccf) of water per month. The proposed rate structure meets the state requirements for encouraging water use efficiency.

Under the preferred alternative, residential customers who use less than 2 ccf per month would decrease their water bills by $1.87 per month from $25.25 per month to $23.38 per month. Residential customers who use less than 4 ccf/month would have an increase of $.64 from $25.25/month to $25.89 per month. Residential customers who use 6 ccf per month would pay $30.91/month for water. Water rates continue to increase as water usage increases. Currently, the average Sultan family pays $26.06 per month for water use.

Under the existing water rate structure, the majority of the City’s water revenues come from the base rate rather than the volume of water used. The majority of "usage" is not billed because it is in the fixed base rate. Low water users are in effect paying for high water users. The study found that City water rates should be changed to make them more equitable for all customers and provide the necessary revenue for operating expenses, repair and replacement of existing water pipes and water plant facilities.

The last water rate study was completed in 2004 and set a $2/year increase in the base water rates for five years. The last rate increase took effect December 1, 2008. The proposed water rates are based on a water rate study performed by FCS Group in 2008.

The City Council approved a water rate study in 2008 in part because water revenues were not adequate to cover operating expenses in the 2008 budget after cutting expenses in the operating budget. Since the water utility is an enterprise fund, the user fees and revenues collected must cover expenses. The rate study indicates without the proposed rate increase there will be a net deficiency in the water utility fund of approximately $151,000 in 2010 growing to an estimated $350,000 by 2014.

The results of the study were presented to the City Council at the Council retreat in March and at the City Council meeting on April 9, 2009. For more information contact Public Works Director, Connie Dunn at 360-793-2231 or via e-mail at connie.dunn@ci.sultan.wa.us.

Community Volunteer and Graffiti Remover, Rocky Walker will be there to demonstrate the hot water pressure washer that was purchased with a grant from the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs specifically for graffiti removal. Community volunteers, Bob and Teresa Knuckey will be on hand to talk about the new CITY-WIDE PRIDE Litter Pick Up Programs. Sheriff's Deputies serving Sultan and the sky valley area will be available to meet with visitors and answer questions.

Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States form Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry.

"The federal government is advising people planning to travel outside the United States this summer to apply now ahead of the June 1st deadline", noted Sultan passport agent Rosemary Murphy.  In order to accommodate people’s busy schedules on March 28th all passport agencies including Sultan City Hall will be open to the public to accept applications.

Visit our services site for more information or call(360) 793-2231.

In his resignation letter to Mayor Eslick, Doornek stated, "It has been a wonderful opportunity to experience what, and how the City Government operates. Not to mention the public support that is received, as well as the critics. I am confident that with the knowledge and experience of the Mayor, Council, city staff and Sultan residents; Sultan will prosper, and continue to grow economically."

Doornek was elected to Position 6 in 2007 and took office on January 1, 2008 to serve a four year term. In accordance with Washington State law, the Council will appoint a replacement.

Sultan residents interested in appointment to Sultan City Council Position #7, are required to submit an application and letter of interest to Laura Koenig, City Clerk by 4:00PM on Friday, April 10, 2009. An eligible applicant must be a registered voter in Sultan at the time of application and have resided within the Sultan City limits for at least one year.

The replacement will serve until the position is filled by election in November 2009. The newly elected Councilmember filling Doornek's position will take office immediately following certification of the election in November.

The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. City Councilmembers often have committee meetings and other time obligations in addition to the City Council meetings.

Applications for appointment to City Council Position #6 will be available on Monday, March 23, 2009 at City Hall, 319 Main Street, Suite 200 Sultan WA, 98294, on the City's website ( Council Vacancy Application), or by calling 360-793-2231. Candidates will be asked to interview for the position at an open public meeting prior to appointment. The top candidate will be appointed as quickly as possible. To request additional information, please contact Laura Koenig, City Clerk, at 360-793-2231 or by e-mail at laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us.

"This is an opportunity for the public or the City to request site-specific or policy changes to the Comprehensive Plan," notes Community Development Director, Bob Martin. "The City Council moved the application deadline to April 1 at the request of community members to give the Planning Board and City Council more time act on applications in a single year," added Martin.

Once this year's April 1 application window closes, the Planning Board will review the applications and transmit initial recommendations to the Council by July 30. The recommendations will consist of findings on the policy issues and the Planning Board recommendation on inclusion of the application proposal on the Council's adopted version of the docket for the year. By October 1, the City Council will review the Planning Board recommendations and make decisions for adding proposals to the annual docket. Amendments approved by the City Council are incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.

The state Growth Management Act allows local jurisdictions to review and update their comprehensive plan text and maps no more than once each year. The annual review process allows property owners and others to request changes to a property's comprehensive plan and zoning designations. These changes could allow property owners to use their property for activities not currently permitted under its existing zoning designation. When a comprehensive plan designation change is applied for, a zone change is completed during the same process. The annual review process is also the opportunity to make changes to the goals and policies that guide Sultan's future growth and development.

Contact Community Development Director, Bob Martin at 360-793-2231 for more information.

Library staff recently observed a woman nearly in tears as she tried to apply online for an opening at a regional employer's website. With little computer experience, she was feeling stressed, but after a little assistance and guidance from staff who were able to get her started, she was able to complete the application. She was extremely relieved and told of the multiple places she visited expecting to get a paper application to fill out, only to be told she had to do it online. The library was there to enable her to do this.

Families have also been visiting more as a fun weekend outing, a way to pick up some free DVD's to enjoy, and grabbing some magazines to leaf through, or books to read together. Currently, kids are being delighted by the Dr. Seuss celebration in which children can color a Dr. Seuss sheet to have a chance to win a beautiful new book and matching stuffed animal, such as the beloved Cat in the Hat. Teens are enjoying a free afternoon of snacks and video games when they attend the library's monthly "Teen Game Days."

The www.irs.gov website and online tax filing websites have been doing a brisk business on the library's pc's as well, as people are finding it harder to afford an outside person to prepare taxes for them. One patron, finishing her Turbo Tax online filing, left happily and thanked the library for being here for her.

