City of Tukwila E-Hazelnut Newsletter for October 2017

City of Tukwila E-Hazelnut Newsletter

October 2017

Quick Links

City of Tukwila Website

City Employment Opportunities

Fall 2017 Activities Guide

TukTV

Tukwila Elected Officials

Mayor: Allan Ekberg

City Council:

Dennis Robertson (Council President)

Joe Duffie

Verna Seal

Kathy Hougardy
De'Sean Quinn

Kate Kruller

Thomas McLeod

Council identifies preferred locations for public safety buildings

At the October 16, 2017 City Council meeting, the Public Safety Plan Siting Advisory Committee provided an update to the siting process and gave a presentation of their recommendations to Council (see video below). During the update, the potential locations for three fires stations, a new Justice Center and a consolidated shops facility were all shown.

The City will discuss, and may take final action on, the proposed purchase of the property for these facilities at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 7:00pm. The public is welcome to attend.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

New plan allows for easier, less expensive way to pay traffic fines

As of October 1, 2017, individuals with traffic-related fines in multiple jurisdictions in King County have an easier and less expensive way to pay court-mandated fines from multiple courts through the new Unified Payment (UP) Program. This new program also lifts the hold on a person's driver's license before the fines are completely paid off.

In 2016, 66,000 people in King County had court fines that could lead to automatic suspension of their driver's license. The average fine obligation for these individuals was $315. Many of these individuals have multiple fines in multiple courts, which required two or more separate payment plans for each court, often through a collection agency charging both interest and collection fees.

The program is a collaboration between the district and municipal courts in King County. The UP Program allows people with fines in multiple jurisdictions in King County the ability to pay off their obligations without going to a collection agency. Because the program only charges a flat fee of $7.00 per month, individuals save costs that would have been accrued through a collection agency, which assesses collection fees and compounding interest as high as 19%. Monthly payments as low as $25 are accepted and the agency will work with court customers to determine an appropriate amount on an individual basis.

Participating courts include King County District Court and the municipal courts of Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, Shoreline, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Tukwila, Woodinville, and Yarrow Point. Each of these courts operate their own relicensing programs that allow individuals with fines in their court to participate in similar payment programs and/or payment alternatives.

Donate now to the 2017 Spirit of Giving Program

Each year as the holiday season approaches, the City of Tukwila prepares for the annual Spirit of Giving Campaign for Tukwila families. Organized by the Parks and Recreation Department, this effort helps make the holiday season a time of celebration for local families and children in low-income and troubled situations. Recipients in the program are typically homeless children and families who reside in Tukwila that are recommended by Tukwila School District employees or Tukwila's Human Services Department. Families selected for this program are invited to a special holiday event where they are given the opportunity to 'shop the store' (stocked with donated items) and select special holiday gifts for their children.

Last year this program alone helped serve over 300 children. Our goal this year is to once again serve all the district's displaced families, which includes more than 300 children. Collectively, we can bring holiday cheer to many Tukwila families this holiday season. Will you help us reach our goal? Below are ways to participate, though this does not limit other creative ideas you might have!

Unwrapped Holiday Gifts:

Donate new, unwrapped gifts for children or teens to our giving store. Families are in need of blankets, gloves, mittens, and warm hats in various sizes. We will provide you with a list of our most requested items to help you with your shopping efforts!

Donate Cash or Cards:

Too busy to shop? We'll do it for you! Make a donation or purchase store gift cards and leave the shopping to us. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave South, Tukwila WA 98168 or by donating online.

Volunteer:

We have many opportunities for volunteers (individuals and groups) to get involved in this program. Volunteers can help with pre-event activities, day of, and clean up.

No matter how you and your business/organization choose to participate please be assured that your efforts will make a difference in the life of a local child.

If you would like to discuss this program further, please contact Shannon Fisher at 206-768-2822 or via email at [email protected]. Together we can make a difference!

City of Tukwila | 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila WA 98188 | 206 433-1800