On Monday, August 5, the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) was alerted to a cougar prowling overnight in the vicinity of Pioneer Park, and it was observed clearly on security camera footage at approximately 6400 East Mercer Way before dawn (see photo). 

Since that time, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and MIPD have received a handful of calls about additional cougar sightings. The latest sighting occurred at 11:00pm on Monday, August 12 in the 7600 block of West Mercer Way on south end of the Island.

The City encourages the public to immediately notify WDFW officer Sergeant Kim Chandler (425-775-1311 ext. 122) or MIPD (425-577-5656) if the cougar is seen.

Learn more about cougars in Washington from WDFW.

After meeting with City representatives and Ellis Pond residents, Crown Castle recently notified the City that it is withdrawing its application for a proposed small cell antenna (cell tower) next to Ellis Pond. A few weeks ago, City staff convened the meeting to review feedback on the proposed small cell location.

Attendees walked the Ellis Pond area and identified several alternative locations that would have less impact on the neighborhood and would still meet the technical requirements of Crown Castle and Verizon.

  

An existing telephone pole at the intersection of SE 47th Street & 91st Avenue SE (south of the proposed location) was identified and found to meet Crown Castle's technical specifications. Company representatives have notified the City that they will be submitting a new application to replace the existing pole and install small cell equipment at this location. The City is pleased with the outcome and appreciates the active participation of the Ellis Pond neighborhood.

  

For more information, visit the City's project page.

In May 2019, applications for the installation of 46 small cell antennas were submitted to the City of Mercer Island on behalf of Verizon. 

The City recently completed a much-needed upgrade to aging water system components in the vicinity of SE 22nd Street and 77th Avenue SE.  Capital projects such as these are critical to maintaining underground infrastructure and are often coordinated with other public or private construction projects in order to minimize neighborhood disruption and maximize efficiency.

 

In this instance, the timing of the construction phase was delayed a year in order to occur slightly ahead of King County's upcoming sewer main project, which overlaps the same location. The project was completed by Rino Construction on time, on schedule, and within budget.

 

In addition to the water system renewal, the project also delivered storm drainage improvements and street paving, including the following elements:

 Learn more about the City's Capital Improvement Program.

The City encourages drivers to make sure their vehicles aren't leaking: if you see an oil sheen on the asphalt, or perhaps some other liquid collect where vehicles park, you may have a problem.

Drivers interested in improving the safety and reliability of their cars are invited to learn more through the Don't Drip and Drive website.  You can understand where different leaks come from, identify what the fluid is, and then find a reputable repair shop to fix it. Or you can even sign up for an educational workshop yourself: view upcoming dates.

 

Leaks will shorten the lifespan of your car. And even a small leak can have a huge environmental impact since the fluids can travel so far, maybe even reaching a stream or Lake Washington, then Puget Sound. For example: oil doesn't dissolve in water and persists for a long time; it's also toxic to people, wildlife and plants. 

 

Learn more about protecting the health of local water bodies from our partners at the Puget Sound Starts Here program and watch our 30-second  humorous auto leaks video  today.

The City's Parks and Recreation Department (MIPR) announces the release of its Fall 2019/Winter 2020 Recreation Guide, arriving in mailboxes this week. With the curtailment of many other MIPR mailings, the City was once again able to mail the guide to every Island household in order to reach as many new patrons as possible. As usual, the guide will also be available electronically from the City's website here.

Online registration for all fall and winter courses begins on August 16, and is available by phone or in-person beginning August 19.  Please call the Community and Event center at (206) 275-7609 for more information.