The Sultan Library is open Monday through Thursday 11am to 8pm, and Fridays & Saturdays 11am to 5pm.

The nearby Monroe Library is open many weekday and weekend hours, including Sunday afternoons 1-5pm.

The proposed procedures will give City residents and business owners the ability to host special events on city property and encourage tourism and economic development in Sultan. Recommendations and input from the meeting will be considered by the Council for action during a regular council meeting. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The council's decision was made at a special meeting where the decision to host the motorcycle show was the only topic on the agenda. Several community and business members spoke in favor of hosting the show. Restaurant manager, Cindy Buoy told the City Council, "Our vendors say they are ready to provide everything we need to serve event goers. This event would be a great asset to the Sultan community." Police Chief Jeff Brand supported the Council's decision saying, "the delay gives the City a chance to negotiate an agreement with ABATE that will work for all the parties."

The city will form a small work including citizens and business owners to begin work immediately on special events regulations and permit process. The council wants to ensure all special events are treated equitably. The first meeting on special events regulations will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:30PM at the Sultan Community Center at 319 Main Street. Members of the public and encouraged to attend the meeting and share their thoughts. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The Council apologizes for having to reschedule the retreat with such short notice.  Please contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 for more information.

"This is a unique opportunity for the City of Sultan," stated Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "The Sultan community has expressed an interest in hosting more special events. The ABATE Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show has a long running history of success in the City of Snohomish. The group is looking for a new home for the 2009 or 2010 event. One key question is whether Sultan and ABATE can reach agreement on paying for the number off-duty police officers needed to patrol the event," added Eslick.

The ABATE Antique and Classic Motorcycle show has been held on the third Sunday in May in the City of Snohomish for the last 12 years. The event attracts between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors – 3,000 to 9,000 motorcycles for the single day event which begins and 9:00AM and ends at 4:00PM.

The event includes a bike show competition, vendors and live music. The show celebrates the history of motorcycling, educates the public about motorcycle safety issues, and showcases the precision riding skills of the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt Drill Team. Proceeds from the show are used to support local charities and provide scholarships. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

"This is the first step in a three-step process," explained Community Development Director, Bob Martin. "First, the Planning Board is reviewing the text that will be included in the City's development regulations. If the text is approved by the City Council, the second step is to change the comprehensive plan future land use map to designate appropriate public and institutional properties. Finally, the city would amend the current zoning map."

The Planning Board will also hold two public hearings. The first hearing is to take public comment on amendments to Chapter 17.08 of the Sultan Municipal Code related to flood damage prevention. The Board will also discuss a recent tour of Culmback Dam. The City is working with FEMA and PUD to include flood storage at Spada Lake in proposed revisions to flood insurance maps used to calculate flood insurance premiums paid by Sultan residents.

The second hearing is on amendments to Chapter 7 of the Shoreline Master Plan to remove the City Council from the process to approve development within the city's shorelines. Copies of the proposed changes are available on the city's website here or by calling Community Development Director, Bob Martin, 360-793-2231.

Residential customers who have single-can weekly service will see increased costs from $15.50 to $18.60 per month. Bi-monthly service for a 1-yard commercial dumpster will increase from $28.75 to $34.50. Low-income senior single can service will not increase.

"The rate adjustments are necessary to meet projected operational and maintenance service needs in our garbage collection and disposal services," Mayor Carolyn Eslick said. Both Snohomish County and Allied Waste, notified the City in 2008 of 15% and 20% increases in collection and disposal costs respectively. The City is obligated by state law to manage garbage collection like a private business. Fees collected for garbage service can only be used for providing garbage services and the fees must cover both maintenance and operation of the utility.

Eslick added the council opted for an interim increase pending a garbage rate study later in 2009. The city provides solid waste collection services to about 1500 customers within the city limits.

The interim increase was approved by the council on January 22, 2009. For more information contact Public Works Director, Connie Dunn at 360-793-2231.

"It was a very difficult choice to make," stated Mayor Eslick.  "All three candidates were well qualified. I am pleased that there is such a willingness to serve the Sultan community and I look forward to harnessing this energy to make Sultan a great place to live, work and play," added Eslick.  Under the Sultan Municipal Code, the mayor has the authority to appoint planning board members and the city council confirms the mayor's appointment. 

During her interview, Robin Shaw explained that she is seeking to serve as a member of the city's planning board to assist in helping Sultan go from good to great.  She believes she can help behind the scenes of the city and provide a better knowledge of the city and its needs to her neighbors and other community members. 

"I love Sultan and want to serve the city and its citizens," noted Shaw following her appointment by the city council.

The planning board's primary responsibility is reviewing and monitoring the city's comprehensive plan and development regulations.  Over the next six months, the planning board will work on establishing public participation procedures for amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations as required by state law; developing a public institution or public lands and uses zone for publicly owned properties; and revising the development regulations to remove the city council from approving land use applications such as subdivisions and planned unit developments. 

The next planning board meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2008  in the Community Center located at 319 Main Street, Sultan. 

For more information contact community development director, Bob Martin at 360-793-2231.

At the meeting Lieutenant Brand will speak for three to five minutes on his background, qualifications, and interest in serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Sultan. Mayor Eslick noted, "This is a terrific opportunity for the City Council and Sultan community to meet Lieutenant Brand to evaluate his qualifications and interest in serving our community."

Lieutenant Jeff Brand is currently serving as the supervising officer for the East Precinct. Under the Interlocal Agency Agreement between the City of Sultan and the Sheriff’s Office, the East Precinct will be moved to the City of Sultan effective January 1, 2009. Brand has been with the Sheriff’s Office since January of 1989. Before serving with the Sheriff’s Office, Brand was a police officer with Clyde Hill Police department. He is married and has five children. He makes his home in the Sky Valley area and is excited to serve the Sultan and the Skykomish Valley.

