Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on Election Day next week, the completion of the Chain Lake Road Pathway, how to stay in the loop on City projects, the Great Junk Hunt coming to Monroe today, Kaci's Big Food and Toy Drive tomorrow, a fundraiser to support businesses impacted by the Bolt Creek Fire, the opportunity to volunteer at a cold weather shelter, and a summary of the November 1 City Council meeting.



Please contact me with any and all feedback regarding the articles below. I can be reached at GThomas@MonroeWA.gov.

Yours in Service,

ELECTION DAY ON TUESDAY

I would like to remind everyone that Election Day is next Tuesday, November 8. Ballots can be dropped off in a drop box (there is one located at the Monroe Library on Village Way) or mailed. No postage is necessary to mail your ballot. We want your voting experience to be easy and convenient. For more information on voting in Snohomish County, click here.

CHAIN LAKE ROAD PATHWAY COMPLETED

Last week, Representatives Carolyn Eslick, Mike Steele, and Keith Goehner, City Councilmembers, and County Councilmember Sam Low joined me, staff, and residents in a ribbon cutting for the recently completed Chain Lake Road pathway. The pathway provides a safe connection for residents in new neighborhoods to walk, run, bike, or skate to commercial areas, including North Kelsey and Downtown Monroe. The pathway was completed with federal funding made available through the Puget Sound Regional Council. Construction began on July 12, 2021 and was completed on August 2, 2022.

Thank you to the Puget Sound Regional Council, our State Representatives, City Councilmembers, and City staff for the work each of you did in supporting and completing this project!

STAYING IN THE LOOP ON CITY PROJECTS

Ever drive by one of those yellow “Notice of Proposed Land Use” signs around town and wonder what they even mean? Sometimes staying in the loop with what’s going on around Monroe can be tricky, but the Community Development Department is hoping to make it a little easier for you with their Projects page. There you can find the latest news on land use applications, including details on public hearings, decisions, and application documents.

Those yellow signs are just one of the many ways we share public notices of application or public hearings. You can find them posted at City Hall and the Library, and postcards are mailed out to property owners within 500 feet of the proposed project. It’s important that those potentially affected by a project have the opportunity to engage in the decision-making process. Regardless if you’re within 500 feet of a project, the Community Development webpage is a great way to stay in the know when it comes to planned development in Monroe.

THE GREAT JUNK HUNT COMING TO MONROE TODAY

Have you heard of the The Great Junk Hunt? Happening today and tomorrow at the Evergreen State Fair Park, the event is full of vintage inspired and home decor vendors. Tickets are sold exclusively on their website. This is the largest traveling flea market, voted #1 for the best to attend in the US, and it's here in Monroe, so you won't want to miss out!

KACI'S BIG FOOD AND TOY DRIVE TOMORROW

Each fall, Big Heart Big Smile Foundation rallies our community to help support local families in need. As the holiday season approaches for many families, they want to help make sure everyone in our community can celebrate with nutritious meals and holiday gifts for their children.

Their annual Kaci’s BIG Food and Toy Drive is tomorrow, November 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m at the Galaxy Theatre Parking Lot, One Galaxy Way, Monroe. All food donations benefit the Sky Valley Food Bank and all toy donations benefit Kaci’s Big Toy Giveaway taking place December 17. They will continue to accept toy donations until December 14. Toy drop-off locations will be announced soon.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE FIRE

Join Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) and their Chamber of Commerce partners for a fundraising event at the Angel of the Winds Arena Lounge, with proceeds benefiting the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce and businesses impacted by the Bolt Creek Fire.

The event will be held on next Thursday, November 10, from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Event tickets are $65 for general admission, $50 for EASC members, and include hors d'oeuvres and entry to win raffle prizes donated by local partners. This event is open to all ages and will have a cash bar for those aged 21 and over. Tickets are on sale now through November 9 and can be purchased here. For more information on sponsoring this event or donating to businesses impacted by the Bolt Creek Fire, please contact BrianD@EconomicAllianceSC.org.

VOLUNTEER AT A COLD WEATHER SHELTER

The Monroe Cold Weather Shelter is in need of volunteers. Managed by Volunteers of America Western Washington, the Monroe Cold Weather Shelter is located at New Hope Fellowship Church, 1012 W. Main Street. Open between November 1 and March 15 when the temperature falls below 34 degrees, the shelter provides our unhoused neighbors with a warm, safe place to sleep. Interested in serving the community this winter? Sign up at the VOAWW's Volunteer page.

NOVEMBER 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

The City Council met in a Study Session and Business Meeting on Tuesday, November 1. The following items were discussed and acted upon during the meeting:

Announcements/Presentations:

• Nicole Thomsen, Interim Public & Government Affairs Manager for Snohomish Health District, provided a presentation to review the various services they offer including Environmental Health, Prevention Services, Customer Services, and Administration including the Board of Health and advisory committees. Ms. Thomsen also said that the Health District will be converting to a Snohomish County department at the beginning of 2023.

Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of 10/25/2022.
• AP/ACH through 11/1/2022.

Staff Reports: 

• Community Development

New Business:

• Confirmed my appointment of Kimberley Lynn Howerton to the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB).
• Confirmed my appointment of Heather Fulcher as Chair and Gina Casagrande, Connie Goss, and Anita Galvan (re-appointment) to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC).

Mayor/Administrative Reports:

• City Administrator Deborah Knight:
• Reminded Council of the November 8 Monroe Chamber of Commerce meeting and the Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce Mega Mixer on November 17.
• Congratulated Victoria Forte for passing the ICC Commercial Building Inspector Certification and John Lande for being certified as a Water Distribution Manager III.
• Announced that Kim Shaw retired on October 31 after 30 years with the City.

• I reported on recent meetings and events I have attended, including:
• Interviews for boards and commission applicants and with candidates for a communications consultant.
• A community tour with our branding consultant.
• The employee Chili cook-off and Halloween costume event.
• I issued a proclamation for Police and Fire Appreciation Week (November 13-20) and will be laying a wreath at the memorial at Lake Tye on Friday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
• I thanked Management Analyst Rich Huebner for his work for the City and wished him luck in his move to the City of Moses Lake.

The November 8 City Council meeting has been CANCELLED. The City Council will next meet in a Business Meeting on Tuesday, November 15. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person at City Hall and remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the November 15 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.