Feb 6, 2019 | Vol. 14 | No. 6
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 Shop Local and Support MIYFS
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Click to learn more about
these local businesses
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On
Wednesday, February 13, these business will donate 20 percent of their proceeds to support the programs and services of MIYFS. This includes Family and Emergency Assistance (including a local Food Pantry), Mental Health Counselors in each of the six public schools, Senior Services, Youth Development Programs, Diversion and Early Intervention, and Counseling Services for individuals of all ages.
Ginny Pietila, owner of
Mercer Island Athletic Club has been a local business partner since 2016. "With all of the help they give and the services they provide, you can't even compare it," Pietila said. "It's truly amazing, and not all communities have this treasure." She added that MIYFS is a personal cause for her as she lives on Mercer Island and raised her kids here in this community. She also holds a food drive every fall and is eager to do more to assist MIYFS.
Be inspired and
Shop Local!
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Recent Snowstorm Update
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Gallagher Hill was closed for safety on Monday.
Click for snowplow and deicer route maps
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As all residents are aware, a snowstorm that began overnight on Sunday dropped a significant amount of snow on Mercer Island and across the region, ranging from approximately 5 to 10 inches here.
This event was far larger than any forecast had predicted and has led to three days of intensive clean-up, made all the more difficult by the unusually cold temperatures, both day and night. Thankfully, only a few blowdowns and power outages were reported locally.
Multiple blockages and spinouts occurred on regional highways Monday morning, before snowfall abated by midday. City crews have been out continuously ever since, initially working on plowing, then transitioning to spreading sand and salt to help melt persistent trouble-spots and soften the compacted surface.
Steep, shady residential hills are very difficult to treat, especially if they have been driven on, and truck operators must constantly evaluate accessibility and risk when conducting field work.
The City closed early on Monday, and canceled a number of events on Tuesday and Wednesday, as did many other institutions, including UW-Seattle, Bellevue College, and the MI School District.
Late this afternoon, the sunny conditions really helped the snow melter do its job and crews are pleased with progress on the arterials and hills.
The best way for residents to submit a service request for sand/deicer is via our online portal MI-Connect, or the related smartphone app.
Meanwhile, many residents don't realize that they live on a private road, and are unaware that the City doesn't plow (or maintain) those. View the map of private roadways here.
After a warm day tomorrow, the forecast turns wintry again, and there is a good chance of another significant snowstorm this Friday night, February 8. The City is prepping for the next storm cycle and has received another 50 cubic yards of sand and 15 cubic yards of salt to build up the stockpile. Thank you for your patience!
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Aubrey Davis Park Master Plan: Open House Postponed
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Click to visit the online open house
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The City's Parks and Recreation Department is leading a master planning process in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to establish a shared community vision for the future of Aubrey Davis Park.
Due to ongoing icy road conditions, staff have decided to postpone the in-person Open House scheduled for tomorrow night (Feb 7) at the Community Center. The event will now be held on February 28, from 6:00-8:00pm.
In the meantime, an online Open House will be taking place from Thursday, February 7 to March 8. Join us from the comfort of your home to take an interactive survey, learn more about opportunities for this park and give us your feedback.
We look forward to seeing you in-person on February 28! |
Reducing Woodsmoke Pollution
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Click for more information about
wood burning rules
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The recent very cold weather has encouraged some residents to make more use of fireplaces in their home. The City does not enforce air quality issues, but does remind all residents that there are legal responsibilities under State law for all users of wood stoves and outdoor fireplaces.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency enforces air quality, orders County-wide burn bans, and issues Notices of Violation to property owners (which can reach a maximum of $1,000).
The Agency offers the following tips for wood stove users to help maximize energy output and minimize pollution:
- Burn only manufactured logs or dry, seasoned wood
- Watch your chimney smoke (do not exceed 20% opacity)
- Observe burn bans or you can be fined
- Don't buy, sell, exchange or give-away uncertified stoves - it's illegal
For additional information on air quality and an extensive FAQ, visit the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
website.
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