Following Lieutenant Brand’s presentation, the Mayor and City Council will adjourn to an executive session to discuss his presentation and qualifications to serve as the City’s Chief of Police. The Mayor will make her appointment recommendation and ask the Council for its confirmation later in the open public meeting. As a part of the Interlocal Agency Agreement, the Sheriff’s Office must consider the advice and recommendations of the City when designating a lieutenant to act as the Sultan Chief of Police. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231

The auditor reported three deficiencies in internal controls over accounting and financial reporting. First, the City’s cash and investments held at the bank were not reconciled to the City’s accounting system. City staff reconciled the bank statement information to receipting logs and cleared warrants; however no reconciliation was performed to confirm total cash and investments reported in the City’s accounting system reconciled with the actual cash and investments held at the bank. Beginning immediately, the City is reconciling cash receipts, the bank statements and reported ending fund balances on a monthly basis.

Second, City staff did not have sufficient knowledge and experience to correctly process information from the City’s financial software system. The City overstated revenue in the Local Improvement District Fund as a result of a software system error. The error was not identified and revenues were incorrectly stated in the 2007 Financial Report. The error has been corrected in the final financial statements. The State Auditor recommended City staff receive sufficient training in the proper processing of accounting transactions and financial reporting requirements. The State Auditor clarified the training required is related to the City’s financial software system and how information is transferred to the City’s financial statements.

Third, the City had an independent review performed of its financial statements by personnel from the City of Marysville. The auditor noted the independent review was ineffective due to the lack of detailed information on issues noted by the reviewer. As a result, this process did not identify errors to be corrected before the 2007 financial statements were presented for audit. In 2009, the City will seek to have an independent detailed and timely review of its 2008 financial statements performed by an outside consultant.

A copy of the State Audit Report is available online here.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231

Each of the applicants was invited to attend the Council meeting on December 11, following a preliminary interview in late November. The applicants will speak for three to five minutes on their background, qualifications, and interest in serving on the Sultan Planning Board. "This is a terrific opportunity for the City Council and Sultan community to meet the three applicants applying for a position on the Sultan Planning Board," noted Mayor Carolyn Eslick. She added, "Sultan is fortunate to have three qualified city residents applying for the position. Each applicant would bring a different perspective to an already strong Board."

Following the applicants’ presentations, the Mayor and City Council will adjourn to an executive session to discuss the applicants’ presentations and qualifications to serve on the Planning Board. The Mayor will make her appointment and ask the Council for its confirmation later in the open public meeting.

For further information, please contact Robert Martin, Community Development Director at 360-793-2231.

Santa will also be there for visits and pictures.

Winterfest supports Volunteers of America Western Washington Sky Valley Community Resource Center and it's many community outreaches.

This is a great family Holiday tradition for East Snohomish County.  This is also the first opportunity for those who can help with the Giving Tree Program.  This program helps struggling and low income families to provide a great Christmas for their children.  Last year Giving Tree helped 99 Sky Valley Families and 205 children receive gift support.  You can come by and sign up to support the children of one of these families at the Volunteers of America Table at Winterfest.  Sponsorship sign ups also available at the Sky Valley Visitor Information Center at fourth and Main Street in Sultan.

Fees will be waived for flood-damaged residential waste at county transfer stations in Arlington, Everett and Mountlake Terrace and at county drop boxes in Granite Falls, Snohomish, Sultan, Oso and Gold Bar beginning Tuesday, Nov. 18. The free collection will end Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.

Residents first need to obtain a voucher before taking materials to the transfer station or drop box. A separate voucher is needed for each load. Drop boxes have a 5-cubic-yard limit per load. Commercial and business waste will continue to be charged regular disposal fees.

Items accepted for disposal include: household furnishings, furniture, spoiled food, carpeting, water-soaked plasterboard and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers). Paint and small quantities of household hazardous waste also will be accepted with vouchers at all solid waste facilities. Generally, paint and household hazardous waste is only accepted at the county's Household Hazardous Waste facility in Everett. Hazardous waste must be kept separate from other garbage. Metal should be separated for recycling.

Customers who suffered substantial flood damage may want to call a garbage hauler for rates on large drop-off containers. The cost of these containers and their transport is not covered by the voucher.

Free disposal does not include demolition debris, yard debris, wood waste, concrete, rock, soil and animal carcasses larger than 10 pounds.

Vouchers can be obtained at the following locations:

• Darrington Sheriff's Substation, 1115 Seeman St., Darrington
• American Red Cross, 2530 Lombard Ave., Everett
• Snohomish County Sheriff, Community Information, 4th Floor, Courthouse, 3000 Rockefeller, Everett
• Gold Bar Sheriff's Substation, 107 5th St., Gold Bar
• North County Sheriff's Precinct, 15100 40th Ave. NE, Marysville
• South County Sheriff's Precinct, 15928 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek
• East County Sheriff's Precinct, 14000 179th Ave. SE, Monroe
• Stanwood Sheriff's Substation, 8727 271st St. NW, Stanwood

For information on solid waste facility locations and hours of operation, call the Solid Waste Division at 425-388-3425 or go to: http://www.snoco.org/Departments/Public_Works/Divisions/SolidWaste/Facilities.

"The City Council, Planning Board and Sultan community worked hard over the last six months to address the compliance issues raised by the Growth Management Hearings Board," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick.  "The Board’s decision will allow commercial and residential development to move forward in a planned and coordinate fashion," added Eslick. 

The approved revisions to the 2004 Plan address how to plan, provide and pay for capital facilities including water, sewer, stormwater, roads, parks and public facilities such as city hall and public works shop.  Revisions to the City’s development regulations include clarifications about when and how property owners will be expected to pay fair-share costs for extensions of planned water, sewer, stormwater, transportation and park systems.  The revised Comprehensive Plan is available on-line here.  

Mayor Eslick noted, "The City’s work is not entirely over.  In the coming months, the Planning Board and City Council will be working to tie up some loose ends including zoning two City owned parcels of land and updating its public participation procedures."

Sultan residents and community members can stay informed about future changes to the Comprehensive Plan by attending the Planning Board meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm and Council meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays at 7:00pm.  Dates and times are subject to change.  Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the City’s website.

For more information, contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The City Council and Planning Board agenda will begin by reviewing the basic legal guidelines for elected and appointed officials, including issues of appearance of fairness and conflict of interest as it relates to elected and appointed officials.  "Since four of the five members of the Planning Board were appointed in July 2008, this information should prove to be interesting and informative," stated Planning Board Chair Frank Linth.

At approximately 7:30pm, FEMA Officials will present an overview of the flood zone restudy.  This restudy of flood modeling of the Sultan and Skykomish Rivers has the potential of raising flood insurance fees for hundreds of households. Many local residents will be impacted.  The study will be completed in early 2009.

Following the FEMA presentation, the Council and Board will discuss and finalize the Planning Board’s 2009 work plan.  This plan will set basic direction and goals for the Planning Board for the upcoming year.  Items on the work plan include revising and adopting public participation procedures, revising the processing for new development and land use applications, and updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan. 

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.  The Planning Board usually meets the first and third Tuesday’s of each month.  The next regular scheduled meeting is November 25, 2008.  For more information, contact Bob Martin, Development Director at 360-793-2231.

Fee increases discussed by the City Council at the budget retreat could add a minimum of $6.22 to residential utility bills. Other residential fee increases already approved by Council will go into effect on December 1, 2008 including a $5.75/month stormwater utility fee, a $5.04 increase in sewer rates, and a $1.00 increase in water rates.

In the water and sewer budgets, the proposed $3.12 fee increase would cover the cost of the required state excise taxes for water and sewer. Currently, the city pays the state excise taxes from service fees. The City Council also considered a 20% fee increase for garbage fees to pay for increased fuel costs and dump fees. Fuel costs have increased from $5,000 in 2006 to $24,000 in 2009. Dump fees paid by the City will increase 20% per ton effective in 2009. The City operates a cemetery. Council discussed increasing burial fees from $1,200 to $3,200 to fund needed capital improvements and maintenance.

Contact Laura Koenig, City Clerk at 360-793-2231 or laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us for more information on the proposed fee increases.

Applications are available online here. The application deadline is Friday, October 31, 2008. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit your application to the Sultan City Clerk�s Office, City of Sultan, PO BOX 1199, Sultan, or call 360.793.2231.

The Sultan Planning Board consists of five (5) members appointed by the City Council. Board members are expected to attend regular Planning Board meetings held at 7:00 P.M. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The Planning Board advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on all matters relating to the future physical development of the city with respect to land use and development zoning and subdivision regulations, and the city's Comprehensive Plan.

The Mayor will request Council confirmation of her appointment at the Council�s November 13, 2008 meeting. The appointment would be effective immediately. For further information, please contact Robert Martin, Community Development Director at 360-793-2231.

Following the presentation, Mayor Eslick and the City Council may consider setting a public hearing for October 23, 2008 and/or November 13, 2008 to take public input on a proposed police services contract.

The City Council discussed three police department business models; in-house chief, contract chief, and regional services contract at its budget workshop on September 4, 2008, noted Mayor Carolyn Eslick. There was enough interest in seeing how the regional model would pencil out in terms of cost and service delivery, the City Council requested the Sheriff's Office prepare a regional services contract for consideration, added Eslick.

The proposed regional contract would establish a precinct office in Sultan potentially increasing the overall police presence in Sultan and the Sky Valley. However, the regional model has the potential of lowering police levels of service in Sultan to a minimum of one officer on duty within the city limits. The benefit of the regional model is the total number of staff working out of the Sultan Police Department facilities would increase from 7.5 FTE to 23 FTE.

The Sultan City Council considered a contract with the Sheriff's Office in 2007 which would have replicated the City's in-house police department and current levels of service. The City currently contracts with the Sheriff's Office for police chief services. Snohomish County Sheriff Sergeant, Rick Hawkins has been acting as Sultan's Interim Police Chief since February 2008.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The City, Volunteers of America and other teen organizations are planning a Sultan Skate Park and Grand Opening Dedication in anticipation of the ramp installation. The dedication is planned for:

Saturday, October 11, 2008
4:00pm-7:00pm

Live Music will be provided by:
Connecticut Four
The Bismark
Happy Birthday
And more...

More information will follow as we get closer to the dedication. To learn more, contact Donna Murphy at 360-793-2231.

The project is necessary to close a gap in the sidewalk between the Timber Ridge development at 142nd Street SE and the recently relocated intersection at US 2. This project is part of the City's continuing effort to expand its pedestrian and non-motorized facilities.

The contractor has sent written notification of the road closure to City Departments, Fire District 5, Sultan School District and the US Postal Service.

Please contact City Engineer Jon Stack at 360-793-2231 if you have questions regarding this project.

The proposed 2008 revisions to the Comprehensive Plan are intended to address Growth Management Act (GMA) compliance issues identified by the Growth Management Hearings Board. A significant compliance issue identified by the Growth Management Hearings Board was the City's planning for capital facilities did not demonstrate how the City would pay for the water, sewer, roads and parks to needed to serve future growth.

"The City Council and Planning Board have worked hard over the last six months to address the compliance issues raised by the Growth Management Hearings Board", said Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "There are important revisions to the 2008 Plan that will affect the Sultan community. We encourage people to review the revisions and let us know their thoughts," added Eslick.

The revisions, for the most part, address how to plan, provide and pay for capital facilities including water, sewer, roads, parks and public facilities such as city hall and public works shop. Revisions to the City's development regulations are proposed to clarify when and how property owners will be expected to pay fair-share costs for extensions of planned water, sewer, stormwater, transportation and park systems.

Key changes to the plan include:

• Reducing transportation level-of-service from LOS B (fairly free flowing) to LOS D (stable flow with acceptable delay during peak travel hours).
• Increasing transportation impact fees paid by developers from $1,837 to $5,272 per peak hour trip. Developers may pass these costs on to home buyers in the form of higher home costs.
• Removing the proposed road connection between the Dyer and Skywall neighborhoods and keeping the planned sewer extensions.
• Requiring property owners served by septic systems to abandon their septic systems or pay a hook-up fee when sewer utilities extended past their properties.
• Reducing park level-of-service from 42.6 acres per 1,000 residents to acquiring a new community park.
• Decrease park impact fees from $3,415 to $3,175 per dwelling unit.
• Removing the condition of having 2.6 officers per 1,000 residents as a condition of development approval. The City will strive to provide quality public safety service and balance police expenditures with other city service needs.
• Reorganizing the Plan to enhance readability.
• Revising the 2004 Plan's estimate of 1,500 existing jobs in Sultan to 1,010. The 2025 employment estimate of 2,000 employees will not change.
• Revising the total area to be served by City infrastructure by 2025 from 2,557 acres which was inaccurate to 2,304 acres.
• Confirming the ability of the future city limits to accommodate 11,119 people in 2025. The city's current estimated population is 4,530.

Under the proposal, local fares would increase 25 cents per trip,commuter fares 50 cents and longer commuter fares (from north Snohomish County) 75 cents. In the commuter category senior fares will be kept to 50 percent of a regular adult fare.

The proposal would changes fares to:

• Local - Adults $1.50, youth $1, seniors 75 cents
• Dial-Ride Transportation (DART) paratransit - $1.50 all ages
• Commuter (south) - Adults $3.50, youth $2.75, seniors $1.75
• Commuter (north) - Adults $4.50, youth $3.75, seniors $2.25

North commuter routes are those that originate north of the Snohomish River and include Routes 421, 422, 424, 425 and 821.

Community Transit anticipated a fare increase in its new six-year plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors in January. Rising fuel costs make it necessary to implement now, according to CEO Joyce Eleanor. Community Transit has been using reserve funds to make up for unanticipated fuel costs, but that cannot continue indefinitely, she said.

"Just like most households, our fuel cost has risen dramatically in the last few months," Eleanor said. "As gas prices rise, the public is looking to us more and more for service, and this is the best option for us to be able to keep current service levels on the road."

The agency last raised local bus and DART fares in 2005 and commuter bus fares in 2000. Vanpool fares were last raised in 2001.

Community Transit has had record ridership three years in a row and the first half of 2008 is about 11 percent ahead of last year's pace. While ridership on Community Transit is up, fares generate less than one-fifth the cost of providing public transportation services.

To meet high demand, Community Transit put six new 40-foot buses on the road this spring. The agency is moving forward with a plan to add bus service to increase the frequency between the Lynnwood Transit Center and Everett Station to every 15 minutes. Other major projects that will benefit the public - Swift bus rapid transit, the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center parking garage and development of a new park & ride at Cedar Avenue and Grove Street in Marysville - are slated for 2009.

Public Meeting Schedule
Public comment on the fare change will be taken through July 31. Community Transit staff will be on hand to discuss and answer questions about the fare increase at the following locations and times:

• July 3, 3 p.m. Board of Directors Public Hearing
  7100 Hardeson Road, Everett
• July 15, 6-8 p.m. Public Meeting on Proposed Fare Change
  Marysville City Hall, 4822 Grove Street, Marysville
• July 16, 6:30 p.m. Citizens Advisory Committee meeting
  TBA, Lynnwood

Community Transit operates 33 local bus routes, 31 commuter routes and DART paratransit service throughout Snohomish County. It also offers carpool matching, one of the nation's largest vanpool programs and offers transit instruction to disabled and senior citizens. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.

The state Growth Management Act allows local jurisdictions to review and update their comprehensive plan text and maps no more than once each year. The annual review process allows property owners and others to request changes to a property's comprehensive plan and zoning designations. These changes could allow property owners to use their property for activities not currently permitted under its existing zoning designation. When a change is proposed to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map, any necessary zoning changes are completed during the same process. The annual review process is also the opportunity to make changes to the goals and policies that guide Sultan's future growth and development.

The City has one pending docketed application for a combined map and policy amendment submitted in 2005. The City Council will consider a "re-docket" of this application. Review and consideration of this item in 2007 was delayed pending available funding to support the technical analysis. The requested amendment is to designate all properties along US 2 from approximately Old Owen Road to Rice Road as Highway Oriented Development (HOD). Current zoning includes Highway Oriented Development, Economic Development.

Once this year's June 30th application window closes, the City Council will review submitted applications. All applications associated with a development proposal for a specific parcel of land are referred to the Planning Board, and are reviewed in the current year. For all other applications the City Council either "dockets" the application for review by the Planning Board or denies the application. The Council may also defer some applications for review in a subsequent year. The Planning Board reviews the applications, accepts public comment and makes a recommendation to the City Council. Amendments approved by the City Council are incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.

Contact Community Development Director, Robert Martin at 360-793-2231 for more information.

Applications can be downloaded here, Planning Board Application. The application deadline is Friday, June 13, 2008. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit your application to the Sultan City Clerk's Office, City of Sultan, PO BOX 1199, Sultan, or call 360.793.2231.

Open House Topics Include will include all proposed changes discussed since January of 2008:

• Reviewing current facilities inventory and base fiscal analysis.
• Reducing LOS (Level of Service) for Roads and Parks.
• Eliminating Police Level of Service from Comprehensive Plan.
• Adopting 1500 Gallons Per Minute as the minimum LOS for commercial fire protection.
• Managing private wells inside the city limits.
• Limiting city water service to properties located inside the city's Urban Growth Area.
• Providing adequate water supply to serve future growth and demand.
• Requiring connection to the city's sewer system and related financing when new sewer lines are extended.
• Building the city's storm water system for new development to accommodate a 25 year storm event.

The Open House will provide an opportunity to review the proposed changes to the City's Comprehensive Plan.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

"This event is the community's way of showing appreciation to Sultan's dedicated police officers for the outstanding work and service they provide," said Mayor Eslick.

The CAP will include a Sultan business owner, current land developer, resident at large, a public service agency member (e.g. Fire District, Library, School District, etc.), and Planning Board member. Council member Ron Wiediger was selected as Council liaison to the CAP.

Panel members will meet once or twice per month beginning in early June 2008 and continuing through November 2008. The panel may make budget recommendations to the Council in November during the Council's 2008 budget deliberations.

The Council subcommittee will review the applications and make recommendations to the City Council at its May 22, 2008 meeting. Panel members will be appointed at that meeting.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

Open House topics include:

• Adopting 1500 Gallons Per Minute as the minimum level of service for commercial fire protection.
• Managing private wells inside the city limits.
• Limiting city water service to properties located inside the city's Urban Growth Area.
• Providing adequate water supply to serve future growth and demand.
• Requiring connection to the city's sewer system and related financing when new sewer lines are extended.
• Building the city's storm water system for new development to accommodate a 25 year storm event.

The Comprehensive Plan is the city's vision for its future. The Comprehensive Plan outlines how the city will provide adequate facilities to serve an additional 6,589 people expected to live in Sultan by 2025. The city's current population is estimated at 4,530. The city has a number of important decisions to make about the Comprehensive Plan that will affect city residents and those living just outside the city limits. The City of Sultan encourages community members to be aware of upcoming changes to the Comprehensive Plan and proposed development regulations.

The Open House is one of several opportunities to review proposed changes to the city's Comprehensive Plan. The City Council and Planning Board will meet each Monday in May to review the goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan; alternatives for financing needed improvements to serve future growth; and changes to the City's development regulations to implement the Comprehensive Plan. There will be a workshop and open house on Monday, May 27 to review alternatives discussed by the City Council and Planning Board at their joint meetings in May. Changes to the 2004 Comprehensive Plan will be available for public comment in June 2008. Final adoption of proposed changes is scheduled for September 2008.

For more information about the proposed changes and updates to the Comprehensive Plan please contact the City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360.793.2231, or by visiting the City's Official Website.

At the last joint meeting on March 5, 2008, the Council and Planning Board reviewed levels of service for transportation, parks and police. A level of service standard for transportation means the amount of congestion or delay on city arterial streets. The current city standard is level of service "B" which means little or no delay and implies a street system with multiple lanes to accommodate traffic. The proposal is to change the level of service to "D" which means more congestion and a street system with fewer lanes to accommodate traffic. The City Council and Planning Board also discussed reducing levels of service for parks from 42.6 acres/1,000 residents to 1.5 acres/1000 residents for community and neighborhood parks and eliminating the level of service standard of 2.6 officers per 1,000 residents for police.

"The City has a number of important decisions to make over the next six months that will affect city residents and those living just outside the City limits," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick. "We encourage community members to be aware of proposals, such as allowing more traffic congestion during peak travel hours and reducing the number of planned parks over the next 17 years. These changes may affect the qualify of life for current and future Sultan residents. Now is the time to share your questions and concerns," added Eslick.

The Open House will provide one of several opportunities to review proposed changes to the City's comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the City's vision for its future. The City Council and Planning Board will hold a joint meeting to discuss changes to the City's water, sewer and stormwater services at 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 15, 2008. There is a second open house scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm to take public comment on preferred alternatives for water, sewer and stormwater.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or visit the City's web site at http://www.ci.sultan.wa.us/council/community_development/.

"It was a very difficult choice to make," stated Mayor Eslick. "All three candidates were well qualified. I am pleased that there is such a willingness to serve the Sultan community and I look forward to harnessing this energy to make Sultan a great place to live, work and play," added Eslick. Under the Sultan Municipal Code, the mayor has the authority to appoint Planning Board members and the City Council confirms the Mayor's appointment.

During his interview, Scott Zaffram explained that he is seeking to serve as a member of the City's Planning Board to assist in keeping the City a great place to raise a family. He believes the City needs a plan to efficiently add housing, jobs and maintain the City's school system. He recognizes that it is not an easy task to double the City's population and change from the current low-density land uses.

"I am impressed that the Sultan community is engaged in the debate about the City's future. Sultan has a lot of potential to maintain its existing small town feeling while accommodating future growth," noted Zaffram following his appointment by the City Council.

The Planning Board's primary responsibility is reviewing and monitoring the City's Comprehensive Plan. For the next six months, the Planning Board and City Council will hold joint meetings to adopt a comprehensive plan compliant with the Growth Management Act. There will a joint meeting on Wednesday, March 19 beginning at 7:00pm. Additional joint meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2008 and Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

The meeting on March 19, 2008 will focus on the inventory of existing public facilities, adopting levels of service for transportation and parks and evaluating the financing needed to pay for future growth. The City is planning to add approximately 6,600 people over the next 17 years.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or visit the City�s web site at www.ci.sultan.wa.us.

At the core of the issue is the question as to whether City of Sultan residents are willing to tax themselves to receive library services. "This ballot proposition will allow Sultan residents to voice their opinions regarding future access to library services," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick. If the annexation fails, library services would not be available to Sultan residents on January 1, 2009. Sno-Isle would close the Sultan library and City of Sultan residents would not be able to check out materials from Sultan or other Sno-Isle libraries such as Monroe, Snohomish or Lake Stevens.

Under the existing arrangement, the City owns the building that houses the library, but contracts for staff, materials and library services with the Library District by paying an annual fee out of the General Fund budget which is supported by property and sales tax revenues. In 2008, that fee is approximately $93,000. City residents pay no library taxes, but library users who live outside the City pay property taxes directly to the Library District. The Library District takes the City's annual fee and combines it with these property tax dollars to pay for operating the library.

The levy rate in 2007 for Sno-Isle residents is 35.3� per $1,000 assessed property value. The maximum levy rate set by the Legislature is 50� per $1,000, and can only be increased or decreased by a vote in the Legislature. A home assessed at $200,000 will pay $70.60 per year for access to library services.

During discussions of the short-fall in the General Fund budget, the City Council discussed annexing into the Sno-isle Library District as an alternative to reduce expenses in the General Fund. Fourteen Sno-Isle communities are annexed: Edmonds, Lynnwoood, Mukilteo, Mountlake Terrace, Marysville, Mill Creek, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, Brier, Arlington, Coupeville, Gold Bar, Granite Falls and Monroe.

If Sultan residents agreed to annex into the Library District, the City would discontinue the annual fee for service, and the same property tax levy now paid by residents in the unincorporated area would be added to the property tax bill of City property owners. Annexation allows cities and towns to join the Library District, rather than contract for services. Citizens are taxed directly for library services, in the same way citizens in unincorporated Snohomish County fund library services.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or visit the City's web site at www.ci.sultan.wa.us.

Public comment will be taken on the Planning Board's Recommendation to:

1. Delete the proposed roadway connection of Dyer Road and Skywall Drive as identified as roadway number 28 (T-28) on the transportation plan map.
2. Maintain the proposed sewer pipeline extension in both Dyer Road and Skywall Drive, including the proposed pump station (number 4) as shown on the Sewer Utility Map as required by the State Growth Management Act.

Residents of the Dyer and Skywall neighborhoods submitted the proposed amendment by petition in March 2006. The City Council added the proposed amendment to the Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket in November 2007.

More information about the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan is available by contacting City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360.793.2231.

Mayor Carolyn Eslick added the proposal as a discussion item at the City Council's Thursday, January 24 Council meeting. The Mayor briefed the Council that the police department needs to have all available officers on the street. "Having the Sheriff's Office provide a temporary interim police chief at little or no cost to the City will improve police services to the Sultan community and enhance officer safety," noted the Mayor during the discussion.

Under the proposal, the Sheriff's Office would provide a temporary interim police chief for up to 3 months. The three month agreement will allow the City's preferred police chief candidate, Charles (Charlie) Dennis to complete the necessary pre- and post employment testing and begin working for the City. The City expects Mr. Dennis to start in March.

During the discussion, the City Council asked a number of questions regarding whether the Sheriff's Office could deliver its services for free as offered to the City. City Administrator Deborah Knight explained that if the City wanted the Sheriff's officer to wear a Sultan uniform there would be a cost of approximately $250 to $350 to outfit the officer. The City could eliminate the vehicle cost by assigning the Sheriff's officer a Sultan police vehicle.

A copy of the draft Agreement will be made available to the City Council and the public as soon as possible prior to the continued meeting on Friday, February 1, 2008.

For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231.

The ballot question: "Shall the City of Sultan be annexed to and be part of the Sno-Isle Rural Library District?" will be placed on the March 11, 2008 election ballot. If the annexation fails, library services would not be available to Sultan residents on January 1, 2009. Sno-Isle would close the Sultan library and City of Sultan residents would not be able to check out materials from Sultan or other Sno-Isle libraries such as Monroe and Snohomish. "This ballot proposition will allow Sultan residents to voice their opinions regarding this crucial issue," said Mayor Carolyn Eslick.

Under the existing arrangement, the City owns the building that houses the library, but contracts for staff, materials and library services with the Sno-Isle Library District by paying an annual fee out of the General Fund budget which is supported by property and sales tax revenues. In 2008, that fee is approximately $90,000. City residents pay no library taxes, but library users who live outside the City pay property taxes directly to the Library District. The Library District takes the City's annual fee and combines it with these property tax dollars to pay for operating the library. The Sultan Library's budget is approximately $500,000.

During discussions of the short-fall in the General Fund budget, the City Council discussed annexing into the Sno-isle Library District as an alternative to reduce expenses in the General Fund. Fourteen Sno-Isle communities are annexed: Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Mountlake Terrace, Marysville, Mill Creek, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, Brier, Arlington, Coupeville, Gold Bar, Granite Falls and Monroe.

If Sultan residents agreed to annex into the Library District, the City would discontinue the annual fee for service, and the same property tax levy now paid by residents in the unincorporated area would be added to the property tax bill of City property owners. Annexation allows cities and towns to join the Library District, rather than contract for services. Citizens are taxed directly for library services, in the same way citizens in unincorporated Snohomish County fund library services.

Volunteers are needed to share information about the Annexation ballot measure with other Sultan residents. For more information contact City Administrator, Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or visit the City's web site.

In partnership with the Sultan School District and business community the grant will also fund a community video system. The system will be used to monitor city facilities and public places.

"These resources will help the Sultan Police Department replace out-of-date equipment and purchase the latest technology to support their work fighting crime and protecting the community," said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, who helped secure the $117,500 in federal funding for Sultan through the COPS Grant Program.

Other Federal Funding that the City has received paid for the traffic signals at Old Owen Road, 5th Street, and Sultan Basin Road Realignment and signal. Former Mayor Ben Tolson commented that he genuinely appreciates how Congressman Larsen has always gone above and beyond in his efforts to assist the City of Sultan over the last 4 years.

It will take place in the Sultan Middle School Commons from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The public is invited to come and speak with each of the candidates. Questionnaires will be available for citizens to complete and write in comments that will be reviewed by the Civil Service Commission. "This is a great opportunity to involve the community in this important decision making process" said Cindy Broughton, Chairperson of the Sultan Civil Service Commission.

For more information about this press release contact the Sultan Civil Service Interim Secretary, Donna Murphy at 425.346.7077 or email donna.murphy888@yahoo.com

The City is adding a lot more information to its web site, including an Economic Development page and information for visitors and tourists. Scenic photos of Sultan are needed for the site. The Sultan Economic Development Board was contacted and asked to partner with the City in search of photos that will highlight the true beauty of Sultan and the surrounding area. "This is part of the City Council's Strategic Plan to attract new business and retain existing businesses in the Sultan community." Said Carolyn Eslick, Sultan's Mayor Elect.

The contest is open to everyone in Sky Valley starting with a $100 cash prize of "Sultan Bucks" to the top 4 winners. The winning photos will be offered to the City of Sultan for consideration to use on the City's web site.

The deadline to submit photos is January 17, 2008 at various businesses in Sultan.

For more information about the Photo Contest contact Bart Dalmasso at 360.799.1222 or email bart@allre-inc.com

For additional information about this Press Release contact Donna Murphy at the City of Sultan, 360.793.2231 or Email donna.murphy@ci.sultan.wa.us

The day before "Officer Ed's" visit, Mr. Rudd had his students write 3 questions to ask about law enforcement. "Before the end of the day, it was going around the FBI or CIA was coming." Rudd commented. "Ed and I work out together at the gym and we thought it would be a great idea to bring the two groups together and dissolve some of the myths, or take them head on and talk." The intent was to answer questions the kids have about law enforcement and get to know each other one-on-one.

"The strongest message taken away by everyone was that there are preconceptions on both sides." Said Pereira. "I personally learned these kids are great kids; fun to be around, personable, funny and need to be appreciated more by everyone." Both Pereira and Rudd agree this will be an annual event at Sultan High School.

Linda Harvey, a community organizer and emergency management coordinator will be on hand to tell her personal experience in organizing dozens of neighborhood block watch programs throughout Snohomish County. Linda will help participants form Block Watch groups for their neighborhoods at the meeting. Refreshments will be served.

"If we are going to be successful in combating local crime, we must become pro-active," noted Gold Bar Mayor Crystal Hill. "With our budget restraints, police are relying on public assistance more than ever. Our resistance to getting involved is costing tax payers tens of thousands of dollars each year in stolen and damaged property," added Sultan Mayor-Elect Carolyn Eslick.

Block Watch is a free community program that was introduced in Seattle in 1973 and is based on a simple philosophy, "neighbors helping neighbors." It's designed for business owners and anyone living in a house, apartment, condominium, townhouse complex or mobile home, and was specifically developed to help reduce break-ins to homes and vehicles. Block Watch provides the opportunity to get involved in a police-based program that helps reduce neighborhood crime.

For more information about community block watch contact Sultan Police Chief Larry Marshall at 360-793-2231 or Gold Bar Police Chief Barry Ruchty 360-793-1101.

The City of Sultan is preparing to adopt a combined $10.5 million dollar budget based on a set of themes adopted by the City Council at its budget retreat in June. Key expenditures for the 2008 budget consist of a $1.85 million General Fund budget, $2.8 Enterprise Fund budget (water, sewer, garbage, cemetery and storm water), and $3.4 million capital budget. Investments in the Sultan community include:

• Funding to retain existing businesses and attract new businesses to the community
• Maintaining the City's police force
• Continued animal control services
• Continued maintenance of the City's parks, streets and rights-of-way
• Water and sewer services including continued investment in upgrading the City's waste water treatment plant to handle future development in Sultan through the year 2025,
• Garbage collection services for residential and commercial customers
• Burial and perpetual care services at the Sultan Cemetery
• Roadway improvements at 6th Street, 2nd Street, and Sultan Basin Road
• Skate park construction and park land acquisition
• Adopting policies and procedures to improve the City's long-term financial stability
• Leveraging regional partnerships with Snohomish County and other Sky Valley cities

City officials have reduced expected revenues by $250,000 in the General Fund budget from $2.21 million in 2007 to $1.96 million in 2008. Only 29% ($572,538) of the City's General Fund budget comes from property taxes. By law, the City can only raise property taxes by 1% each year ($6,314 in 2008) without voter approval. 27% of revenues are generated from utility taxes, 13% ($250,000) of the budget is generated by sales taxes, and only 4% of this year's revenues are based on fees paid by developers.

The City expects to receive between 31 and 35 single-family residential building permits. The decrease in new construction results in lower estimated building and zoning fees that would be produced by new development as well as lower estimated property taxes revenues.

In order to balance the General Fund budget, the Council has reduced expenditures by $150,000 from $2.0 million in 2007 to $1.85 million in 2008. Over half (57%) of the City's budget is earmarked for police services. Planning and Community Development make up 16% of the budget, and the City's contract with the Sno-Isle Library is 6% of the City's budget.

The City Council has taken a number of actions to ensure the long-term financial viability of the City including approval of a ballot measure in March 2008 to annex into the Sno-Isle Library District saving the City $92,000 per year in contract fees, if voters approve the measure. The City Council is also considering a proposal to transfer $71,000 in annual interest income earned by the LID-97 Bond Fund, Impact Fee and other Funds to the General Fund to ensure the City's parks and streets will receive adequate on-going maintenance.

In order to balance the street and capital budgets, the council approved a $4.70 increase in the monthly sewer rate for existing customers effective December 1, 2007. A proposed storm water utility fee of $12.35 per month on each residential property within the City will help maintain and improve the City's storm water systems and prepare for state mandated programs to ensure clean water. If the utility is approved by the City Council, residents should see the fee increases in early 2008.

Contact Laura Koenig, City Clerk at 360-793-2231 or laura.koenig@ci.sultan.wa.us for more information on the 2008 budget meetings on November 15 and December 13 and access to budget materials.

Officer Gillespie's investigation soon revealed a backpack full of mail stolen from the area of the original call as well as a stolen Bank Card. One suspect admitted to stealing the mail after an acquaintance promised to pay them for "interesting mail. Both suspects were booked into the Snohomish County Jail and the stolen mail was returned to its owners unopened.

"Mailboxing" is the practice of stealing mail from random victims in hopes of discovering information useful to commit Identity Theft. This would include credit/debit cards, bank statements, checks, and investment account statements.

Stealing mail ranked fifth among the most common methods for perpetrating identity fraud in a 2005 study by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research. The most widespread methods involve a thief stealing a wallet or checkbook. Awareness is the most effective weapon against many forms identity theft. Be aware of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from identity theft:

• Consider purchasing a locking mailbox. In any event, never leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox; take it to a collection box or post office instead.
• Promptly remove delivered mail. If you plan to be away, call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold.
• Invest in a shredder, preferably one that "cross cuts" (slices in two directions), and destroy all sensitive information - charge receipts, insurance forms, physician bills, bank and credit card statements, checks, credit offers. Also destroy all junk mail and paperwork that include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address or signature. A comprehensive list of items to shred can be found online.
• If your shredder can't handle plastic, cut up expired credit and ID cards with a scissors before discarding them.
• Remove your name from mailing lists for "pre-approved" credit cards. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or make a request online at https://www.optoutprescreen.com.
• Contact the Direct Marketing Association, a trade group of telephone and mail marketers, to remove your name from national contact lists. Write to Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008 or make a request online at http://www.dmaconsumers.org. There's a $5 fee for making your request online, but no charge for registering by mail.

To learn more about identity theft go to The Washington Office of the Attorney General's website.